Antelope Island SP, Salt Lake City

It is a "very" long drive to Antelope Island. We caught this state park driving south on our way back from Idaho. We drove for several miles, west until we got to the entrance where we paid our fee. Then we had yet another long drive. There are buffalo and other live animals on this island, but we really thought it would be a nice place to take a swim in the Great Salt Lake. After we got to the place where we could park our car, we were quite dismayed to see how far it was to walk out to the water. They had a changing room there, so we got into our swimsuits and started out across a great expanse of sand. After we got to the water we saw that it was full of small black flies. Nevertheless, we slogged through the slimy water that was near the shore and finally got out far enough to become bouyant.
I definitely would not recommend this particular place for a swim in the Great Salt Lake.

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

In the center of The Great Slat Lake Is an Island that was named Antelope Island. It was the most interesting place I visited while in Salt Lake City.

For anyone who is interested in Goelogy this was an interesting little venture. Some of the rocks on the Island are among the oldest in the world.

For those of you not interested in rocks the Views may be another reason to visit. From the "Buffalo Point Overlook," which is a short hike to the top, you can see great views of the lake and surrounding Mountains.

At the Gatehouse you will be charged $8 for entry into the park.

When we were hiking on Antelope Island, we almost ran into this spiders (I guess that should be spiders's) web. As you can see there was a whole great big humongous family of them blocking this path. The size of them was amazing, too bad I did not have a proper camera to do a good photo here, but you get the idea when I say that the larger ones were longer than my hand. YIKES.

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A short drive North of the city is the best place to get a glimpse of the great Salt Lake. This park also features extensive wildlife including Buffalo, elk and pronghorn antelope.

You need a car to get there and around it. Beware of mosquitos in summer afternoons and evenings. See the Saltair and the Antilope Island.

Antelope Island is only a few miles north of Salt Lake City, you can drive there and enjoy some of the views of the Salt Lake.