Antelope Island State Park

Named for the presence of pronghorn (antelope) on the island, Antelope Island State Park in the Great Salt Lake is a popular location for viewing wildlife and enjoying recreational activities including biking, hiking, horseback riding and camping. With just over 28,000 acres of land, Antelope Island is the largest island in Great Salt Lake, stretching 15 miles long and about 5 miles wide. Once used as a private ranch, the island is now one of Utah’s most popular state parks, attracting more than 500,000 annual visitors.

Visitors access the island by driving across a causeway from the mainland to the island. They can then enjoy spectacular views of the lake and island scenery from the park’s backcountry trails, stroll along sandy beaches or spend the night at one of the island’s campsites.

Antelope Island State Park is home to the third-largest free-roaming bison herd in the country as well as mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn and many other desert animals. Millions of birds congregate along the island’s shores, offering unparalleled opportunities for birding.

The island is the perfect place to enjoy the waters of the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. The salinity of the water, which is greater than the ocean, makes it easy for swimmers to float in the lake, and the calm waters make it ideal for kayaking or paddle boarding.

The park’s visitor center contains informational displays about park wildlife, geology, the Great Salt Lake and human history. A 20-minute video provides an overview of the park. Antelope Island State Park also offers several events and activities throughout the year, including guided hikes and walks, wildlife programs, history demonstrations, music events and the annual Bison Roundup.

Locals know the best sunsets in Northern Utah are seen from Antelope Island, which offers an unobstructed view to the west over the Great Salt Lake. The park has also been named an official “International Dark Sky Park” by the International Dark Sky Association.

Photo by Steve Greenwood