Antelope Island Travel Guide

Just coming upon a herd of Bison grazing in the distance is an amazing thing to see. They are beautiful and one of the last things we have left to remember of the real Western culture and envirement. We also saw a cayote and great long footed jack rabbits. Many other animals can be seen on Antelope Island, including longhorn sheep and antelope. In the migrating months it is a bird watching paradise, the most important place in North America for migratory and nesting birds.

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I never realized how much life the Salt Lakes provides! I actually thought it was a completely dead lake. Little did I know how much it provides for wildlife and the local communities a place to fish, camp, sailing, exploring and to enjoy the presteen beauty it offers. One of the other uniques aspects the salt lake has is that you will float like a cork because of the salt waters. I was afraid to try it out, but did venture out into the waters. If you use the Antelope Island camp facilities, they have picnic tables, restrooms and showers there.

www.stateparks.utah.gov
www.davisareacvb.com

The Visitor Center hours are 9 am- 5 pm and located to the left of the park once you drive in from the causeway. Just look for the signs. The center is equipped with a lovely little gift shop, many exhibits that explain how Antelope Island evolved into what it is today and a video presentation of the history of the park also. They even have some very lovely areas where you can take some great shots. For reservations or information call Antelope Island State Park (801) 773-2941 or (801) 550-6165.

www.stateparks.utah.gov
www.davisareacvb.com

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For centuries Wasatch Indians visited this island frequently for it's game of fish and antelope. It was eventually discovered by the explorer John C. Fremont and Kit Carson in 1845, naming it Antelope Island. In 1848 Fielding Garr settled his family here which was stilll inhabited till the State of Utah bought the property in 1981, making a recreational park for all to enjoy. The island is surround by the Great Salt Lake beauty of inland sea. It has lots to offer the day tripers as well as those who want to venture in camping, biking (8 mile loop), wildlife viewing (antelope, deer, bobcats, coyotes and a huge variety of birds, sailing (marina), and hiking (many trails to enjoy). There is a very nice area for picnicing, bathrooms facilities, sunbathing, and should experience floating like a cork in the salt water. The island even has a eating establishment, but its only open during a certain during the seasons.
Here are other activities that you may interested in:

R & G Horse and Wagon, LLC
Guided horseback rides can be tailored for wildlife viewing, geology or bird watching. Reservations suggested.
(801) 782-4946
www.randghorseandwagon.com

Buffalo Point, Inc.
Experience Antelope Island on an open-air
amphibious duck! Try the Wildlife Safari or cruise
the lake on the Majestic Islander. Buffalo Point also operates a bistro on
the island.
Open Sat. & Sun. 12-5 pm
(801) 776-6734
www.buffalopointinc.com

Great Salt Lake Adventures
Kayaking is an excellent way to explore the Great Salt Lake. Guides help you
learn correct kayaking techniques and offer insight into the Lake's past.
(801) 710-7167

www.greatsaltlakekayak.com
Fielding Garr Ranch
Ranch hours are 9 am - 5 pm
(801)649-5742

I thought DC had a very unique idea of promoting art with all the colorful giant pandas located all over the city. Well Utah, Salt Lake City used the same concept using Buffalo sculptures painted with all different designs and located them all over the city. I had the pleasure of seeing at least two located on Antelope Island. I've read that in Wyoming they used Horse Sculptures and Sedona AZ, they used Javelina’s. So head over to the Visitors center and pick up a book that will tell you where each is located. I love art and I think this gives the artist and the community a way to share in each others pride in their community.

For reservations or information call Antelope Island State Park (801) 773-2941 or (801) 550-6165.

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One of the perks of the Great Salt Lake is that since it is a salt lake you are buoyant and can virtually float without trying. Although the water has a very pungent smell it is still a great place to play and have fun – especially with the kids. As you get further out into the lake you will notice less brine shrimp which is nice. Also – the lake doesn’t dip deep right away so you have the ability to walk fairly far out before your clothes would get wet.

Other things you can do while visiting the island are hiking, biking in the hillsides and walking along the salt flat that surrounds the island. If you have a chance to walk around the flats you might find some interesting things. We found bones (excepted) but we also found a lot of old glass (bottles) from the early 1900s which was neat.

I can't imagine a better place to hike or bike than on Antelope Island, you are surrounded by a combination of desert like barreness and rugged landscape that is home to the bison, antelope and longhorn sheep as well as many other wildlife, and the views from the island overlooking the Great Salt Lake of the mountain ranges is absolutely beautiful.

I can't say enough about how amazing this island is, especially in the winter, it was a barren winter wonderland of muted colors, grasses, and reeds, desert rock, and marshes. flat and yet with a mountain.

Bison graze freely and you will see one or many when you least expect to. Take a trip with your bike, it will be a great ride on this 15 mile ong and 5 mile wide island.