Antelope Island

On Antelope Island, https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island/you you can do activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding on trails with breathtaking views. You can also enjoy wildlife viewing, particularly bison, mule deer, and bighorn sheep, as well as birdwatching due to the abundant bird population. Visitors can explore the historic Fielding Garr Ranch, relax on sandy beaches, camp, and take scenic drives across the island to admire the Great Salt Lake scenery. Additionally, guided tours and special events like the annual Bison Roundup are available throughout the year.

Bison round up https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island/bison-roundup/

Camping https://stateparks.utah.gov/activities/camping/

Hiking https://stateparks.utah.gov/activities/hiking/

We made our way across the 7-mile-long causeway and were greeted by the most amazing views as far as the eye could see. The fee to enter the park was $15.

We began our journey at Ladyfinger Point Trail, capturing a few photos. Then, we headed to Buffalo Point Trail, climbed to the top, and enjoyed even more stunning views. We drove along East Side Ranch Road on the island, where numerous bison dotted the hills, allowing us to stop and take some fantastic photos of the herds. Upon arriving at Fielding Garr Ranch, we were pleasantly surprised by its charm. You can explore the old farmhouse, furnished in vintage style, as well as the stables and barn where they used to shear the sheep. We also managed to photograph a resident owl having an afternoon nap in the tree. We really enjoyed strolling this cute ranch and had a very fun day exploring the island.

Where to observe bison

Fielding Garr Ranch: Numerous bison gather around the ranch
Buffalo Point: Bison are visible at Buffalo Point, although small flies are often present
Bridge: Bison can be spotted near the bridge, closer to the bison statues
Trails: Bison are visible along trails, like the Frary Peak trail, which provides views of the Great Salt Lake
Roads: Bison are visible along roads

John Dooly, the primary owner of Antelope Island, acquired several bison for the island. On February 15, 1893, 4 bulls, 4 cows, and 4 calves were transported by boat to the island. These twelve bison formed the basis of what has become one of the nation's oldest and largest publicly owned bison herds.

The bison population has grown and thrived, making Antelope Island one of the most successful conservation stories in North America. Today, the bison population varies between 500 and 700.

Fielding Garr Ranch

Wildlife is abundant on the island. On the day we went, we saw eagles, kestrels, rabbits, antelope, bison, a great horned owl, wrens, gulls, northern harriers, chukar, and coyotes.