Early Magna Settlements Marker

Erected in 1992 by the Sons of the Utah Pioneers organization, this monument was built to commemorate the first communities established on the west side of Salt Lake Valley and the first major industry of Utah. It’s exact location is at 40° 40.939′ N, 112° 5.493′ W. near the postal address: 4100 S 8400 West in Magna. You can see it on your left as you are traveling South on 8400 West.

This monument also sits next to the Relief Society Granary marker, placed by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers organization in 1966.

Empress Theatre

After being closed more than 50 years, the Empress Theatre has once again opened its doors providing family friendly live theater! See the Empress Theatre’s website for showtimes and for more information.

The Empress Theatre opened in 1916 originally as a Burlesque show for the local miners at Kennecott. In 1917 it began showing silent movies. The theater remained open as a movie theater through at least 1930.

Stephen Barker, a historian-writer, purchased the Empress Theatre and Gem Theatre, and in 1978 began renovating them as part of a Magna City restoration project. Barker hoped to reopen the Empress Theatre for live performances and art films in January or February 1979, but apparently his plans never came to fruition.

In 2006 the Oquirrh Hills Performing Arts Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing culture and education to the Magna community and surrounding areas, leased the Empress Theatre building and continues renovation of the historic structure.

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The Great Saltair

Located in Magna, The Great Saltair sits on the shore of the Great Salt Lake. The Great Salt Lake has been a popular recreation site since the earliest days of Utah settlement, and a number of resorts have been built on its shores since the first two were constructed in 1870. The most popular and the best-remembered resort was the early Saltair. An important cultural symbol, it is deeply embedded in Utah’s history and has long interested artists, essayists, folklorists, and historians.

In 2005 several investors from the music industry pooled together to purchase Saltair and are now holding regular concerts there. Bands like Dave Matthews Band, The Black Crowes, Evanescence, Panic at the Disco and other notable hip-hop music and rock music acts have all performed there.

Saltair’s ownership welcomes all types of events from concerts, comedy, private functions, trade shows, wedding receptions, sporting events, car shows, etc. The venue is also available for rent.

Great Saltair Official Website

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Feature photo by Zach Copley. Some rights reserved.