4 October 2022
Antelope Island’s Bison Roundup: An Authentic Western Experience
by Discover Davis
)
Howdy y’all! It’s that time of year again…the Bison Roundup! This authentic Western experience can be had at Antelope Island State Park as hundreds of horseback riders round up nearly 700 bison from around the island. This is truly a spectacle for any to witness!
The Roundup ensures the continued health of one of the nation’s largest and oldest public bison herds and occurs in two phases. First, the bison are moved into the holding corrals, and during the second phase, they receive health screenings and vaccinations. This true western experience can be viewed for free by the public (minus park entrance fees).
2022 Event Information
Riders will begin at the Fielding Garr Ranch at 9:00 am and move the herd north and over the ridgeline to the corrals at White Rock Bay. You can watch the event at several viewing areas around the island, such as along the east side road, or you can join the viewing party at White Rock Bay.
There will be food to purchase (cash only), educational information, and activities near the corrals at White Rock Bay, this is where the final push of the bison into the corrals will be (usually between noon and 3 pm). This is a crowd favorite. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Pro tip: Bring binoculars if you have them.
When: Saturday, October 29
Interested in channeling your inner cowboy and riding? Find information here.
View a map here.
What Happens After the Roundup?
The bison are left to rest in the corrals for a week. This resting period reduces the animals’ stress levels and allows them to relax, making them more cooperative during the second phase called, Working of the Bison (November 1 – 3rd). This is where the bison get their vaccines and health check, and some are selected to go to auction, which will take place on November 9th.
Did You Know?
The scientific name for the American plains bison is “bison bison bison”?
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Antelope Island State Park open?
Antelope Island State Park is open for entry from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. If you plan on staying longer, the front gate will automatically rise when exiting the park – even if no one is at the ranger station. If no one is available when you arrive, there is a self-pay station upon entering the park.
Camping is available year-round, but reservations are strongly encouraged in order to secure a camping spot.
How to get to Antelope Island?
Access to Antelope Island is only available via the Davis County causeway. Located just 41 minutes from Salt Lake City, and an hour and a half from Ogden – Antelope Island can be reached via W Antelope Island Road. Pay the park fees at the gate before crossing the causeway.
What hotels are near Antelope Island?
If camping isn’t in the cards for your trip to Antelope Island, we recommend staying close by in some of the great hotels in Davis County. Check out our hotel’s page and receive a discount on your next trip to Davis County!
Want to find other ways to play in Davis County? See below for ways to #discoverdavis. You’ll discover that Davis has something for everyone!
-
Hiking
With over 500 miles of paved and unpaved trails, there’s a hike in Davis for every skill level. Be sure to check trail conditions prior to heading out on mountain trails. Check out our favorite hikes here. If you’re hitting the trail, download our Wander map to find trails near you!
-
Biking
Our impressive trail system here in Davis has great routes for leisure biking or mountain biking, check out our favorites here.
-
Golfing
Davis is home to 10 beautiful golf courses — nine public golf courses and one private country club. Each course has beautiful views of the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains, and several are highly ranked in Utah and in national golf publications. Check them out here.
-
Bountiful Town Square
Whether you’re experiencing Dave in the winter or the warmer months, Bountiful’s Town Square has the Bountiful Ice Ribbon in the winter which then becomes a path for roller skating and blading, walking and strollers in the spring. Reservations will not be required, but check with the South Davis Rec Center for opening dates after the ice rink closes for the season. Stay and shop or grab a bite to eat on Bountiful’s Main Street. (Photo: Roger Tuttle)
-
Antelope Island
Discover guided e-biking and horseback riding tours, hike, camp, or get in that salty water. Antelope Island State Park has numerous fun activities!
-
Birding
Take a trip to the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve or the Farmington Bay WMA/Eccles Wildlife Education Center to discover the magic of the Great Salt Lake wetlands and ecosystems, which includes fantastic birding opportunities (our area gets 4 million feathered visitors each year)!
-
Lagoon Amusement Park
Lagoon Amusement Park is Utah’s only amusement park. Depending on when you are visiting, Lagoon has a generous operating season from late March through Halloween in October. Visit and discover the magic that awaits you in Lagoon, Lagoon-A-Beach, and Pioneer Village.
-
Enjoy the Theatre
We’ve got lots of incredible theatres and productions in Davis this year in 2022, check them out at the: CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, Hopebox Theatre, and On Pitch Performing Arts! (OPPA)
-
Experience Station Park
Visiting Station Park is more than just stores – it’s an experience in itself! This open-air shopping center features more than 100 shops and restaurants, from nationally branded to locally owned. A great place to spend the day outdoors, with something for everyone in the family. Be sure to watch the beautiful fountain show, designed by the same hydro-engineering wizards who built the famed Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas.
-
Shopping
Don’t forget to check out Bountiful’s Historic Main Street and Layton Hills Mall if you’re in the mood to shop and eat!
-
6 Amusement Centers!
Check out our other fun amusement centers for laser tag, go-karting, bowling, arcade games, mini golf and more!
-
SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium
Snorkel with the stingrays, pet a sloth, feed a tortoise, and get a fishy pedicure! Those are just a few of the fun interactive experiences you can have at SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium! Plus, you’re right in Layton Hills Mall which means you can easily add in other fun activities for your day, get some shopping done, and have plenty of restaurant options.
