Fielding Garr Ranch
The Fielding Garr Ranch, on the southeast side of Antelope Island, is home to the oldest Anglo-built house in Utah still standing on its original foundation. Fielding Garr built it in 1848 and 1849, and someone lived in it continuously until 1981, when the land became part of the state park. The ranch buildings are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and you can walk the grounds self-guided outside those hours, all included in the park entrance fee. There is no drinking water at the ranch, so bring your own.
The Ranch at a Glance
Why the Ranch Matters
Utah State Parks gives two reasons the ranch house is distinctive. It was the oldest continually inhabited Anglo home in Utah, lived in from 1848 until 1981, and it is the oldest Anglo-built house in the state still on its original foundation.
A Short History
- 1848: In the fall, Fielding Garr, with Lot Smith and Heber P. Kimball, brings the church's cattle to the island, with help from Daddy Stump, who already lived there.
- 1848–49: Garr builds the ranch house.
- 1849: Garr becomes foreman of the tithing herd for the Perpetual Emigration Fund.
- 1855: Garr dies on June 15 and Briant Stringham takes over.
- 1878–1880: the ranch section is deeded to John Layton, who deeds it to the Davis County Co-op, which sells it to Adam Patterson.
- 1884: John Dooly and Fredrick Meyers organize the Island Improvement Company. William Walker is ranch foreman from 1885 to 1903.
- 1893: the island's first 12 bison arrive, the start of today's herd (Bison).
- 1955: the company becomes the Island Ranching Company; it sells to the Anschutz Corporation in 1972.
- 1981: the State of Utah buys the southern 26,000 acres of the island, and the ranch's run as a lived-in home ends.
- 2000: the Fielding Garr Ranch reopens to the public.
What You'll Find
The brochure describes self-guided tours, exhibits on western ranching history, picnic areas and restrooms, with many amenities accessible to visitors with disabilities. Special events are scheduled in summer and on holidays. The trees around the ranch are one of the island's best birding spots: Utah State Parks lists Bullock's orioles, western tanagers and yellow-rumped warblers here, rufous hummingbirds when flowers bloom in August and September, and barn swallows nesting inside the sheep barn (Wildlife & Birds).
Getting There
Drive across the causeway and turn south on the east side road, which follows the island's eastern shore past the Frary Peak trailhead to the ranch. The ranch is at the far end; south of it, the island has only the South Island Trail and no facilities. The 11.4-mile Mountain View Trail also connects the north end to the ranch for hikers, bikers and riders (Trail Map).
Trails and Horses at the Ranch
The ranch trailhead has a hitching rail and starts the Sentry Loop (5.6 miles) and the South Island Trail (4 miles), and it is the southern end of the Buffalo Scaffold / West Side Trail, closed March 10 to May 20 (Hiking).
Roundup Day
Every October the bison roundup begins here: riders leave the ranch at 9 a.m. and push the herd north. Vehicle access on the east side road is limited that day (Bison Roundup).
Fielding Garr Ranch FAQ
What is the Fielding Garr Ranch?
A historic ranch on Antelope Island's southeast side whose 1848 ranch house is the oldest Anglo-built house in Utah still on its original foundation. It was lived in continuously until 1981.
What are the Fielding Garr Ranch hours?
The buildings are open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and visitors can walk the grounds self-guided outside those hours, during the park's 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. opening.
Does it cost extra to visit the Fielding Garr Ranch?
No. Utah State Parks lists no separate ranch fee; the visit is covered by the park entrance fee.
Is there water at the Fielding Garr Ranch?
No drinking water is available at the ranch. Fill up at the Visitor Center or Bridger Bay Beach first.
How do you get to the Fielding Garr Ranch?
Cross the Davis County Causeway, then take the east side road south along the island's east shore to its end at the ranch.