The last things that people picture when they think of Salt Lake City are a beach and a body of water. It’s a valid observation, given the state’s landlocked location, that the area occasionally feels somewhat level and arid.
Utah has a beach that’s not too far from Salt Lake City. Since the island is surrounded by water, the beach is actually full of immaculate white sand that sparkles in the light.
Antelope Island State Park
| Entrance Fee | $15.00 per vehicle |
| Camping Fee | Starting at $30.00 per night |
| Hours | 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
There are many activities in Antelope Island State area that tourists may never have imagined they could do, yet the area is only 41 miles north of Salt Lake City’s bustle.
The vibe between the two places could not be more different, even though the travel takes just more than an hour and a half. Not surprising, given the comparison between a city of more than 205,000 people and a state park.
In Salt Lake City, there isn’t always enough green space for everyone, with only 735 acres of parks.
But with more than 28,000 acres of land, Antelope Island State Park offers tourists a chance to escape Salt Lake City’s cacophony and pollution while still getting to know the natural world and hiking amid antelope and bison.
Given Antelope Island’s close proximity to Salt Lake City, it is understandable why Antelope Island State Park is the most visited state park in Utah, drawing annual visits from both locals and tourists.
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Reasons: Why Antelope Island State Park Is Utah’s Most Visited?
Some of the best white sand beaches in the country may be found at Antelope Island State Park. This is related to the Great Salt Lake’s salinity, which makes the island glisten with a turquoise blue color.
The salinity is higher than that of the oceans, at about 12%. This makes it effortless for people who desire to be in the water to stay buoyant.
In 2023, Utah’s state parks welcomed nearly 12 million visitors. At 10.6 million, this figure is less than the total number of visitors to the Mighty 5. A large portion of this is related to Utah’s drought ending in 2023.
Antelope Island State Park was the most well-liked of the state parks. Just over 880,000 individuals visited Willard Bay, the park in second place, which was far behind with 936,147 visits.
It’s evident, though, that for people who enjoy sunshine, ocean, and sand, Antelope Island is the only option given everything it has to offer.
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There’s Plenty of Wildlife in Antelope Island State Park, Including Insects
As a wildlife haven, Antelope Island State Park is frequently home to species including bison, bobcats, elk, and coyotes that can be observed in the wild. There’s always a song in the air on the island since there are a lot of birds there.
During this period, biting gnats, often known as ne-see-ums, and mosquitoes are the most common insects to bite. These insects will also target those who are already at risk of being bitten by them in the summer.
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Final Words
Visitors to Salt Lake City can have an unexpected beach experience at Antelope Island State Park, even though it is far from the coast.
The island, with its vast open spaces, an abundance of animals, and breathtaking natural beauty, is just a little over an hour’s drive away and offers a total getaway from the urban environment.
Hikers, campers, and antelope herds that live on the island are among the activities available to visitors. Antelope Island State Park is a must-see for visitors looking for a distinctive and tranquil vacation.
