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Antelope Island's 28,000 acres makes it the largest of the ten islands in the Great Salt Lake, itself but a small remnant of prehistoric Lake Bonneville, which once covered 20,000 square miles of land in what is now Utah, Nevada and Idaho. Elevation ranges from 4200 feet at lake level, to 6500 feet on Frary Peak. Access to the island is via a seven mile causeway. Facilities on the island include a visitor center, modern rest rooms, showers, beach, picnic area, developed campgrounds, and marina. Antelope Island was first settled in 1848 by Fielding Garr. He soon began to raise horses that were traded, two tired horses for one fresh horse, to travelers on their way to Oregon or California. Ownership changed hands several times before being acquired by Utah State Parks and Recreation. Two thousand acres were purchased in 1969, and the balance in 1981.  Although Antelope were once extirpated they have been reintroduced and there is now a stable population on the island. The free roaming American Bison herd numbers about 600 animals. Other animals that call the island home are Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Coyotes, Bobcats, and numerous species of small mammals and birds. The concentrations of waterfowl in spring and fall can be staggering.  1537E 2750N Ogden, Utah 84414-2531 (801) 782-4946 info@randghorseandwagon.com |
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Antelope Island