Visitor Insights
Visiting Teton River Idaho Temple
The Teton River Idaho Temple is currently under construction and is not yet open for public tours or sacred ordinances. Once completed, an open house will be held for the public to tour the interior before its dedication.
Highlights
- Witness active construction from designated viewing areas.
- Anticipate future public open house for interior tours.
Things to Know
- The temple grounds are not yet fully accessible to the public.
- No visitor center is currently available on site.
Location
111 Teton River Temple St, Rexburg, Idaho 83440, United States
Hours: Not yet open to the public.
Getting There: The temple is located northwest of 2000 North and Salem Road in Rexburg, Idaho, easily accessible from U.S. Highway 20.
Get DirectionsAbout
The Teton River Idaho Temple is a sacred edifice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, currently under construction in Rexburg, Idaho. Announced in 2021 by President Russell M. Nelson, this temple will be the ninth in Idaho, serving a significant concentration of Latter-day Saint members, including students of Brigham Young University–Idaho.
As a House of the Lord, the temple is a place where members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participate in sacred ordinances and make eternal covenants with God. Its design, featuring a single attached central spire and elegant architecture, reflects a commitment to creating a serene and reverent space for spiritual reflection and worship within the Christian tradition.
Gallery
Symbolic Elements
The temple's exterior features intricate carvings, each rich with spiritual meaning:
Central Spire
The single attached central spire symbolically points heavenward, representing the journey of individuals toward God and eternal covenants.
Arched Windows
Tall, arched windows contribute to the temple's elegant appearance and allow natural light, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment and openness.
Stone Cladding
The use of granite panels for exterior cladding signifies durability, permanence, and the sacred, enduring nature of the temple.
Heavenward Design
The overall architectural thrust and verticality of the design symbolize aspiration to divine principles and a connection to heavenly realms.
Serene Architecture
The temple's peaceful and beautiful architecture is intended to create an atmosphere conducive to spiritual reflection and communion with the divine.
Rear Portico
A prominent rear portico adds to the temple's architectural features, providing a dignified and welcoming entry point for patrons.
Natural Light
The design emphasizes natural light within its interior spaces, fostering an uplifting and sacred atmosphere for worship and contemplation.
Modern Design
The temple's modern design integrates contemporary aesthetics while maintaining the reverence and sacred purpose characteristic of Latter-day Saint temples.
Interesting Facts
The Teton River Idaho Temple will be the ninth temple constructed in Idaho, reflecting the state's significant Latter-day Saint population (Tier B).
Rexburg, Idaho, will become the smallest city globally to have two operating temples upon its dedication, underscoring the high concentration of members (Tier B).
Initially named the 'Rexburg North Temple,' its name was officially changed to Teton River Idaho Temple in August 2022 for clear distinction (Tier A).
The temple site is approximately 3.5 miles from the existing Rexburg Idaho Temple, both situated on the same street (Tier C).
The temple is named after the Teton River, which flows about 1.5 miles north of the temple property (Tier C).
The site's elevation of 4,876 feet offers potential views of the majestic Teton Mountain Range on clear days (Tier C).
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by prominent civic leaders, including Idaho Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke (Tier A).
A 3,200-square-foot home, built in 1914, was relocated from the temple site to make way for construction (Tier A).
Idaho will be the first U.S. state outside of Utah to have a city with more than one Latter-day Saint temple once this one is dedicated (Tier A).
The installation of the central spire in June 2026 marked a major construction milestone, making the temple's silhouette instantly recognizable (Tier C).
Common Questions
When will the Teton River Idaho Temple be dedicated?
The dedication date for the Teton River Idaho Temple has not yet been announced.
Will there be an open house for the public?
Yes, an open house will be held for several weeks after construction is complete, before the temple's dedication.
How many temples will Idaho have once this temple is dedicated?
The Teton River Idaho Temple will be the ninth temple in Idaho upon its dedication.
What is the significance of the temple's name?
The temple is named after the nearby Teton River, which flows about 1.5 miles north of the property.
Featured Stories
The Announcement of a New House of the Lord
October 3, 2021
During the October 2021 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans for a new temple in Rexburg, Idaho, initially referred to as the 'Rexburg North Temple.' This announcement brought immense joy to the Latter-day Saint community, signifying continued growth and increased access to sacred ordinances for members in the region.
Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Newsroom
A Groundbreaking for Generations
June 1, 2024
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Teton River Idaho Temple was a momentous occasion, presided over by Elder Ricardo P. Giménez. Local civic leaders and community members gathered to witness the symbolic turning of the soil, marking the official commencement of construction and the beginning of a new spiritual landmark for generations to come.
Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Newsroom
The Spire Reaches Skyward
June 2026
A significant construction milestone was celebrated in June 2026 with the installation of the central spire atop the Teton River Idaho Temple. This event not only transformed the building's silhouette but also symbolized the temple's progress towards completion, becoming a visible beacon of faith in the Rexburg skyline.
