Travel: Antelope Island State Park, Utah

In the middle of the Great Salt Lake is a massive island, called Antelope Island.  It is approximately 42 square miles of rugged terrain, teaming with wildlife.  That's pretty much all there is to it, but if you have a desire to hike, jog, bicycle, take photos, or sail a boat in a place with unique natural beauty, this island offers plenty to full up a day.

From the I-15 off of exit 332, you can follow Antelope Drive (SR-108) west until you reach a seven-mile causeway.  There is a booth at the beginning of the causeway to purchase an entry ticket (for a single car, it was $10, but other prices apply to different circumstances).  The causeway itself offers some intriguing views of the Great Salt Lake; whether it's a clear day or a cloudy day, the lake naturally produces a clear reflection of the sky and mountains, making each view consistently captivating.  You can also expect to see plenty of birds of varying types in the water, and all around the island itself.

On the island, there are a few different sights that can be reached.  There is a ranch on one side, containing a number of antiques and decrepit equipment, all set up as an exhibit.  It may be of interest if you wanted to see what it would be like to live and work on such a ranch.  I'm not clear as to whether the place is still active, for I did see horses in the area.  On another side of the island, there is a visitor's center that contains exhibits and a gift shop.

For the most part, the island is just a wide-open stretch of fields, with a few tall and rugged hills and mounds.  There are rock formations and stones littering much of the island, and a lot of dry vegetation.  In this setting, it is a common sight to see birds, deer, antelope, and bison roaming freely on the terrain.  The island is especially noteworthy for its bison herds; they were introduced to the island over a hundred years ago, and there are currently 600 of the rare beasts thriving on the land.  There are likely to be oodles of other unique creatures to be spotted, including eagles, bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, and more.

Naturally, the island offers a pleasant experience for photographing the natural landscapes and animals.  There are also paths all over the island for bicyclists, hikers, and joggers, all of which are common activities there.  There are paved and dirt roads that encompass the island, for those who just want a quick drive around.  There are beaches along certain edges of the island.  Camping, boating, nature watching, picnicking, and even skiing are possible.  There are hardly any structures on the island, offering no place for lodging and food; it is most advisable to come prepared with your own water and provisions.

I spent about four hours on the island, just driving around and taking photos whenever I could.  Whether driving, biking, or hiking, it is a requisite to remain on the roads and paths at all times; park authorities will not tolerate people wandering from the paths into the open environment.  Part of this is to preserve the land and animals, but also for personal safety.  I visited the ranch, the visitor's center, and stopped frequently to find good views of the hills, beaches, and the Great Salt Lake.  Even on a highly windy day with a lot of clouds, the scenery was gorgeous, and the wildlife was worth seeing.

I'd say that the park is worth seeing at least once for the casual visitor, but would be an ideal location for those who want to recreate in a pure, rugged outdoor setting.