One of the 11 Great Salt Lake Islands.nnAntelope IslandnnAntelope Island is home to one of the largest publicly owned bison herds.  nnLocated in the heart of the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island State Park is an oasis of beauty and adventure. Spanning over 28,000 acres and stretching 15 miles long and 5 miles wide, it is Utah’s largest state park and home to some truly remarkable natural wonders. Though largely surrounded by the salt flats of the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island is teeming with life. From its rocky shorelines to its picturesque prairies and mountains, Antelope Island State Park offers visitors one of the most unique outdoor experiences in all of Utah.
Antelope Island is 25 miles north of Salt Lake City and is the largest of the Great Salt Lake islands. Antelope Island attracts visitors all year but is a summer hot spot. This island has over 30 miles of mountain biking trails, sandy beaches, horseback riding, salty buoyant waters, wildlife, hiking, picnic locations, electric bike rentals, camping, bright star filled night skies and more. nnFEATURED DESTINATIONnnARTICLESnnUTAH MADEnnITINERARIESnnVIDEOSnnEARLY HISTORYnnThe island’s history dates back to the early 1800s when it was home to a band of Shoshone Indians. The band is believed to be descended from Chief Pocatello, who led his tribe across the Great Salt Lake in search of new hunting and fishing grounds. Eventually, white settlers moved into the area and began ranching on the island. In 1893, a group of explorers explored the entire island and named it Antelope Island due to its large population of pronghorn antelope. 
Today, visitors can still experience a piece of this vibrant history during the summer months when a herd of over 500 antelope moves freely throughout the park. It’s an incredible sight to behold!
 nnGEOLOGYnnThe island’s geology is as diverse as its wildlife. The highest peak on the island, Frary Peak, is over 6500 feet above sea level and offers spectacular views of the Great Salt Lake from a bird’s eye view. Most of the island is composed of layers of sedimentary rock that date back to the late Cretaceous period and contain fossils of extinct animals. The rugged shoreline is made up of a mixture of sand, clay, and volcanic rocks that have been smoothed by the waves over thousands of years. nnWILDLIFEnnAntelope Island is home to over 300 species of birds and animals. Some of the more notable species include bison, mountain lions, mule deer, elk, coyotes, badgers, and numerous other mammals.  In addition to these larger animals, visitors can also find a variety of reptiles such as rattlesnakes and lizards. The island is also a great place for bird watching, with bald eagles and peregrine falcons nesting in the cliffs near the shoreline. nn[x_map no_container="true"]PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO ANTELOPE ISLANDnnVisitors to Antelope Island can experience a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, bird watching, camping, boating and fishing. There are also guided tours available for those interested in learning more about the unique history and geology of the island. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen since there is little shade on much of the island. Being 1.5 hours from Salt Lake City and 15 minutes from Syracuse, Utah, you're not that far from other resources, if you need them. nnLODGING / CAMPINGLodging services are available in several nearby communities.  The campground at Antelope Island State Park offers visitors a variety of camping opportunities including RV, tent and group sites. Each site comes equipped with picnic tables, fire rings and access to nearby restrooms. Campers must register with the park before setting up their campsite and are subject to a daily fee that helps support the park’s conservation efforts. nnDINING For those looking for a bite to eat, the island is home to a few restaurants and cafes. The Island Buffalo Grill serves classic American fare including burgers, sandwiches and the Buffalo Burger, which is what they're known for. If you're looking for a place that is within a city, then The Bird in Syracuse, Utah is a great option. It has a variety of options, including salads, sandwiches, and desserts. nnFEES | PERMITSVisitors to Antelope Island must purchase a day permit or an annual pass. Day permits are $15 per vehicle and up to eight people. Annual passes are available for $125 for Utah Residents and $175 for Non-Residents and provide unlimited access to the park for one year. nnSEASONSThe park is open year-round but park hours vary from season to season.  nnPETSPets are allowed on the island but must be kept on a leash at all times and never left unattended. Pets are also not allowed on any of the trails or in the lake or beach areas. Be sure to bring plenty of water for your pet, as well as waste bags to clean up after them. nnTIPSThe Great Salt Lake area is notorious for bugs, plan accordingly. nn[x_image type="none" src="2437:full" alt="" link="false" href="#" title="" target="" info="none" info_place="top" info_trigger="hover" info_content=""]NATIONAL PARKSnnArches nnBryce Canyon nnCanyonlands nnCapitol Reef nnZion National nnGrand Canyon nnGreat Basin nnSee All nnSTATE PARKSnnAntelope Island nnCoral Pink Sand Dunes nnDead Horse Point nnGoblin Valley nnThe Great Salt Lake nnKodachrome Basin nnSnow Canyon nn      All State Parksnn