If you've ever wanted to travel the same trails that Utah's pioneers walked, this expert-led tour is one you don't want to miss. Ride across the plains of the Midwest as professional storytellers Glenn Lawson and Dennis Lyman tell you detailed histories of the saints as they travel across the country.
Mormon Pioneer Trail tours are completely focused on Latter-day Saint pioneer history, and our guides have a wealth of knowledge on the subject.
Lawson has spent 15 years steeped in pioneer history. He has produced church history documentaries, written three (almost four) books, hosted a podcast about pioneer stories for three years, and has produced between 500 and 600 fully produced videos about pioneers. I created it.
He also knows a lot about the people who have traveled this route and died along the way. Every mile you will find at least one of his pioneers buried. And he tells us about all the pioneers.
But don't worry. This is not a history lecture. It is intended as an enlightening and spiritual lecture.
Some of the sites displayed
The first tour travels by bus from Salt Lake City to Nauvoo, stopping at all major sites and landmarks along the trail until reaching Nauvoo. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel with two women who know everything about the history of this trail.
Below is a snapshot of the main sites visited on the tour.
- Journey along the Mormon Trail
- Fort Laramie National Historic Site
- scottsbluff national monument
- Chimney Rock National Monument
- Tour the Mormon Trail Center in Winter Quarters
- mark twain riverboat cruise
- historic liberty prison
When it comes to digging into the history of the early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lawson and Lyman are the go-to. You may have seen programs such as “History of the Saints” and “Joseph Smith Papers” on KSL-TV and his BYU-TV. They aim to bring the story of the early church to life for audiences around the world.
They are also very good teachers and speakers. The two have shared stories and insights over the years, both on the air and at events such as BYU Education Week. Their passion for storytelling makes history real and relatable.
A Pioneer Trail tour is your chance to learn about settler history in an intimate setting. They invite you, standing in the ruts of the trail, to join them, both literally and figuratively, as they entertain you with stories of the people, places, and events that made that part of history sacred. .
What's included
Both the East Bound Mormon Trail Tour and the West Bound Mormon Trail Tour cost $2,360 per person when booked by someone else. For further savings, for a group of 3 he will cost $2,230 and for a group of 4 he will cost $2,165. There are also options for solo travelers. For more information, visit the Southwest Adventure Tours website.
The tour price includes:
- Comfortable transportation in a luxury bus
- 6 nights hotel accommodation
- 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
- Mark Twain Riverboat Dinner Cruise
- tip with meal
- Tipping the bus driver
Airfare is not included.
tour dates
The Eastbound Mormon Trail Tour, which departs from Salt Lake and heads to Nauvoo, will run June 3-9 and September 14-20 this year. If you want to return to Salt Lake from Nauvoo, the Westbound Tour runs from June 9-15 and September 20-26.
Learn more about the guide
In addition to his podcast and television show, Lawson's involvement in the teaching of history and Latter-day Saint history is extensive. Having worked as a seminary and institute teacher for nearly 20 years, he is a natural educator and engaging fireside speaker. His expertise has graced platforms like his BYU Education Week and Know Your Religion, and his stories have touched hearts through radio shows and more.
Lawson's co-host, Lyman, is a visionary who created a breathtaking documentary about pioneer temples and is the co-creator of “History of the Saints.” With a rich broadcast history and a lineage deeply rooted in Latter-day Saint tradition, Lyman brings stories to life through his lens and preserves his legacy for posterity.
Together, Lawson and Lyman weave stories of faith, history, and humanity that leave an indelible mark on those who hear them.
Enjoy an enlightening and spiritual experience on the Pioneer Trail
This is different from regular tours. A fun, engaging and knowledgeable tour Guided by his host, you'll walk in the footsteps of those who came before you, and as you hear their stories you'll deepen your appreciation for them. There's a good chance you'll never be the same, and that's a good thing.
To sign up for a tour, learn more about Mormon Pioneer Trail tours, or see the complete itinerary, visit southwestadventuretours.com.
