With More Than 28,000 Acres To Explore, One Of Utah’s Largest State Parks Is Worthy Of A Multi-Day Adventure
By Courtnie Erickson|Published July 22, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Utah is home to some of the best parks in the entire country. However, many people tend to focus on the national parks in the Beehive State and many of our great state parks are often overlooked. Antelope Island State Park, for example, is one of the largest state parks in Utah and offers a little something for everyone. With so much to discover and explore in this state park, there is no reason it should ever be overlooked and it is actually worthy of a multi-day adventure.
Antelope Island State Park is not only one of the best state parks in Utah, but it is also one of the largest. Located within the Great Salt Lake, there are more than 28,000 acres to explore.
Antelope Island is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake. To reach this extraordinary piece of land, you will drive on a 7.2-mile causeway that can be found west of I-15 near Layton.
If you have never visited this state park in Utah, you may not know where to start. However, we suggest stopping by the visitor center to learn all you can about this unique area, the wildlife that calls it home, and its many trails.
One easy and short trail within this state park is the Buffalo Point Trail. This is a 1-mile out-and-back trail that gives you gorgeous views of the lake and island.
No matter what trail you explore or where you are on the island, keep your eyes out for wildlife. Antelope Island is known for being home to all types of wildlife including bighorn sheep, pronghorn, mule deer, and more. But, some of the most popular residents are the free-ranging bison.
In the late 1890s, twelve bison were brought to the island. Today, the herd has expanded to nearly 700 of these majestic creatures.
You can also spend time at the historic Fielding Garr Ranch. Fielding Garr established the first permanent residence on the island in 1848. This historic home is the oldest Anglo-built structure that still sits on its original foundation in Utah.
You can stay on the island for multiple days by setting up camp. Antelope Island State Park offers multiple campgrounds. Most campsites are tent-only but some campgrounds offer RV sites.
Just make sure that regardless of where you stay, you take the time to look up at the night sky. Antelope Island State Park is an International Dark Sky Park where you can capture some of the most incredible star shows.
So, the next time you are searching for a weekend or multi-day adventure, head to Antelope Island, one of the largest state parks in Utah.
Have you been to this state park in Utah? If so, what did you do during your stay? Let us know in the comments! And for more information on this park, including current conditions, visit the Utah State Parks website.
Did you know that Antelope Island is where you can catch some of the most beautiful sunsets in Utah? Check out these sunset pictures that were each captured within this remarkable state park.
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