How is the Great Salt Lake connected to our sense of place as residents of the Salt Lake Valley? This thesis seeks to explore the Great Salt Lake's spiritual, environmental, and economic importance to past, present, and future inhabitants of the Salt Lake Valley. To do so, the paper explores different literal and figurative paths that expand on the history and conditions that have led to the Great Salt Lake's current role in the lives of Salt Lake Valley residents. By referencing past behaviors, news articles, and other literature, this thesis builds a case that encourages residents to forge a deeper connection with the lake.