The Sacred Grove in Palmyra, New York, is where Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, visited the young Joseph Smith Jr. in 1820.
In the spring of 1820, God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith Jr. in the woods near his home. Joseph was 14 years old when he decided he should ask his questions to God through prayer after reading James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not.” Joseph grew up in an area buzzing with religious fervor. Joseph was concerned about his own salvation and wanted to know which church could bring him to God. In the early spring, Joseph ventured to a predetermined place in the woods near his home and knelt in prayer. To his astonishment, he was visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ. The instruction they gave him as an answer to his prayer spurred the beginning of the restoration of Christ’s church on the earth.
The 20-acre, old-growth forest area on the western boundaries of the Sacred Grove Historic Site has been referred to as the Sacred Grove since as early as 1905. When the Smith family moved to this 100-acre property in 1818, the land was covered in forest. By the spring of 1820, the family had cleared 30-acres for farming but left large areas of productive woodlands on the farm’s eastern and western sides. Today, this carefully preserved forest contains a series of paths to provide visitors with a reverent place for quiet contemplation.
What to Expect
Your visit of the Sacred Grove is self-guided, and you will be invited to explore it by missionaries after the tour of the homes on the Smith Family Farm. You may spend as long as you’d like in the Sacred Grove, and there are benches periodically if you’d like to sit down for quiet reflection. The trails throughout the Grove are subject to weather conditions but off-road wheelchairs are available in the Welcome Center.
Read more about Joseph’s experience in the Sacred Grove in Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 2, "HEAR HIM".
Joseph rose early on a spring morning in 1820 and set out for the woods near his home. The day was clear and beautiful, and sunlight filtered through the branches overhead.
As he prayed, his tongue seemed to swell until he could not speak.
Suddenly, an unseen power seized him. He tried to speak again, but his tongue was still bound. A thick darkness closed in around him until he could no longer see the sunlight. Doubts and awful images flashed across his mind, confusing and distracting him. He felt as if some terrible being, real and immensely powerful, wanted to destroy him.
Exerting all his strength, Joseph called once more to God. His tongue loosened, and he pleaded for deliverance. But he found himself sinking into despair, overwhelmed by the unbearable darkness and ready to abandon himself to destruction. At that moment, a pillar of light appeared over his head. It descended slowly and seemed to set the woods on fire. As the light rested on him, Joseph felt the unseen power release its hold. The Spirit of God took its place, filling him with peace and unspeakable joy. Peering into the light, Joseph saw God the Father standing above him in the air. His face was brighter and more glorious than anything Joseph had ever seen. God called him by name and pointed to another being who appeared beside Him.
“This is My Beloved Son,” He said. “Hear Him!”
Joseph looked into the face of Jesus Christ. It was as bright and glorious as the Father’s.
“Joseph,” the Savior said, “thy sins are forgiven.”
His burden lifted, Joseph repeated his question: “What church shall I join?” “Join none of them,” the Savior told him.
“They teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”
*For more information:
>Read Joseph Smith History chapter 1.
>Watch Ask of God, The First Vision of Joseph Smith, Youtube Video.
Such a spiritually uplifting experience! Seeing the old Smith Farm including the log cabin, frame house, barn, cooper shed, and orchard was a surreal experience that immersed us in Smith family life. Wandering the forest of the Sacred Grove was so peaceful! Definitely worth taking the time to take it all in!
First visited in 1991. Been back many times. Love living close enough to make more frequent visits… I especially enjoy the quiet early in the morning…
(Awaiting the light of Spring… Palmyra 1820)
Redemption! This is the only way I can describe this holy place. I felt redeemed asI spent time pondering and praying to my Heavenly Father. Once you enter the grounds of the sacred grove it feels like a temple. Some of the videos and pictures are of the Smith family homes and farm. It was amazing to see these things as well. Amazing place that I waited to long to come see and feel/.
What a great place! I would highly recommend going on the tour as it is extremely informative. there was a group of six people and they were just singing church hymns but it was echoing through this little Gully and it sounded so amazing. If you're looking for a very very very very very very peaceful walk this is the place to do it. If you do not want to take the tour you can just pull right up and walk through the sacred grove by yourself or with your . top of that it has a ton of great history about the area.
My wife and I visited the Sacred Grove on 8 June 2025 after she wanted to learn more about the Mormon Religion. Even having grown up in Rochester, there were spaces I had not visited or known about until now. We had a nice guided tour and got to see some impressive reconstructed or preserved historic buildings. It was later in the day, but the space was large and good for those looking to walk in nature or see the supposed site of Smith’s theophany.
A bucket list item that I will cherish and remember forever. The feelings of truth I felt there were very powerful. The love I felt from Heavenly Father filled my soul to the point that I felt I couldn't take in more. I left with more love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and all deeper appreciation for Joseph Smith. As imperfect as he might have been, his 14 year old prayer to know what church to join what powerful enough to open the last dispensation here on earth.
We went on a family trip here and it was so incredibly special. It was so spiritual and very peaceful as we walked with a family through the sacred grove. I am greatful for what has happened here and the importantce that it plays to the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Amazingly serene and spiritual. We’ve wanted to go for years and it was so worth it! We loved the tour and learning more about the history and people who lived there. A truly beautiful experience
Shared the visit today with sisters in law who are LDS. Though I am not in the church, I found the beauty and history of the place inspiring and peaceful.
