Antelope Island State Park

When visiting Salt Lake City, our favorite day trip is heading up to Antelope Island State Park!  My cousins took me there on my first trip out to SLC, and I fell in love.  I had never seen such a sight.  We were in the middle of the desert, but there were snow capped mountains on the other side of a beautiful reflective lake.  And not just any lake!  The Great Salt Lake isn't the type of lake that you can go catch your dinner in, but it's truly amazing.

My husband and I have made a point to go there the last two summers together (2015 & 2016) and enjoyed seeing some familiar sights but also exploring more.  This past summer we had the chance to see the Fielding Garr Ranch.  It was only open for about 20 minutes more when we arrived, so we kind of breezed through it, but plan on spending more time there next time we go.  If you're into history, you should really enjoy it there.  There's a self-guided tour and a large collection of old tools and memorabilia.  You do not have to pay a separate fee to access the ranch.

One of the best parts about Antelope Island is the Wildlife.  There are tons of bison (literally) and they roam freely.  We have also seen prong horn antelope, jack rabbits, a coyote, pheasant, various cool-looking birds and little lizards.  The best view is from the top of Buffalo Point Trail.  It's a pretty steep hike but the path is well marked and there are a few benches and places to rest on the way up.  From here you can get a great view of the lake and the Wasatch Mountains.

Antelope Island is a great place for anyone looking for a fun day.  This is a great trip for small children and people with mobility issues.  If swimming in the Great Salt Lake interests you (YUCK.... but you may like it, who knows?), Antelope Island is a good place to get in because there are showers and restrooms available.  I'm pretty confident that you're going to want to rinse yourself off.  There's a great little restaurant called The Island Buffalo Grill that serves bison burgers as well as other options.  You can see the menu here.  

Park entrance fees for 2016 are $10 per car (up to 8 people in a car).  For Utah residents over the age of 62, the entrance fee is only $5 per car.  This outstanding state park is definitely worth it!!


Words of the Wise(ish):



*There is very little shade anywhere on the island. Wear a hat and sunscreen.  

*Even though you're surrounded by water, it's SALT water.  You're in the desert.  Pack a bunch of drinkable water.
*Watch out for Bison and other wildlife.  They live there, you don't.  
*I hate that I feel like I need to say this.... but DON'T APPROACH THE BISON!  They aren't as fuzzy and sweet as you may think.

*Take a look around the information center and gift shop.  All of the employees are super nice and helpful and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
*Beware of the little biting gnats (some people call them No see-ums). They can get really thick and can kind of be a buzz kill. They are the worst from April-June.  A mesh hat that covers your face and neck wouldn't be a bad idea.