Martin's Cove

Martin's Cove Martin’s Cove is the place where handcart pioneers found shelter from a winter storm.

At the Martin's Cove Visitors' Center, enjoy artwork, artifacts, and exhibits, including a brief video that tells the story of the handcart pioneers.

09/02/2025

"I have learned that Heavenly Father’s plan for us is fabulous, that what we do in this life really matters, and that the Savior’s Atonement is what makes our Father’s plan possible."

— President Russell M. Nelson, general conference, Oct. 2023

What teaching of President Nelson has helped you see God's plan in your life?

As President Russell M. Nelson, the oldest living leader of a global church, approaches his 101st birthday on September ...
09/01/2025

As President Russell M. Nelson, the oldest living leader of a global church, approaches his 101st birthday on September 9, we invite you to join us in reflecting on his teachings of Jesus Christ.

Over the next eight days, please learn with us as we focus on Russell M. Nelson: 101—a series of important lessons from a beloved prophet.

Each message offers insights into following the Savior with greater faith, love, and devotion. We hope you will join in the conversation and share these inspired teachings.

“Through true covenant discipleship, we can begin to understand better the nature of God and the joy that He wants all o...
08/28/2025

“Through true covenant discipleship, we can begin to understand better the nature of God and the joy that He wants all of His children to experience. We can also begin to understand some principles that at first might seem confusing.

“For example, how can God have a fulness of joy when some of His children are suffering so much? The answer lies in God’s perfect perspective and in His perfect plan. He sees us from the beginning to our glorious potential future. He has provided a way, through His Son, Jesus Christ, for all of us, His children, to overcome the pains, suffering, sins, guilt, and loneliness of our mortality. God has provided for us the way and the choice.”

— Elder John A. McCune, general conference, Apr. 2025

Visit the link below to read the full talk.

https://www.ChurchofJesusChrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/46mccune?lang=eng

Artwork: “All About Him!,” by Peg Wheeler
(See this piece and others at the 13th Annual International Art Competition at Temple Square)

“As I stand on the land where my great-great-grandparents once walked, I feel the weight of history around me. This isn’...
08/27/2025

“As I stand on the land where my great-great-grandparents once walked, I feel the weight of history around me. This isn’t just land—it’s sacred ground where my ancestors embraced the gospel, blending it with the teachings of our Diné traditions.

“I realize I am deeply connected to those who came before me. They were the first to accept the gospel, and though I may not be the first member of the Church in my family, their faith shapes my devotion every day. I often think about how my ancestors prepared themselves to receive the gospel. Many teachings mirror our traditions, making the journey of faith feel like a natural evolution rather than a departure from who we are.

“In our teachings, we strive to ‘walk the corn-pollen path,’ or Tádídíín Béé Atiin, embodying hózhó—the pursuit of balance and beauty in our lives. This metaphorical path resonates with my efforts to follow the gospel and its teachings, often likened to the ‘strait and narrow path’ (2 Nephi 21:18) that leads to salvation through Jesus Christ.

“When I was called to serve as branch president, I felt overwhelmed. However, God helped me recall a dream I had during my mission in which I was running toward a brightly lit temple. Inside, my ancestors greeted me and said, ‘The Lord has a great work for you to do.’ Remembering this dream has helped me realize that I had been preparing for this calling for many years.

“Each day, I strive to stay close to Jesus Christ. I often ask myself, ‘What would He do if He were here, ministering to my people?’ I try to emulate His compassion, patience, and care. Many in our community carry heavy burdens. The Savior may not remove all sorrow, but He gives us the strength to endure. I see the ‘sháńdíín’ (sun rays) in the children of our community and in the love they have for our Savior.

“As a shepherd of my flock, I remain vigilant, constantly seeking to care for my congregation. I look forward with hope to the day when the Savior returns, when we can finally hear His voice calling us home. Until then, I embrace the sacred responsibility entrusted to me, inspired by the generations before and filled with faith for the generations to come.” — President Footracer

What is one message from the April 2025 general conference that inspired you? Join us at general conference on October 4...
08/25/2025

What is one message from the April 2025 general conference that inspired you?

