LDS Historic Sites
Discover the spiritual heritage of upstate New York with a visit to the LDS historic sites near Rochester. From the peaceful Sacred Grove in Palmyra to the Hill Cumorah, Grandin Print Shop, and the Whitmer Farm in Fayette, these storied landmarks offer a powerful journey through the origins of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Woodcliff Hotel & Spa is the ideal home base for exploring these inspiring sites in a setting as serene as the experience itself.
HILL CUMORAH
Just 40 minutes from Woodcliff, Hill Cumorah is one of the most sacred locations in the LDS faith. It is the site where Joseph Smith received the gold plates from the angel Moroni. A beautiful monument, visitors’ center, and peaceful hiking paths make it a powerful stop for reflection and learning.
- Location: 603 State Route 21, Palmyra, NY
- Significance: The site where Joseph Smith met with the angel Moroni and obtained the gold plates, leading to the translation of the Book of Mormon.
- Features: Visitors’ center with interactive exhibits, guided tours, and the Angel Moroni Monument.
- Distance from Woodcliff: Approximately 25 miles (40 minutes by car)
SACRED GROVE & SMITH FAMILY FARM
This grove of trees is where Joseph Smith experienced the First Vision. Walk through the same paths and explore the restored homes of the Smith family, located just minutes away from other Palmyra historic sites. A must-visit for youth conferences and family groups.
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- Location: 843 Stafford Road, Palmyra, NY
- Significance: The Sacred Grove is where Joseph Smith experienced the First Vision in 1820. The adjacent Smith Family Farm includes restored homes where the Smith family lived.
- Features: Self-guided tours through the grove, guided tours of the log and frame homes, and a visitors’ center.
- Distance from Woodcliff: Approximately 25 miles (40 minutes by car)
BOOK OF MORMON HISTORIC PUBLICATION SITE (E.B. GRANDIN BUILDING)
Step into the historic Grandin Building where the first edition of the Book of Mormon was printed in 1830. This beautifully restored site offers interactive exhibits and tours that bring Church history to life. Perfect for faith-based learning experiences.
- Location: 217 East Main Street, Palmyra, NY
- Significance: The location where the first copies of the Book of Mormon were printed and bound in 1829-1830.
- Features: Restored printing press, guided tours, and exhibits detailing the publication process.
- Distance from Woodcliff: Approximately 25 miles (40 minutes by car)
PALMYRA NEW YORK TEMPLE
Located just a short drive from the Sacred Grove, the Palmyra Temple is a place of reverence and beauty. While the temple itself is open only to recommend-holding members, the grounds are open for all to enjoy and photograph—especially during sunset.
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- Location: 2720 Temple Road, Palmyra, NY
- Significance: The first temple built in New York, dedicated in 2000, located near the Sacred Grove.
- Features: While access is limited to church members with a temple recommend, the temple grounds are open to the public for viewing and reflection.
- Distance from Woodcliff: Approximately 25 miles (40 minutes by car)
PETER WHITMER FARM
An hour’s drive from Woodcliff brings you to Fayette, where the Church was formally organized in 1830. Explore a reconstructed log cabin and learn about the early days of the Restoration. Ideal for day trips or as part of a youth tour.
- Location: 1451 Peter Whitmer Road, Fayette, NY
- Significance: The site where the Church of Christ (now The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) was formally organized on April 6, 1830.
- Features: Replica of the original log home, visitors’ center, and exhibits about the early church.
- Distance from Woodcliff: Approximately 45 miles (1 hour by car)
