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Antelope Island State Park

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ladyanne47
ladyanne47
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Antelope Island

  • February 22, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by ladyanne47 from Stamford, New York
Antelope Island

Antelope Island State Park is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake, which is the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River, formed by the Ice Age. It is home to free-roaming herds of bison, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and antelope. The bison are the most famous residents of the island. What a thrill it was to see a herd, way off in the distance, grazing in the lightly falling snow. The landscape of the island makes for an amazing backdrop to see this incredible wildlife. I saw them while it was snowing and you could see the snow sticking to their backs—it gave them a mystical look. All I could think of was the "Great White Ghost" bison of folklore and tall yarns of long ago.

It is because of the many fresh water springs on the island, which is in the Great Salt Lake with no inlets of it's own except the melting snows of winter, that makes it a supportive place for wildlife and vegetation. Sort of a life source in the middle of the dead salt lake. I found it interesting that there is no fish or vegetation in the Great Salt Lake itself, only shrimp brine, lava, and flies can survive, which is what draws so many millions of migrating birds.

My visit was in January on a snowy day, so it was an unusual setting of stormy skies and beautiful landscapes that were muted by the fog on the edge of the lake. I saw my first Jack rabbit, with huge long back feet, and also a coyote alone in a deserted field. But the bison was the most dramatic of all, as you can see them in their natural environment.

Fielding Garr established the first permanent residence in 1864, and ever since then it has been a ranch still in operation. Artifacts reveal that people first inhabited the island more than 6,000 years ago. It was first explored by John Fremont and Kit Carson in 1845. Utah State Parks purchased the 2,000 acres of the island in 1969 and it is enjoyed by many people who visit it all year long. I was really impressed by the Visitor's center that showed wonderful films of the history of the island, and the gift shop was full of wonderful wildlife gifts.

I wish I could have seen the island on a clear day, but the winter weather showed us a whole different beauty of the island. We could not see past the edge of the shoreline, which gave it an even more remote feeling of isolation.

The most impressive thing was the 7 mile long narrow causeway that takes you to the island, through the lake, by car. In other seasons it is a haven for hikers, campers, and bikers who enjoy the many trails by foot, car, or bike.

From journal Northeastern Utah in Winter!

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