Join us at general conference on October 4 and 5 to hear inspiring messages and the word of God.

08/22/2025

“I’m very grateful for my relationship with God. To God, I know that your value does not lie in your performance, but rather in your existence.” —Britain Covey

“If you had asked me last year where I would be today, I probably would have said out in the field as a missionary. It w...
08/21/2025

“If you had asked me last year where I would be today, I probably would have said out in the field as a missionary. It wasn’t until my mom’s health began to worsen that I could picture myself somewhere else. She needed me.

“During this time, there was a day when my own health issues flared up, causing me severe pain. Despite my prayers for answers, I found it difficult to understand why this was happening. I realized I was focused on my own desires rather than seeking what the Lord wanted for me. Although I continue to face many trials and have numerous unanswered questions, I trust that everything happens for a reason.

“I found comfort in knowing that everything would be all right. My understanding of the gospel reassured me that no matter what happens, I know who I am and where I’m going. This celestial perspective helped me keep pushing forward in that moment.

“Because I was home, I had the opportunity to be a ‘missionary’ in my hometown by helping my friend come closer to Jesus Christ and get baptized. I was also able to baptize my niece. If I had gone on my mission when I initially planned to, I would not have had these chances to minister to those I care about. I truly believe one of the reasons I’m still here is that there is someone whose life I still need to touch.

“For anyone who’s going through trials and is praying without receiving immediate answers, don’t think that the Lord is ignoring you. Stay headstrong because the teacher is always silent during the test.” — Bryan

“All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly ...
08/20/2025

“All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Gospel Library).

As we approach the 30th anniversary of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” on September 23, please follow along on social media and study the September edition of the Liahona magazine (available today) by tapping the link in our story.

“If you ever feel limited or disadvantaged by the circumstances of your life, I want you to know this: The Lord loves yo...
08/19/2025

“If you ever feel limited or disadvantaged by the circumstances of your life, I want you to know this: The Lord loves you personally. He knows your circumstances, and the door to His blessings remains wide open to you no matter the challenges you face.” — Bishop Gérald Caussé, general conference, Apr. 2025

Visit the link below to read the full talk.

https://www.ChurchofJesusChrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/44causse?lang=eng

Artwork: “And She Shall Be Made Whole,” by Jonathan Linton
(See this piece and others at the 13th Annual International Art Competition at Temple Square)

“While I was playing basketball competitively in Japan, it was hard to attend church on Sundays. In my senior year, a ch...
08/18/2025

“While I was playing basketball competitively in Japan, it was hard to attend church on Sundays. In my senior year, a church family I was close to encouraged me to attend FSY (For the Strength of Youth). Although it conflicted with a big basketball camp, I attended, where I felt prompted to serve a mission. My basketball coach, who wasn’t a member of my faith, even offered financial support for my mission. Although it was a hard decision to put school and professional basketball on hold, I knew it was what God wanted me to do.

“Being on a mission was transformative, and though there were hardships, I experienced many small miracles. My faith has helped me find purpose, direction, and a sense of peace, especially when life feels challenging. My experiences have made me ‘trust the process’ and trust that everything will work out. I am grateful for the blessings the Church has brought to my life, for the sense of community, and for the opportunities to connect with people from around the world who share my faith.” — Bruna

08/15/2025

Share in the comments which message from general conference has had a significant impact on your life in the past six months and why.

“Starting college was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. The classes were tough, and the pressure to succeed felt...
08/14/2025

“Starting college was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. The classes were tough, and the pressure to succeed felt overwhelming. I’d never struggled with sleep before, but the stress and anxiety hit me hard. I felt like I was drowning in assignments and expectations.

“In the middle of that, I turned to what would bring peace: prayer, scripture study, and temple worship. As I made time each day to connect with God, I started to feel more calm and focused. I prayed specifically for help with my studies, and I could feel the Lord helping me, especially during finals.

