30 June 2020
Full Day at Antelope Island State Park
Antelope Island State Park is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake and covers 42 square miles. Antelope Island is so vast, that you could spend the entire day on the Island and still not see or do everything. To help you maximize your adventure, we’ve broken down the perfect day on the island into a morning, afternoon, and evening itinerary—complete with tips on where to eat, what to do, and where to stay.
Timing is everything on the island. Whether you want to catch the first golden rays hitting the Wasatch Mountains or witness the legendary glassy reflection of a Great Salt Lake sunset, use this general guide to plan your day.
🏔️ Antelope Island Sun Tracker
Sunrise Today
Loading…
Sunset Today
Loading…
Pro-Tip: Because exact times shift daily, always check your smartphone’s weather app before heading across the causeway. The park gates open daily at 6:00 AM!
☀️ Morning: Wildlife, Wheels, & Education
6:00 AM – 8:30 AM | Early Bird Exploration
Drive across the scenic 7-mile causeway right as the gates open. Early morning is the absolute best time to spot the island’s famous residents before the heat sets in. Keep your eyes peeled for Utah’s largest free-roaming bison herd, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and bighorn sheep.
9:00 AM | Stop by the Visitor Center
Before diving into your outdoor activities, make your first stop the brand-new, completely renovated Visitor and Learning Center, a state-of-the-art facility featuring massive floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows overlooking the lake. The crown jewel of this incredible expansion is the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Theater, a 200-seat 3D Giant Screen Theater showcasing an immersive nature documentary that takes you from the ancient Ice Age to modern conservation efforts. Beyond the cinema, the center is packed with hands-on, interactive exhibits highlighting the island’s unique geology, indigenous histories, and dark sky preservation, alongside a vastly expanded gift shop perfect for grabbing local souvenirs and park gear before you hit the trails.
10:00 AM | Hit the Trails on an E-Bike
Cruising the island’s paved and dirt roads is an incredible experience, and electric bikes make it accessible for everyone. Ebike rentals are available just outside the park in Syracuse, Farmington, and Bountiful. We recommend Pronghorn Bicycles, Biker’s Edge, or Great Western E-bikes.
🍔 Midday Fuel-Up
12:30 PM | Lunch at Island Buffalo Grill
After working up an appetite, make your way over to Bridger Bay Beach. The Island Buffalo Grill operates seasonally (typically March 1st through November 1st) and serves up the best authentic buffalo burgers around.
Before you head to the grill, check for updates on their hours of operation on their Facebook page, as they may vary due to weather conditions or food supply.
🏊 Afternoon: History, Floating, & Trail Adventures
2:00 PM | Step Back in Time at Fielding Garr Ranch
After lunch, take the scenic drive down to the southern tip of the island to visit the historic Fielding Garr Ranch (open daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Established in 1848, this is the oldest continuously inhabited Anglo-traveler site in Utah. It’s an absolute treasure trove of Western history where you can walk through an authentic 19th-century farmhouse, explore an 1880s blacksmith shop, and check out vintage farm equipment in the massive barn. Families love ringing the old ranch bell and trying their hand at roping the wooden cattle.
The Great Salt Lake is world-renowned for its high salinity, which averages about 12%, making it far saltier than the ocean! This extreme salt content makes the water incredibly buoyant. You can literally sit back and float effortlessly. Bridger Bay offers a wide, sandy beach with playground areas and, crucially, shower facilities to rinse the salt off afterward.
3:30 PM | Choose Your Adventure: Water vs. Land
Option A: The Ultimate Great Salt Lake Float & Paddle Head back north to Bridger Bay to experience the lake’s world-renowned high salinity (averaging about 12%!). The water is so buoyant you can literally sit back and float effortlessly. Afterward, wash off at the beach’s freshwater showers, or grab a kayak or paddleboard to explore the glassy water.
Since there are no on-site rentals, make sure to pick up gear on your way to the island from local shops. Check out these places for your aquatic adventure needs:
- H3O Rentals in Bountiful, Farmington and Kaysville
- Ashely’s Water Toy Rentals in Centerville
- Green Adventure Sport Rentals in West Point
Option B: Backcountry Horseback Riding
Prefer land to water? Take a trip back in time down at the historic Fielding Garr Ranch on the south end of the island. Guided horseback trail rides are available through Rhodes Valley Outfitters. Their experienced wranglers and gentle horses will guide you through the island’s backcountry trails regardless of your riding experience.
🌌 Evening: Sunsets & Stargazing
7:30 PM | Catch the Sunset at Buffalo Point
As evening approaches, hike or drive up to Buffalo Point. The panoramic views of the sun dipping below the lake’s horizon, reflecting brilliant oranges, pinks, and purples across the water, are world-class.
9:00 PM | Experience a Certified Dark Sky
Stick around after dark! In recognition of its pristine night skies and preservation efforts, the park is officially designated as an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International (formerly known as the IDA).
- Dark Sky Photography – A growing number of photographers are discovering night sky photography at Antelope Island State Park.
- Astronomy Programs – Throughout the year, park staff offers public astronomy programs incorporating indoor discussions and outdoor night sky observations.
- Star-gazing – Bring your family and spend the evening gazing up at the night sky.
⛺ Where to Stay
If a single day isn’t enough, Antelope Island has expanded its camping options significantly, boasting over 80 individual sites across several campgrounds. Reservations are highly recommended and must be made at least 48 hours in advance via the Utah State Parks reservation portal.