The Sacred Grove located at the Smith Family Farm
This is a sacred location where Joseph Smith’s First Vision occurred.
-RV parking available
-Visitor’s Center and Tours
-beautiful nature walks through Grove
This was a wonderful experience. The missionaries had very interesting stories to share, which I had never heard before. They let you go into the grove on your own after the tour so you can be alone to ponder and pray and walk around. The Grove of trees is a lot bigger than I had expected. They also show you homes where the Smith family lived on the property, one of which is built to look like what it probably looked like, and the other is 85% original. It was cool to go and see how everything on the property was set up and to see how big it is. The grove was very peaceful. You might want to wear long pants, long sleeves, and bug spray because the mosquitos were plentiful and relentless! You need to schedule a tour in advance if you have a group of 15 or more people, but it is free of course.
Great historical tour by the sister missionaries. Full of knowledge, very kind, even learned our kids names. Not overly churchy, neat original woodwork and brickwork in one of the homes, deer in the orchard and incredibly beautiful grove of trees with good trails and walkways. If you are spiritual, or looking for a connection to something spiritual, this grove will provide that feeling.
Fantastic Experience! Definitely worth the free tour.
The Sacred Grove is a place of profound historical and spiritual significance. Immerse yourself in the captivating story of the Restoration and find solace in the tranquil beauty of this sacred site. Here's what you need to know:
1. Historical Significance:
- The Sacred Grove is located in Palmyra, New York, and is renowned as the place where the Prophet Joseph Smith had a divine experience that marked the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel.
- In the spring of 1820, a young Joseph Smith entered the grove seeking answers to questions about religious truth. It was here that he had the remarkable First Vision, during which he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ and received guidance that would shape the course of religious history.
2. Exploring the Grove:
- The Sacred Grove encompasses approximately 20 acres of pristine woodland, with winding paths that invite peaceful contemplation and reflection.
- Visitors can stroll through the grove, surrounded by towering trees and dappled sunlight, creating an atmosphere of serenity and reverence.
- The grove offers secluded areas for prayer, meditation, and personal reflection. Take a moment to connect with the divine and find inspiration in this hallowed ground.
3. Visitor Center:
- Begin your journey at the Sacred Grove Visitor Center, where you can learn about the historical and spiritual significance of the grove through engaging exhibits, multimedia presentations, and interactive displays.
- Knowledgeable guides are available to provide insights and answer any questions you may have about the grove and its importance in the Restoration.
4. Events and Services:
- The Sacred Grove hosts various events throughout the year, including devotional services, reenactments, and commemorative gatherings that celebrate the Restoration and its impact on the world.
- Special services, such as baptisms and weddings, can be arranged with prior arrangement and approval.
5. Respectful Visit:
- Please remember that the Sacred Grove is a sacred place to millions of people worldwide. Maintain a respectful and reverent attitude during your visit, allowing others to connect with their faith and experience the spiritual ambiance of the grove.
- Follow the posted guidelines, which may include restrictions on photography, noise, or other activities that could disturb the sanctity of the grove.
6. Nearby Attractions:
- While in the area, consider visiting other significant sites related to the Restoration, such as the Hill Cumorah, the Peter Whitmer Farm, and the Book of Mormon Publication Site. Each location offers unique insights into the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Sacred Grove is a place of profound spiritual pilgrimage, where the echoes of the First Vision still resonate. Step into this sacred sanctuary, connect with the divine, and let the peace and inspiration of the grove touch your heart and soul.
Great colors that were enjoyable even when I got lost and couldn't find my group. Fall time is the best time to visit, less people, cooler temps, and so many colors my phone couldn't capture them all.
I made it out before any darkness could come upon me but also had to make it out on my own. I apologize if you happened to be there and thought a bear was in the area as I was running the trails to find my way out.
Whether you’re a member of the Latter-Day Saints or not this is a great stop to understand to the beginning of the Mormon church. It has been restored to its original form in the 1800’s. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and helpful in answering questions. Tours are free or you can just opt to walk through by yourself. It was a great experience!
Such a powerful, peaceful and beautiful spirit here. All our kids (ages 4, 8, 11, 15, 17, 18) had neat experiences. Benches spread out over yards of trail allowed everyone to spend time alone, and ponder. Really neat.
Amazing place. Where the Restoration of the fullness of the gospel if Jesus Christ began. If you want to feel the Spirit of God, visit the Sacred Grove. I love this place.
The Smith Farm is neat and very educational. Touring the inside of the home and buildings was really insightful. I was impressed with both the level of industry and comfort they were able to achieve. The Smiths were truly living off the land and, like many others, were great pioneers of America and the American Life.
The Sacred Grove itself is much larger and different than what those who know would think. Turns out the original farm was up to 100 acres and the existing forest is new. (You can see boundaries of the original property line.) The immediate portion of the Grove with trails is the old farm property. If you want to go into the actual Sacred Grove one has to take the trails further to the interior and find the old growth forest.
This was among the high lights of our trip to Palmyra. There is such a wonderful spirit here... and as I contemplated the sacred events that occurred here I felt a deeper connection to Joseph Smith and a deepening of testimony. The church has owned the location beautifully. There are so many paths to wander through the Sacred Grove that finding yourself a peaceful private place is quite easy.
505 W Main St, Palmyra, NYBottle & can redemption center
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