Antelope Island is a seventy five square mile island located in the Great Salt Lake. It is comprised of sand dunes, low mountains, marshes, and grasslands. The state park has a marina, visitor center and restaurant. There are picnic areas with covered pavilions, white sand beaches for swimming, showers and two primitive campgrounds. There is a network of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Bike rentals are available. Wildlife is plentiful, including a herd of bison that roam the island. There are antelope on the island as well. Antelope Island has a great view of the lake and generally has very photogenic sunsets.
The physical address of Antelope Island State Park is, 4528 West 1700 South, in Syracuse, Utah. Visitors can reach the park by boat, or drive over a causeway that extends west from the Layton area.
As the largest of the Great Salt Lake's ten islands, Antelope Island is part of the Utah State Park System. This island has many recreational options. Including hiking trails, a sailboat arena, white sand beaches for sunbathers and swimmers and plenty of area for picnics and camping.
This island is home to a large variety of plants and animals. Antelope can be seen in many areas of the park, but there are also coyotes, bobcats, deer and a variety of birds and waterfowl. The most famous of the islands creatures is the American Bison. With a herd numbering well over six hundred visitors to the park can enjoy a stop at the buffalo corral and management facilities. There is a bison roundup each November.
Antelope Island information:
Acres - 28,022
Camping - yes, primitive
RV - yes, no hookups
Marina - yes
Beach picnic area - yes
Toilets - vault
Water - yes, at Bridger Bay Beach on the sides of the beach buildings
Showers - yes, at beach area
Wildlife - yes, varied, including antelope and a herd of bison
Park entrance fee - either per vehicle, or individual for walk-ins and cyclists
Camping fee - yes
Hours - Visitors' center, restaurant and concessionaire is open in summer from 10 am to 6pm, winter from 10am to 5pm. They are closed Christmas and New Year's Day.
Park and camping season - Open year round
Elevation - 4,200 to 6,597 feet
Summer temperature - 90 degrees plus, nights are cooler
Besides the abundant wildlife, this state park is also a historic ranch site. The park is full of photography opportunities, historical significance and an interesting variety of interpretive exhibits.
One online reviewer said, "It is the most beautiful island I have ever seen. It is the true nature with astonishing view, especially on sunset. Variety of animals and plants. The best is camping. I will spend a week next visit. It is an ideal spiritual land.''
A second reviewer noted, "Antelope Island is very close to urban space yet it affords visitors with plenty of natural scenery and abundant flora and fauna. I like the fact that with just a little patience you can identify an average of ten to fifteen different animal species per visit. I have used the island for over 35 yrs. and the improvements continue. Walking, hiking, biking, driving, boating, food, facts, etc. it has it all. A trip NOT to be missed any time of the year.''
I believe the ground have good minerals that I would come alive again .