Explore Antelope Island State Park
Cross the causeway into one of Utah’s most unforgettable outdoor escapes. Surrounded by the Great Salt Lake and home to free-roaming bison, Antelope Island State Park is where hiking trails, biking paths, horseback rides, and wildlife sightings all share the same backyard. Come for the adventure, stay for the sunset, then keep the fun going. Because Davis County is your entertainment basecamp. From theme parks to state parks, we’re called “Utah’s Amusement Capital” for a reason.
Gateway to
Great Salt Lake
Score FREE Park Passes
A Wild Deal at Antelope Island
Receive free Antelope Island park passes and more perks just by spending the night at one of our participating hotels. And the longer you stay, the more free stuff you get.
Stay
1 Night
Receive a free day pass to Antelope Island State Park
Stay
2 Nights
Receive a free day pass plus an Island Explore Gift Bag
Stay
4+ Nights
Receive a free Annual Antelope Island State Park Pass + Island Explore Gift Bag
Antelope Island Activities
There’s more than one way to experience Antelope Island. Hit the trails, bring your bike, camp beneath the stars or keep your camera ready for surprise wildlife sightings along the way. Whether you’re planning a full weekend outdoors or a spontaneous detour, the island makes it easy to wander.
From easy shoreline paths to summit-worthy climbs, Antelope Island hiking offers a trail for almost every pace. Take it slow along Lakeside Trail for Great Salt Lake views, or head for Frary Peak when you want a bigger challenge and panoramic bragging rights. Either way, keep your eyes open. Around here, your “casual hike” may come with a bison cameo.
Explore TrailsSet up camp on Antelope Island for front-row access to Great Salt Lake sunrises, fiery sunsets and some dark-sky certified night skies. Bridger Bay Campground offers the island’s largest campground experience, while White Rock Bay includes equestrian options, Lakeside works well for groups, Ladyfinger keeps things small and Split Rock Bay offers a more primitive backcountry stay.
Plan Your StayAntelope Island State Park is famous for its free-roaming bison, but they’re not the only locals worth looking for. Visitors may also spot mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and an impressive variety of birds throughout the island and surrounding wetlands. Bring binoculars, keep a safe distance from wildlife and let the island do its thing.
Wildlife Viewing TipsBring your bike and let the island set the pace. Antelope Island’s scenic roads and wide-open views make it a memorable ride for cyclists who like their mileage with a side of lake air, mountain views and wildlife watching. For a truly unforgettable experience, plan around the annual Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride and pedal beneath the stars.
Explore BikingSunsets and Starry Nights
With Antelope Island’s position on the eastern side of the Great Salt Lake, it’s the ideal location to catch incredible, breathtaking sunsets reflecting off the lake’s salty water. Stay past sunset for a truly magical view of the stars and Milky Way. Antelope Island State Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, and its star-studded night sky does not disappoint.
🌅 Sunset Today
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Events on Antelope Island
Saddle up and join in the fun of one of the many events hosted on Antelope Island. From the Bison Roundup to the Spider Festival and the Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride, the island’s annual events keep your bucket list busy.
History of Antelope Island
People have been connected to Antelope Island for thousands of years, from early Indigenous inhabitants to later explorers, ranchers and settlers.
Today, visitors can experience that layered history through the Fielding Garr Ranch, island trails and sweeping landscapes that have shaped life along the Great Salt Lake for generations.
Guided Tours and Experiences
Want to experience Antelope Island on a deeper level? Guided tours and immersive attractions offer a closer look at the island’s wildlife, history, and larger-than-life landscapes.
Antelope Island 1-Day Tour
Southwest Adventure Tours offers a one-day tour of the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island. Spend an unforgettable 5½ hours immersed in the beauty, history and natural wonder of the area. Take in breathtaking views of the lake, travel back in time with a stop at the historic Fielding Garr Ranch, and enjoy the chance to observe wild bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and the shoreline’s diverse birdlife.
Experience Antelope in 3D
Journey back to the ancient world of Lake Bonneville and discover how one of North America’s largest floods helped shape today’s Great Salt Lake. This 3D Giant Screen Theater experience explores the region’s wildlife, water, geology and the people working to protect this rare ecosystem for future generations.
Antelope Island on Horseback
See the island from the saddle with Rhodes Valley Outfitters. Guided horseback tours depart from the historic Fielding Garr Ranch and lead visitors through open terrain, lake views and mountain backdrops that feel straight out of a Western. Calm horses and knowledgeable guides make it an approachable adventure for riders ready to explore Antelope Island at a slower, scenic pace.
Antelope Island Dark Sky Experience
See the cosmos in high-definition at Antelope Island, an official International Dark Sky Park. As night falls, the park transforms to reveal jaw-dropping views of the Milky Way, shooting stars, and distant galaxies reflecting off the Great Salt Lake. Easy access from the city and regular public star parties make it a magical, approachable adventure for stargazers of all ages.
Quick Guide to Antelope Island
Planning a visit to Antelope Island State Park? Use this guide for seasonal highlights, helpful tips, and must-do experiences before you cross the causeway.
Best Times to Visit Antelope Island
Spring and early summer are some of the best times to visit Antelope Island. Wildlife is active, migratory birds move through the Great Salt Lake wetlands, and desert wildflowers can add pops of color across the landscape. Cooler temperatures also make hiking, biking, and picnicking more comfortable before the peak summer heat settles in.
This season can also bring fewer crowds, which means more room to roam, watch wildlife, and soak up the stillness that can only be found on the wild side.
Know Before You Go
Warm-weather visits to Antelope Island can bring seasonal no-see-ums (small gnats), especially in spring and early summer, depending on conditions. Before your visit, check current park updates and come prepared with bug protection, lightweight layers and any other supplies you may need for the season.
Can’t-Miss Island Experiences
Start with the scenic drive across the causeway, then give yourself time to explore the island. Hike Lakeside Trail, take on Frary Peak, visit Fielding Garr Ranch and keep watch for bison, pronghorn, mule deer and birds along the way. If your schedule allows, stay for sunset over the Great Salt Lake or stay after dark to experience the island’s starry night skies.
Tips for Exploring the Island
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, layers and sturdy shoes. Binoculars are also helpful for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Keep a safe distance from bison and other wildlife, and always follow posted park guidance.
Before heading out, check current park hours, entry fees, trail conditions, campground availability and seasonal advisories.
Keep the Adventure Going in Utah’s Amusement Capital
The adventure doesn’t end at the causeway. After exploring Antelope Island, discover even more things to do throughout Davis County, from family attractions and local restaurants to shopping, arts, culture and more outdoor adventure.
