Seven miles from shore in the middle of the Great Salt Lake sits Antelope Island. Home to various wildlife and a 600 head American bison herd, the park offers plenty of wildlife observation opportunities. In addition to the bison, the island also serves as home to antelope, bobcat, elk, and many varities of birds and waterfowl.
Most popular is the herd of bison that often greet visitors as they drive off the causeway through the lake and onto the island. Visitors can stop their cars along the road, and carefully watch the bison, often less than ten feet away. While visitors should observe the warnings to not approach the bison, many capture memorable photographs and video clips through their car windows.
There is a compound toward the back of the island where the resident caretakers count, check, and innoculate the bison herd. Once each year, all bison are rounded up and herded to the complex. There are usually a few bison in the compound year round for observation.
The park has an excellent visitors' center and museum that tells visitors about all of the various wildlife living on the island, as well as the history of the bison herd.
Plan to spend 3-4 hours driving over, taking slow drives around the island, then visiting the park center. Cost is $7 per vehicle, or $3 for cyclists and walk-ins.