2019 Was Antelope Island State Park’s 50th Anniversary

We’re 50! To celebrate the opening of Antelope Island State Park in 1969, we are holding several events throughout the year designed to showcase this incredible state park and the many recreation and scenic opportunities available to the public.
Celebrate With Us!
50 Miles for 50 Years Challenge!
Take the challenge to hike, bike, run or horseback ride on 50 miles of beautiful Antelope Island State Park trails and roads through 2019! You will enjoy breathtaking landscapes, natural wonders, improved fitness, and a chance to win some cool prizes!
Download the 50 Miles for 50 Years Brochure/Log Sheet and hit the trails!
Take a look and see who has become a 50 Mile Champion!
Scavenger Hunt
Explore and search the park far and wide to discover answers to several questions about the park’s past and present, history, wildlife, ecology and more. All areas associated with this scavenger hunt are accessible via car (no hiking required).
Download the clues here, or stop at the Visitor Center to get a copy.
After completing the scavenger hunt, turn your answer sheet in at the Visitor Center to receive a limited Antelope Island 50th Anniversary Commemorative Pin.
A Short History of Antelope Island
It seems people have always loved Antelope Island. Its abundant wildlife, countless recreation opportunities, and unique natural resources have made it a popular destination for thousands of years. Evidence of human activity dates to at least 4,000 BCE. Latter-day Saint pioneers explored the island within weeks of arriving in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Even during the 120+ years that it was private property, people went through a lot of trouble to sneak across the lake for a hike.
Talk and plans to build beach resorts and other tourist destinations on Antelope Island were almost constant through the early 20th Century. In 1969 the north 2,000 acres became a state park, opening beaches and hiking trails for public access. In 1981, the state began managing the entire island, allowing everyone the opportunity to enjoy its beaches, trails, historic sites, and stunning views. Now, 50 years later, we continue to care for this captivating island that means so many different things to so many people.
Antelope Island Through the Years
Night Sky Program Historic Buildings on Beacon Knob Mountain Bikers Bird Festival Bison Load-out Bison Working Installing Interpretive Signs Installing New Internet Tower Bison Roundup the Old Way Causeway during 80s flooding Cowboy Legends Weekend Bison Release – From Custer State Park Dust Storm Across the Lake Causeway Damage from 80s Flooding Interpretive Site Survey Roundup the Old Way Hikers with dog on leash Marina Boat Display Kayaking Tour Fielding Garr Ranch Restoration Survey Ladyfinger Point Campground Ladyfinger Point Campground Installing Tent Site Fielding Garr Ranch – Pre Restoration Installing Fence around Mulberry Trees Mushroom Springs Archaeology Dig Music on the Island Burrowing Owl Banding Fielding Garr Ranch Updates Bighorn Sheep Release – 1990s Pronghorn Release – 1990s Bison Roundup Scouts installing Sentry Kiosk BMX Show During Balloon Stampede Balloon Stampede Balloon Stampede Rock Corral Trail Work Bison Working Visitor Center Display Updates Installing Shade Shelters Visitor Center Construction Visitor Center Grand Opening Visitor Center Volunteers West Side Fire Interview Installation of Park Welcome Sign West Side Fire West Side Fire Bison Working Causeway During the 80s Flooding Fielding Garr Ranch – Pre Restoration Burrowing Owl Banding Installation of Park Welcome Sign 1969 Park Staff of 1988 Horse Barge – 1980s Horse Barge – 1980s Fielding Garr Ranch – 1988