“That experience brought me closer to God. I realized that when life gets hard, that’s when I need to lean on Him the most. Now I try to make a conscious effort to rely on the Savior daily. Reading the scriptures and seeking to grow my relationship with Him has helped me not just survive but grow.

“There were definitely moments when I felt alone—like I wasn’t getting the help I needed. But looking back, I can see how God was there the whole time. He showed up through the people around me—especially through my family. They gave up so much time to help me with classes and studying. Through them, I saw God’s love and support.

“Attending the temple regularly has been a defining part of my personal growth. It has helped me understand just how essential it is to intentionally make space for God in my life. Prioritizing temple worship has not only deepened my connection with the Savior but also strengthened my desire to walk more closely with Him each day.

“To anyone who feels lost, anxious, or unsure of what’s next—keep going. Keep moving forward. Trust God and His timing. Even when it’s hard to see, He’s there. And He’ll help you through it.” — Emily

When it came time for the Martin company to cross the Platte River in October, they were exhausted, running low on suppl...
09/02/2024

When it came time for the Martin company to cross the Platte River in October, they were exhausted, running low on supplies, and battling storms, along with colder and colder weather. The water in the river was frigid, making it difficult for some to cross. Thirty-one-year-old Aaron Jackson had been sick for weeks, and as he tried to cross the river, his wife, Elizabeth, recorded, “He had only gone a short distance when he reached a sand bar … on which he sank down through weakness and exhaustion.”

Heroically, Aaron’s 19-year-old sister-in-law Mary Horrock waded out to him and helped him stand. She got him to a man on horseback, who helped him cross the rest of the way. She then helped Elizabeth and her children pull their cart through the water. Mary’s selfless actions allowed the Jackson family to be reunited on the other side of the river.

How does Mary’s selfless act of service inspire you?

07/09/2024

My favorite sunset in Wyoming while on Trek with my wife and son at Martin's Cove.

Edward Martin, the leader of the Martin Company, was born and raised in Preston, England. At 18 he apprenticed as an art...
05/22/2024

Edward Martin, the leader of the Martin Company, was born and raised in Preston, England. At 18 he apprenticed as an artist and would own a painting business and photography studio in his later years in Salt Lake. He joined the Church in 1837 and emigrated with his wife to the United States to settle in Nauvoo. There, Edward was a foreman for the Nauvoo Temple, a member of the Nauvoo Band, and a member of the Nauvoo Legion. He also participated in the Mormon Battalion and served a mission to Great Britain in 1852. It was on his way home from his mission that he was given charge of a handcart company to take to Utah.

Read more about Edward Martin and his life after leading the Martin Company to Salt Lake: https://newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org/article/what-pioneer-edward-martin-did-after-leading-his-handcart-company-to-utah

When the Saints left Nauvoo in 1846, some used wheelbarrow-like carts to transport their items. A wagon company going to...
03/28/2024

When the Saints left Nauvoo in 1846, some used wheelbarrow-like carts to transport their items. A wagon company going to California passed these travelers and observed “[they] trundled wheelbarrows before them, containing all of their worldly possessions.” Later, in the fall of 1855, immigration to Utah was becoming too expensive, and Church leaders were trying to come up with a more affordable system to move Saints to Utah. Their plan to implement the handcart system was likely inspired by travelers who had used wheelbarrows in the past.

Read more about the handcart experiment here: https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/timeline/historic-sites/wyoming/us-migration-mormon-emigration-and-the-handcart-experiment

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47600 West Highway 220
Alcova, WY
82620

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Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 2pm - 5pm

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What to Expect

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates three historic sites in central Wyoming: Martin’s Cove, Sixth Crossing, and Rock Creek Hollow. At these places and others nearby, in October and November 1856, rescuers provided aid to the Willie and Martin handcart companies and the Hodgetts and Hunt wagon companies.

Summer Hours: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Fall Hours (Until Nov. 1): 9:00 am to 7 pm