Celebrate the Restoration at key sites–both well-known and not-so-well-known from Palmyra to Harmony to Kirtland. Fly to Buffalo, New York to meet a deluxe, air-conditioned bus which takes you in comfort to the awesome Niagara Falls USA to stay overnight then to crucial church history sites in Mendon, Palmyra & Temple, Harmony & Susquehanna River, Colesville, and the Kirtland/Hiram area including a tour of the Kirtland Temple. Details of sites visited are listed below. Tours fly home from Cleveland, Ohio.
Historical sites visited
MENDON NY
Just 22 miles from Palmyra. Was a stagecoach stop in Joseph Smith’s time. Brigham Young, his father, and all ten living brothers and sisters joined the Church here in 1832. So did their spouses, some of whom were Methodist ministers. All went through hardships and persecutions as a result. None ever apostatized. Heber C. Kimball, his wife Vilate and his father joined here too. Heber C. Kimball, Brigham Young and many others saw a stunning vision in the night sky here the same night Joseph Smith received the plates of the Book of Mormon in Palmyra. See John Young home, Brigham Young property, Tomlinson Inn (the stagecoach stop), Miriam Works Young’s grave, Solomon Kimball home.
PALMYRA NY
Smith family farm, rebuilt log home where Moroni visits took place, frame home where the plates were hidden under the fireplace hearth. Enjoy private time to ponder in the Sacred Grove. Missionary tours tell about the miracles of the Grandin Press where the Book of Mormon was first printed. Pay tribute to Martin Harris at his farm. Visit Joseph’s brother Alvin’s grave in the Palmyra Cemetery. Pause for a memorable group photo at the Palmyra Temple and enjoy walking the beautiful grounds around the temple. Feel gratitude for generations past at the Hill Cumorah where a duly prepared Joseph retrieved the plates from the ancient prophet, Moroni.
FAYETTE NY
Peter Whitmer Sr farm where the Church was first organized on April 6, 1830. Site of the visions to the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon translation was finished in an upstairs room of the (now re-built) Whitmer family cabin. Many D&C sections received here. Headquarters of the Church while Joseph lived here with the Whitmer family.
HARMONY PA & Susquehanna River!
150 miles from Palmyra. Extremely important site and remarkably beautiful. Home of Emma Hale Smith’s family. Josiah Stowell silver mine digging venture. Much of The Book of Mormon was translated here. Martin Harris and Oliver Cowdery lived here for a time with Joseph and Emma while serving as scribes during the translation. John the Baptist visit to Joseph and Oliver bestowing the Aaronic Priesthood. Higher priesthood restored near here by Peter, James, and John. Many additional crucial events. For some it is worth the price of the tour just to visit this incredible site!NEW since 2015: RENOVATIONS and NEW CONSTRUCTION are complete – new chapel/visitor’s center along with reconstructions of Joseph & Emma’s home and the Isaac & Elizabeth Hale home along with improved access to the Susquehanna River.
COLESVILLE & SOUTH BAINBRIDGE
Tour the Josiah Stowell home and Joseph Knight Sr home just north of Harmony – both very good friends to Joseph and Emma. Joseph Knight home was location of the Colesville Branch of the Church, first led by Hyrum Smith. These homes have been carefully and beautifully refurbished by private owners who graciously invite our groups to share in these historic homes and the incredible history that was lived here.
KIRTLAND OH
Did you know the Saints lived in Kirtland longer than they lived in Nauvoo? It’s true! By far, more heavenly manifestations, visitations, and revelations were received in Kirtland than any other Church history site. Feel the Spirit in the Newel K. Whitney Store (School of the Prophets; Word of Wisdom received here with several other D&C sections). A spectacular Kirtland Visitors Center was built in 2005. See the newly-restored John Johnson Inn, saw mill, ashery, and family history facilities. Visit the Isaac Morley Farm where the united order was first practiced and where a schoolhouse was the scene of heavenly direction. Enjoy a private tour of the Kirtland Temple and marvel at this still-dedicated House of the Lord (re-opened in 2022!).
FAIRPORT HARBOR OH
On Lake Erie, just 12 miles from Kirtland. Here, saints arrived from points east as they answered the call to “gather to the Ohio” and from where many departed on missions eastward including those going to and returning from Europe.
HIRAM OH
John Johnson Farm, an immense operation for the day. Joseph Smith lived here for a year while producing the “Inspired Translation” of the Bible. He and Sidney Rigdon were also tarred and feathered here. Many sections of the D&C received including the great 76th section three degrees of glory. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby village before flying home.
NIAGARA FALLS
Most tours start at the awesome Niagara Falls to spend the night including the thrilling Maid of the Mist boat ride up to the falls! Enjoy free time to explore the falls, the roaring river, and the platform viewpoint high atop the falls!