Source: ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org
Timeline
Temple Announced
President Russell M. Nelson announced plans for the temple, initially called the 'Rexburg North Temple,' during General Conference.
component.timeline.announcementOfficial Name Announced
The First Presidency officially named the temple the Teton River Idaho Temple to distinguish it from the existing Rexburg Idaho Temple.
MilestoneSite Location Announced
The Church announced the specific 16.6-acre site northwest of 2000 North and Salem Road in Rexburg, Idaho.
MilestoneExterior Rendering Released
The official exterior rendering of the temple was released, providing the first visual of its modern design.
MilestoneGroundbreaking Ceremony Held
Elder Ricardo P. Giménez presided over the groundbreaking, officially commencing construction of the temple.
component.timeline.groundbreakingFoundation Work Completed
Construction crews completed much of the foundation work and began the erection of structural steel for the temple.
component.timeline.constructionCentral Spire Installed
A significant construction milestone was reached when the central spire was lifted into place atop the temple.
component.timeline.constructionExterior Cladding Progresses
Exterior cladding, featuring stone panels, is actively being installed, and other finishing work continues.
component.timeline.constructionHistory by Decade
2020s — Announcement and Groundbreaking
The 2020s marked the inception of the Teton River Idaho Temple, beginning with its announcement by President Russell M. Nelson in October 2021. Following the official naming in August 2022 and site dedication in September 2022, the groundbreaking ceremony in June 2024 officially commenced construction.
2025 — Early Construction Phases
Throughout 2025, significant progress was made on the temple's foundation and structural framework. Construction crews diligently worked to lay the groundwork, preparing the site for the vertical growth of the sacred edifice.
2026 — Spire Installation and Exterior Progress
By June 2026, a major milestone was achieved with the installation of the central spire, dramatically altering the temple's profile. Exterior cladding, featuring elegant stone panels, began to transform the building's facade, bringing it closer to its final, reverent appearance.
Architecture & Facilities
The Teton River Idaho Temple features a modern architectural style, characterized by clean lines, a dignified presence, and a single attached central spire. Its design harmonizes with the natural beauty of the Idaho landscape while incorporating elements that evoke reverence and spiritual aspiration, aligning with contemporary Latter-day Saint temple architecture.
Building Materials
Exterior Cladding
The exterior is being finished with durable granite panels, transforming its initial appearance to a cool gray, ensuring longevity and a refined aesthetic.
Windows
Tall, arched windows are a key design element, allowing ample natural light into the interior and contributing to the temple's elegant facade.
Spire Material
The central spire is constructed with materials designed to complement the main building, providing a cohesive and heavenward-pointing architectural feature.
Interior Finishes
High-quality, serene materials are selected for the interior to create an atmosphere of peace and sacred purpose, conducive to worship.
Interior Features
Baptistry
A sacred space dedicated to proxy baptisms for the dead, featuring a font resting on twelve oxen, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel.
Endowment Rooms
Rooms where members participate in the endowment, a series of covenants and instructions designed to deepen understanding of God's plan.
Sealing Rooms
Spaces where eternal marriages and family sealings are performed, uniting families for time and all eternity.
Celestial Room
A beautiful and serene room symbolizing a return to God's presence, offering a space for quiet contemplation and spiritual communion.
Temple Grounds
The 16.6-acre site is being meticulously landscaped to create a peaceful and inviting environment, featuring gardens, pathways, and serene resting areas for patrons and visitors.
Additional Facilities
The temple grounds will include carefully designed pathways and gardens, providing a tranquil setting for reflection and contemplation, though no separate visitor center has been announced.
Religious Significance
As a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this edifice is considered a 'House of the Lord,' a sacred space distinct from regular chapels. It is dedicated to the highest ordinances of the Latter-day Saint faith, fostering a deeper connection to God and an understanding of eternal truths within a Christian theological framework.
The primary purpose of the Teton River Idaho Temple is to provide a sacred sanctuary where members can participate in saving ordinances and make eternal covenants with God, strengthening their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.
Sacred Ordinances
Baptism for the Dead
Members perform proxy baptisms on behalf of deceased ancestors who did not have the opportunity to receive this ordinance during their lives.
Endowment
A series of sacred instructions and covenants where members learn more about God's plan of salvation and make promises to live righteously.
Sealing
Families are sealed together for time and all eternity, including husbands and wives, and children to their parents, affirming the eternal nature of family relationships.
Covenant Path
The temple serves as the pinnacle of the 'covenant path,' a series of commitments and blessings that members believe lead them back to God's presence.
Eternal Families
A core doctrine of the Church, the temple emphasizes the eternal nature of families, providing ordinances that bind loved ones together beyond mortal life.
Sources & Research
Every fact on Temples.org is backed by verified Sources & Research. Each piece of information is rated by source tier and confidence level.
View All Sources (4)
| Field | Source | Tier | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| About & Historical Background | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-30 |
| Architectural Details & Construction Progress | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Exterior Rendering Release | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-30 |
| General Temple Information | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-30 |