Antelope Island State
Park, the largest island in the Great Salt Lake, is
home to a roaming herd of 500 bison. Pronghorn and
bighorn sheep also share the rangelands that
overlook the desert lake. Opportunities to view
wildlife are available on backcountry trails, which
are open to horseback riding, mountain biking,
hiking and cross-country skiing. A visitor center
offers information on the island's unique biology,
geology and history.
Views
of the the Great Salt Lake, standing on the Antelope Island State Park
beach.
Taken
By Utah Outdoor Activities
Park
History:
Artifacts reveal prehistoric people inhabited the island more than
6,000 years ago. John C. Fremont and Kit Carson made the first known
Anglo exploration of Antelope Island in 1845. They named the island
after observing several antelope grazing on the rangelands. Fielding
Garr established the first permanent residence in 1848.
Antelope Island has been inhabited since then, and is home to Utah's
oldest Anglo-built structure still standing on its existing
foundation. The historic Fielding
Garr Ranch represents 135 years of western ranching
history. Utah State Parks purchased the northern 2,000 acres of the
island in 1969, and the remainder in 1981.
Picture
of the Fielding Garr Ranch House
Taken
By Utah Outdoor Activities
Wildlife:
American bison are the island's most famous residents. Twelve
animals were brought to the island in 1893; the foundation for today's
herd of 500 to 700. An annual roundup is held each fall to assess
the health of the herd and sell extra animals. In addition to large
mammals, the island is home to bobcats, coyotes, reptiles, shore birds,
waterfowl, raptors and chukars.
Getting There
To reach Antelope Island, take I-15 to exit 335 (Syracuse/Freeport
Center). Travel west nine miles
west on Antelope Drive to the entrance gate.
For updated information
regarding facilities for the physically challenged, contact the
park.
Antelope Island State
Park
4528 West 1700 South
Syracuse, Utah 84075-6868
(801) 773-2941
