Here’s The Story Behind The Massive Tree Sculpture In Utah
By Courtnie Erickson|Published February 17, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Utah is home to some great — and very unique — masterpieces. Located along I-80 West toward Wendover is one of these unusual creations. Metaphor: The Tree of Utah is easily the most unique tree sculpture in the country and is hard to miss on this stretch of road. While you may have driven past it before, do you know much about it? Do you know the story behind this massive tree sculpture in Utah?
Many Utahns will agree that the drive toward Wendover is long and admittedly a bit boring. There isn’t much to see as you travel through desert and salt flats.
However, as you continue on this stretch of road, you’ll happen upon a massive tree sculpture. This sculpture stands out with its colors and size, almost like a desert mirage in the middle of the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Metaphor: The Tree of Utah, also known as the Tree of Life, is an 87-foot tall sculpture. It was created by Swedish artist Karl Momen between 1982 and 1986. Momen financed this large masterpiece all on his own.
This giant sculpture looks like a large tree with spheres at the end of the branches. It was made using 225 tons of cement, 2,000 ceramic tiles, and 5 tons of welding rods. It is also covered in minerals and rocks that are found in Utah. These rocks add color to the sculpture and even help it glisten in the sun.
Momen chose the name and location of this sculpture very carefully. This sculpture is located in a rough and barren environment. The name "Tree of Life" is full of hope for such a harsh area.
If you stop and take a closer look at this massive tree sculpture in Utah, you’ll find the words of Friedrich Schiller's "Ode to Joy” inscribed on the tree trunk. It's definitely worth a stop to check out at least once.
