Utah State Parks Spring Celebrations – 2023

Say hello to spring and goodbye to those winter blues with Utah State Parks! It’s the perfect season to get outside and enjoy some fun in the sun. Plenty of exciting events and activities are lined up for you, your friends, and your family. 

Hike, camp, or just relax and take in the stunning scenery! And the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Scattered across the state are incredible adventures like sunset hikes and stargazing parties. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of Utah’s night sky. 

And don’t forget to look out for our furry friend who might be hiding Easter eggs at some of our parks. 

You never know what surprises you might find! There’s so much to discover at Utah State Parks this spring. Don’t miss out on the fun!

​​Check this page regularly for new updates!

APRIL

Antelope Island State Park
OAS Star Party
April 29, 6:00 PM, White Rock Bay Trailhead

Join the Ogden Astronomical Society for an evening of sun and star gazing. Safely look at our sun through telescopes, then distant objects in our universe after sunset. This is a public, come-and-go-as-you-wish event.  For more information about the Ogden Astronomical Society, visit http://ogdenastronomy.org/

There is no fee for this program – regular park entry fees do apply.  Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions. Park Impacts: None

Camp Floyd State Park
Artisan Day
April 29, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Join us for Camp Floyd State Park’s Artisan Day and learn from the artisans as they demonstrate their skills from 10:00 – 4:00 PM. Learn about the history of the sheep industry in Fairfield and the importance of the wool industry to Utah’s economy. Museum entrance fees of $5 per person or $15 per family (immediate family only) apply. Food will be available to purchase at the event. For more information please call (801) 768-8932 or email campfloyd@utah.gov.

Fremont Indian State Park & Museum
Sagebrush Gallery Art at the Museum Show
April 29, 2:00 – 6:00 PM – Museum Gallery

Meet the artists and enjoy their work at the Sagebrush Gallery Art at the Museum Show! You can also purchase some of the beautiful artwork on display. Refreshments will be served.

MAY

Sand Hollow State Park
Iron Man
May 4 – 6

The park will be hosting the 2023 Ironman 70.3 Competition. The athlete bike drop off will take place on Friday, May 5th. The competition will be on Saturday, May 6th. All campgrounds will be closed from May 4th – May 6th. A full park closure will be in effect May 5th – May 6th. Professional athletes from various countries will be pushing their limits for this triathlon.

https://www.ironman.com/races

Sand Hollow State Park
Rally on the Rocks
May 8 – 14

SxS come in for a guided event at the beautiful Sand Mountain. Camping will be limited on the east side of the lake. OHV will be inaccessible, for any day use coming into the park to ride on the dunes, please plan to park at Sand Hollow State Park’s concession parking lot.

https://sxsadventurerally.com

Camp Floyd State Park
Lantern Tours
May 12, 9:00 PM

Imagine exploring Camp Floyd in the dark, with only a lantern to guide you. Join our park staff at 9:00 PM and discover the secrets of the Commissary, the Schoolhouse, and the Stagecoach Inn after they close. Don’t forget your flashlight for this thrilling night adventure! This program will be limited to 40 people and requires reservations. Admission fees are $10 per person.

Fremont Indian State Park & Museum
The Ins and Outs of Archaeological Sites Program & Guided Hike
May 13, 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM – Museum

Learn about the history and secrets of archaeological sites at Fremont Indian State Park & Museum. Join us for a program and a guided hike to explore and learn about the area. 

The program and hike will be offered twice, at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Meet at the museum and wear sturdy shoes.

Palisade State Park
10th Annual Fishing Tournament
May 14, 7:00 AM – Pioneer Group Site

You don’t want to miss this event! More than $1500 in prizes will be awarded. The largest measured fish will be the winner. We will have prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd plus additional prizes. Every participant must check in before fishing.

Check-in will be from 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM at the Pioneer Group site. The tournament will start at 7:00 AM and will end at 2:00 PM. Awards and prizes will be given out at 2:30 PM.

To register, call: (435) 835-6676, Mon-Fri 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. For more information, click here.

Antelope Island State Park
OAS Star Party
May 20, 6:00 PM – White Rock Bay Trailhead

Join the Ogden Astronomical Society for an evening of sun and star gazing.  Safely look at our sun through telescopes, then distant objects in our universe after sunset.  This is a public, come-and-go-as-you-wish event.  For more information about the Ogden Astronomical Society, visit http://ogdenastronomy.org/

There is no fee for this program – regular park entry fees do apply.  Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions. Park Impacts: None

Great Salt Lake State Park
National Kids to Parks Day
May 20, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

It’s National Kids to Parks Day! Enjoy a day out at Great Salt Lake State Park. We will be hosting family-friendly events from 10 AM – 2 PM. While the event is free, we do still ask that everyone pay the park entry fee.

*Please make sure to go to the Great Salt Lake State Park in Magna, UT (Exit 104 off of I80). This event is NOT at Antelope Island State Park*

Camp Floyd State Park
Johnston’s Army Encampment
May 27 & 29, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Travel back in time to the 1850s and join us for Johnston’s Army Encampment at Camp Floyd State Park on Memorial Day Weekend. Experience the life of a soldier or a civilian during the Utah War. Watch musket and cannon demonstrations, learn military drills, play historic games, and tour the museum and the Stagecoach Inn. Enjoy food and fun for the whole family!  Admission is $5 per person or $15 per family (immediate family only). For more information, call (801) 768-8932 or email campfloyd@utah.gov.

Fremont Indian State Park & Museum
Scorpions & Stars Program
May 27, 9:00 PM – Museum Parking Lot

Discover the nocturnal creatures and constellations of Fremont Indian State Park & Museum. Join us for a Scorpions & Stars Program in the museum parking lot at 9:00 PM. We will use black lights to find scorpions and telescopes to view the night sky. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight.