Many international travelers dream of seeing Yellowstone National Park, but along the way, Utah offers one of its most stunning hidden treasures — Antelope Island State Park, located in Davis County, Utah, just north of Salt Lake City.

If you’re flying into Salt Lake City International Airport and driving north toward Yellowstone, make sure to include Antelope Island in your Utah road trip itinerary. It’s the perfect stop to experience the Great Salt Lake, see free-roaming bison herds, and enjoy unforgettable Utah sunsets.

Why International Travelers Love Antelope Island

Many international guests say Antelope Island was their favorite unplanned stop between Salt Lake City and Yellowstone.

• Wildlife Viewing in Utah: Antelope Island is home to more than 700 free-roaming bison, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, coyotes, and over 250 species of birds. Many visitors call it a “mini safari in Utah.”
  
• Utah’s Great Salt Lake: The island is surrounded by the famous Great Salt Lake, creating stunning reflections at sunrise and sunset.
  
• Hiking and Outdoor Adventures: Trails like Buffalo Point and Frary Peak showcase some of the best hiking near Salt Lake City.
  
• Dark Sky Park: After sunset, Antelope Island transforms into one of the best stargazing locations in Utah, certified as an International Dark Sky Park.
  

Pro Tip: . Biting gnats (no-see-ums) typically hatch in early April, or once the weather hits 60 degrees, and stay active until June. Insect repellent is ineffective, so if you plan on hiking or exploring, fine mesh head nets are highly recommended. We strongly recommend checking the Current Conditions before you visit!

Where to Stay Near Antelope Island

Whether you want to camp under the stars or stay in comfort before driving north, Davis County offers great lodging options:

Stay On the Island

• Antelope Island Cottages: Perfect for travelers who want more comfort than a tent. Each cottage includes beds, electricity, a kitchenette, and lake views.
  
• Bridger Bay Campground: Popular with RV travelers driving from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone. Offers showers and some hookups.
  
• White Rock Bay & Ladyfinger Campgrounds: More primitive camping for those seeking solitude.
  

Stay Off the Island

• Hotels in Layton, Clearfield, and Syracuse: Modern hotels with international brands like Hilton, Best Western, and Marriott, all within a short drive of the park entrance.
  
• Station Park in Farmington: A vibrant shopping and dining area with hotels nearby, perfect for families adjusting to jet lag before a longer drive.
  

Food & Dining in Davis County

• Stop in Syracuse, Utah (the gateway city to Antelope Island) for local favorites like Waffle Stop and Authentic Salvadorean Cafe (our staff’s fav), The Bird (chicken tenders) or Pizza Factory.
  
• Pick up food to go and enjoy a sunset picnic on Antelope Island.
  
• For international visitors missing a taste of home, Layton offers a variety of Asian, Latin American, and European restaurants.
  

Adventure & Activities for International Visitors

There’s more than one way to explore Antelope Island:

• Scenic Drive: Cross the Antelope Island Causeway and enjoy lake views. Great for those on a tight schedule.
  
• Cycling & E-Bike Tours: Rent e-bikes in Syracuse and pedal across the causeway for a unique adventure.
  
• Horseback Riding: Outfitters like Rhodes Valley Outfitters offer guided horseback rides for a true Western experience.
  
• Hiking Trails: Short, easy walks like Buffalo Point or longer hikes to Frary Peak give you iconic views of the Great Salt Lake.
  

Antelope Island: The Perfect Stop Between Salt Lake City & Yellowstone

If you’re flying into Salt Lake City International Airport, Antelope Island is only 25 minutes away — making it the ideal first stop before you head north to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, or beyond.

Adding Davis County and Antelope Island to your itinerary means:

• A gentle first stop after a long international flight.
  
• A memorable Utah experience that most tourists skip.
  
• The chance to connect with Utah’s unique landscapes and culture before your longer journey.
  

Our Invitation

Wherever you’re from — Europe, Asia, South America, or our Canadian neighbors — welcome to Davis County. Welcome to Antelope Island.

We invite you to take a moment to slow down and see why this place means so much to us. Whether you’re marveling at a bison herd, sharing a sunset picnic, or simply driving across the glittering causeway, we hope your time here leaves you with memories that carry all the way to Yellowstone… and back home.

Because the world may bring you to Yellowstone, but Utah’s Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island are here to say hello first.