What to Expect at the New York and Pennsylvania Historic Sites

An exterior view of Joseph Smith's family home in Palmyra, New York.
A family walks by the white building family farm. They are on paths around the farmland.

If you are visiting the historic sites in New York and Pennsylvania for the first time, navigating the many things to do can be both exciting and daunting. We recommend that you begin your visit at one of the

five visitors’ centers

in the region where you will receive a brief orientation of the beginnings of the Church in New York and Pennsylvania, and the many experiences to participate in. Missionaries are available to answer your questions and provide suggestions for your visit.

Once you leave the visitors’ center, there are many historic locations to see in the region. You may begin anywhere you like, but we recommend that you don’t miss the

Hill Cumorah

, the

Sacred Grove Historic Site

, and the

Grandin Printshop

. If you have a little more time the

Priesthood Restoration Site

and the

Whitmer Farm

are well worth the drive.

You can also find ideas of specific things to do on our

Tours in New York and Pennsylvania page

Sample Itineraries

Wanting to make the most out of your trip to the area? We’ve created some sample itineraries to help you plan your visit, so you don’t miss the highlights if you have one day to explore, or you want to see everything there is to experience.

Getting Around

The closest historic sites in New York and Pennsylvania are not within easy walking distance from one another. There is no public transportation from site to site, so we recommend driving to each location.

Orientation Services

At any of the five visitors’ centers in the region, you will find physical brochures to help you navigate your way from site to site.

Before your visit, you can also

download a PDF map of the New York and Pennsylvania Historic Sites

Distribution Services

If you’re looking for a souvenir of your visit to the sites where the Restoration began, there is now a gift shop and distribution store next door to the

Grandin Printshop

. Here you will find a variety of keepsakes that will help you remember your visit to these sacred places. Visit the

Distribution Services and Gift Shop page

to view store hours.

Amenities

A hallway with green capet and water fountains on the left wall. Above the water fountains is a sign that says restrooms and farther down the hall are three wooden doors.

Restrooms, drinking fountains, picnic areas and parking are available throughout the historic sites. There is also public Wi-Fi available at most sites in addition to cell phone service. Details about these amenities are available below.
If you require information about the accessibility of these amenities, please visit our

accessibility page

Amenities Maps

Cell Phone Access

These sites are in rural parts of the country, so cellular service can be spotty in between sites, but basic cell service is available from most providers at most of the historic sites. We recommend printing out or screenshotting directions from a mapping service before visiting to help ensure you get to your destination.

Wi-Fi Access

The Church’s Liahona network is available throughout the sites, although service may be weaker in some buildings and landscapes. If you need the wi-fi password, please speak to a missionary.

Language Availability

All the New York and Pennsylvania historic sites operate in English. Depending on availability of missionaries at the site, tours in Spanish and Portuguese may be available upon request.

Please call

1-315-597-1671

ahead of time to verify the availability of tours at the New York sites and

1-570-335-9580

for the Pennsylvania sites, then check-in at the visitors’ center guest services desk when you arrive for language assistance.

Looking for Sunday Services?

If you are visiting the historic sites over the weekend and would like to attend Sunday services, the following meetinghouses are near or connected to the historic sites: