Interpretive Programs and Special Events
2024 Events
Roadside Discovery
Stop and say “hi” whenever you see our Roadside Discovery banner throughout the park. We’re checking out often overlooked creatures and features of Antelope Island.
July 6
UMFA in the Wild: Antelope Island State Park | Paint a Nightscape
Saturday July 6 | 1 pm | Buffalo Point Deck
Join the UMFA in Utah’s amazing wilderness to study the landscape and learn how to transform it into a nightscape. We will learn how artists and scientists see the night and then make our own nightscapes using drawing materials and paint.
There is no fee for this event. Regular park entry fees apply. If you have questions please contact tackley@utah.gov or u0110103@umail.utah.edu
Park Impacts: None
July 12
Is Fielding Garr Ranch Haunted?
***REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED***
Meet at Fielding Garr Ranch and learn about methods used to detect unexplained things, hear stories and reported experiences. After the presentation and safety guidelines you will be allowed to wander through the buildings looking for evidence of visitors from beyond the grave. The event is free with your park entrance fee. Space is limited – Registration is required. Contact antelopeislandranch@utah.gov with questions or to reserve your spot.
Park Impacts: None
July 13
BUILT WILD®DAYS
Marina 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Bronco Wild Fund (BWF) and local Ford dealers invite everyone to BUILT WILD® DAYS at America’s State Parks®. Discover adventure at Antelope Island State Park and find excitement in the great outdoors. At BUILT WILD®DAYS, learn and be a part of what Bronco Wild Fund is doing to help increase access, stewardship, and preservation of our public lands.
BUILT WILD®DAYS offer a day of free, outdoor fun for the whole family from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Join us for recreation, games, food, a project to support your local state park – and to experience the Ford Bronco®. Activities include picnicking, wildlife viewing, kids horse rides, hiking, access to Great Salt Lake, and history tours at Fielding Garr Ranch.
Visit BWFEvents.com to register now!
July 21
Never Have I Ever: Kayaked
9:00am Antelope Island Marina
**REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED**
Interested in kayaking but don’t know where to start? We will help you dip your toe in (or stay completely dry) with all of the gear and instruction you need. This program is introductory for those with no kayaking experience. Experienced kayakers are encouraged to join us for an upcoming tour or launch from our marina any time. Registration is required. Email tackley@utah.gov with any questions and to register. Gear is limited.
Park Impacts: None
July 26
Scorpion Safari
Visitor Center 8:30pm
Join us for a brief introduction and discuss about our northern scorpions. From here we will caravan to Bridger Bay Beach for our search for this elusive arachnid. Several UV/Black Lights are available to borrow FCFS. For a guaranteed light please bring your own.
There is no fee for this activity – park entry fees still apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any quesitons.
Park Impacts: None
July 27
Antelope Island Spider Fest
Spiders are abundant around Great Salt Lake in the summer! Come celebrate them at this fun annual event. There will be walking field trips, food vendors, information booths and fun activities.
This is a family and leashed-dog friendly event. There is no fee for the event but regular park entry fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.
Park Impacts: Additional traffic around the Antelope Island Marina
August 2
Never Have I Ever: Built a Campfire
7:00pm Lakeside Group Campsite
Building a campfire can be daunting if you’ve never tried. Join us at 7:00pm for fire building instruction and practice. Afterward we’ll roast marshmallows!
There is no fee for this program – regular day use fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov
Park Impacts: None
August 9
Is Fielding Garr Ranch Haunted?
***REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED***
Meet at Fielding Garr Ranch and learn about methods used to detect unexplained things, hear stories and reported experiences. After the presentation and safety guidelines you will be allowed to wander through the buildings looking for evidence of visitors from beyond the grave. The event is free with your park entrance fee. Space is limited – Registration is required. Contact antelopeislandranch@utah.gov with questions or to reserve your spot.
Park Impacts: None
August 10
Star Party with Ogden Astronomical Society
Join OAS at the White Rock Bay / Back Country Trailhead starting at 7:00pm for (safe) solar viewing through telescopes. After dark scopes will be switched for night sky viewing. This is an open, come and go as you wish event. For more information about our hosts, visit https://www.ogden-astronomy.org/
There is no fee for this event. Regular park entry fees apply. If you have questions please contact tackley@utah.gov
Park Impacts: Increased evening traffic in White Rock Bay
August 31
UMFA in the Wild: Antelope Island State Park | Watercolor Landscapes
Saturday August 31 | 1 pm | Buffalo Point Deck
Join the UMFA in Utah’s amazing wilderness to try your hand at painting the landscape en plein air with watercolors. We will get inspiration from artists in the new exhibition at the UMFA called Blue Grass Green Skies. Then we will try some special techniques to make our landscape.
There is no fee for this event. Regular park entry fees apply. If you have questions please contact tackley@utah.gov or u0110103@umail.utah.edu
Park Impacts: None
September 7
Star Party with Ogden Astronomical Society
Join OAS at the White Rock Bay / Back Country Trailhead starting at 6:00pm for (safe) solar viewing through telescopes. After dark scopes will be switched for night sky viewing. This is an open, come and go as you wish event. For more information about our hosts, visit https://www.ogden-astronomy.org/
There is no fee for this event. Regular park entry fees apply. If you have questions please contact tackley@utah.gov
Park Impacts: Increased evening traffic in White Rock Bay
October 12
Star Party with Ogden Astronomical Society
Join OAS at the White Rock Bay / Back Country Trailhead starting at 6:00pm for (safe) solar viewing through telescopes. After dark scopes will be switched for night sky viewing. This is an open, come and go as you wish event. For more information about our hosts, visit https://www.ogden-astronomy.org/
There is no fee for this event. If you have questions please contact tackley@utah.gov
Park Impacts: Increased evening traffic in White Rock Bay
October 26
2024 Annual Bison Roundup
Spectators, come and watch over 200 riders on horseback round up the island’s 750 bison during the annual bison roundup. The roundup is an important part of the bison and island management.
Park Impacts: Increased traffic on roadways. All trails but Buffalo Point, Ladyfinger Point and Lakeside Loop will be closed.
Roundup Watch Party / Exposition
Join us in White Rock Bay starting at 10:00 am to watch the team of riders make the final push leading bison into the corrals. We’ll have food, games and fun activities for families. Bring cash – some vendors may not be able to accept credit.
Vendors and community partners, and anyone with questions should contact tackley@utah.gov
October 29-31
Working of the Bison
Join us at the bison corrals for an up-close (and safe) opportunity to see bison, and learn how and why they are managed.
Educators and group organizers: Group tours must be scheduled in advance and cannot be guaranteed otherwise. Contact tackley@utah.gov for more information.
Park Impacts: None
*Come back often for updates on more events and activities.