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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.

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:

Contact Information