The Temple
A guided tour of the halls, with their tiered pulpits and box pews, and the story of the people who built it.
Kirtland Temple
The first temple of the Latter Day Saint movement, dedicated in 1836 in Kirtland, Ohio, east of Cleveland, and now shown on guided tours.
The Kirtland Temple, dedicated in 1836 in the small town of Kirtland, Ohio, was the first temple built by the Latter Day Saint movement. Joseph Smith and his followers built it with their own hands, mixing crushed glass and pottery into the plaster so its walls would sparkle.
Inside, two great halls stacked one above the other have pulpits at both ends. The temple and the restored village around it are shown on guided tours.
- Best Time
- May–October
- Time Needed
- 2 hours
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Most days; check the Historic Kirtland website for tour times
- Getting There
- In Kirtland, about 30 minutes east of downtown Cleveland by car.
What to See
2 of 2 are freeHistoric Kirtland Village
The restored store, sawmill and homes of the 1830s community down the hill.
Know Before You Go
- Tours are guided; you can't wander the temple alone.
- In 2024 the temple passed from the Community of Christ to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Where to Stay
Visit from Cleveland.
Where to Eat
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Last checked 2026-10-31. Part of the Midwest list.