Plan Your Visit

Antelope Island is open year-round, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and most visitors come for four things: the free-roaming bison and other wildlife, floating in Great Salt Lake at Bridger Bay Beach, hiking or biking more than 45 miles of trails, and the historic Fielding Garr Ranch. Entry is $15 per car. There is no water on the trails and food only at the seasonal Island Buffalo Grill, so bring water and snacks, and in spring (April to June) bring a fine-mesh head net for the biting gnats.

Things to Do at Antelope Island

• Watch bison, pronghorn and bighorn sheep from the park roads (Bison, Wildlife & Birds).
• Float in Great Salt Lake at Bridger Bay Beach, then rinse off in the beach showers.
• Hike or bike more than 45 miles of trails, from the 0.25-mile Ladyfinger Point walk to the Frary Peak summit (Hiking).
• Tour the Fielding Garr Ranch, with Utah's oldest Anglo-built house still on its original foundation.
• See the 3D film Secrets of Great Salt Lake in the Visitor Center theater.
• Ride a horse: bring your own to the equestrian trailheads, or book a guided ride with Rhodes Valley Outfitters.
• Birdwatch from the causeway and the ranch's trees.
• Stargaze in an International Dark Sky Park; star parties and astronomy programs run through the year.
• Camp year-round at Bridger Bay, White Rock Bay, Ladyfinger or the backcountry sites (Camping).
• Paddle: kayaking is on the park's activity list, and the brochure mentions seasonal kayak tours and rentals plus boat rentals and lake cruises by reservation. The main boat ramp is currently closed because of low water.
• Archery: there's a range at the old gravel pit on the north end.
• Join a program: guided hikes, bird walks, Junior Ranger activities and astronomy nights.

A Simple One-Day Plan

1. Morning: cross the causeway early and stop at the Visitor Center for water, a map and a tip on where the bison have been seen.
2. Late morning: walk Buffalo Point or Ladyfinger Point for lake views, or take on Frary Peak if you started at dawn.
3. Lunch: the Island Buffalo Grill at Bridger Bay (March 1 to November 1) or a picnic at the beach pavilion.
4. Afternoon: float at Bridger Bay Beach, then drive the east side road to the Fielding Garr Ranch (open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), watching for bison on the way.
5. Evening: stay for sunset over the lake, and if you're camping, the stars.

When to Go

• Spring (April to June): lambing and calving season, and biting gnats; repellent doesn't work, head nets do. The Buffalo Scaffold / West Side Trail is closed March 10 to May 20 for lambing and calving.
• Summer: beach season. Mosquitoes all summer (repellent works), non-biting midges on the causeway, brine flies at the shoreline. Start hikes early; there's no water on the trails.
• Fall: the bison roundup (Saturday, October 24, 2026) is the island's biggest event (Bison Roundup).
• Winter: open every day but Thanksgiving and Christmas, camping included. Utah State Parks calls winter a great time for night skies, with earlier sunsets. Drones are allowed by permit only in December through February.

What to Bring

• All the water you'll need; refill only at the Visitor Center and Bridger Bay.
• Sun protection.
• A fine-mesh head net in spring.
• Food, or plan on the grill in season. Gas and supplies are 7 to 14 miles east in Davis County.
• A leash no longer than six feet for your dog.

Good to Know

• Rideshare drivers won't pick up from the park; drive or rent a car (Causeway & Directions).
• The lake sometimes smells of rotten eggs on the causeway; it fades on the island.
• Off-highway vehicles aren't allowed on park roads or trails.
• Egg Island and White Rock Island are closed year-round for nesting birds.