Interpretive Programs and Special 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.

Every Wednesday at 9:00am
Bird Walk at Fielding Garr Ranch
Meet at the picnic area at Fielding Garr Ranch. We’ll walk through the property’s densely populated wetland in search of your bucket-list bird. Binoculars are available to borrow for this event.
There is no additional charge for this activity – regular park entry fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.
Park Impacts: None

2026 Events

March 7
1:00pm Island Buffalo Grill Pavilion
Great Salt Lake is Wonder-Full
What comes to mind when you think of Great Salt Lake? Join us for a walk across Bridger Bay Beach while we discuss what makes her stinky, buggy and full of wonder. Leashed dogs are welcome on this walk – please plan to carry out their waste. There are no additional fees for this activity – regular park entry fees apply. Questions? Contact tackley@utah.gov
Park Impacts: None

April 1
Don’t Be Fooled Sunset Hike
7:30pm Gravel Pit Trail
Join us for a 1-mile hike to the ridge above the Gravel Pit to watch the sun set over Great Salt Lake and the full moon rise over the Wasatch Mountains. Along the way, we will tell our favorite myths and tall tales that we’ve heard about Antelope Island and Great Salt Lake. This is a family and leashed-dog-friendly trail. Plan to pack out your pet’s waste.
There is no fee for this program – regular park entry fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.
Park Impacts: None

April 11
Starting at 6:00pm
Public Star Party
Join members of Ogden Astronomical Society in White Rock Bay for an evening of stargazing with telescopes. We’ll start the evening by looking at our star, the sun, through solar-filtered telescopes. After dark, volunteers will switch to equipment to view distant planets and other deep-space objects.
There is no fee for this activity – regular park entry fees apply. Answers to common questions can be found at OAS’s website. You’re welcome to contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions as well.
Park Impacts: Altered traffic flow, please follow signs for PUBLIC STAR PARTY.

April 13-19
International Dark Sky Week
Join us for a week-long celebration for dark skies and all that live under them! Check back soon for a list of events. Information on the International Dark Sky Association and Dark Sky Week can be found at https://idsw.darksky.org/.
There are no fees for these programs and activities. Regular park entry fees apply.
Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.
Park Impacts: None

April 14-15
Annual Shed Hunt
Registration begins March 1, 2026 at 8:00am. REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON…
Join us for our Annual Shed Hunt and enjoy a great opportunity to explore the outdoors while searching for naturally shed antlers. This popular event fills quickly, so be sure to review the details below and complete your registration no later than March 20, 2026.
East Side
📅 Tuesday, April 14

West Side
📅 Wednesday, April 15

75 participants per day
$10.00 Non-Refundable Registration is required to be entered into the lottery draw.
Each registration may include one (1) plus-one guest.
If you’d like to attend both days, please register for each day independently.

Registration Information
Due to high interest and limited capacity, participants will be selected through a lottery draw from all completed registrations. Be sure to submit your registration before Registration ends March 20th. Selected participants will be notified via email with additional event details.
Extra Details:
-Foot and horse travel only-no bikes are allowed for this event
-Leashed and well behaved dogs are welcome
-Drone use is not allowed
–Orientation meeting is required. Time: 5:00 a.m. Location: Front Gate of Antelope Island State Park

May 9
Starting at 6:00pm
Public Star Party
Join members of Ogden Astronomical Society in White Rock Bay for an evening of stargazing with telescopes. We’ll start the evening by looking at our star, the sun, through solar-filtered telescopes. After dark, volunteers will switch to equipment to view distant planets and other deep-space objects.
There is no fee for this activity – regular park entry fees apply. Answers to common questions can be found at OAS’s website. You’re welcome to contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions as well.
Park Impacts: Altered traffic flow, please follow signs for PUBLIC STAR PARTY.

June 20
Starting at 7:00pm
Public Star Party
Join members of Ogden Astronomical Society in White Rock Bay for an evening of stargazing with telescopes. We’ll start the evening by looking at our star, the sun, through solar-filtered telescopes. After dark, volunteers will switch to equipment to view distant planets and other deep-space objects.
There is no fee for this activity – regular park entry fees apply. Answers to common questions can be found at OAS’s website. You’re welcome to contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions as well.
Park Impacts: Altered traffic flow, please follow signs for PUBLIC STAR PARTY.

August 15
Starting at 7:00pm
Public Star Party
Join members of Ogden Astronomical Society in White Rock Bay for an evening of stargazing with telescopes. We’ll start the evening by looking at our star, the sun, through solar-filtered telescopes. After dark, volunteers will switch to equipment to view distant planets and other deep-space objects.
There is no fee for this activity – regular park entry fees apply. Answers to common questions can be found at OAS’s website. You’re welcome to contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions as well.
Park Impacts: Altered traffic flow, please follow signs for PUBLIC STAR PARTY.

~~August 15~~
Reschedule pending. Time and Date TBD
Antelope Island SpiderFest
Arachnophiles and Arachnophobes come together to celebrate, or learn more about the Island’s most abundant wildlife – the spider! The festival brings food trucks, face painting, crafts, spider walks and more. Save the date and check here for more information as the date approaches.
Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.

September 5
UMFA in the Wild: Antelope Island State Park | Moon Viewing and Sketching
Saturday September 5 | 1-3 pm | Amphitheater
Join the UMFA in Utah’s amazing wilderness to experience art and nature. We will learn about the ancient Chinese tradition of Moon Viewing and get inspired by art depicting the moon and moonscapes. Then do your own moon viewing and draw a sketch of the moon or a moonscape with a variety of drawing materials.
There is no additional fee for this activity -regular park entry fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.
Park Impact: None

September 12
UMFA in the Wild: Antelope Island State Park | Torn Paper Landscapes
Saturday September 12 | 1-3 pm | Amphitheater
Join the UMFA in Utah’s amazing wilderness to experience nature and make art.
Be inspired by the iconic colorful landscapes of Utah through an artist’s eye. Then try your hand at your own landscape using torn paper and colored pencils.
There is no additional fee for this activity -regular park entry fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.
Park Impact: None

September 19
Starting at 6:00pm
Public Star Party
Join members of Ogden Astronomical Society in White Rock Bay for an evening of stargazing with telescopes. We’ll start the evening by looking at our star, the sun, through solar-filtered telescopes. After dark, volunteers will switch to equipment to view distant planets and other deep-space objects.
There is no fee for this activity – regular park entry fees apply. Answers to common questions can be found at OAS’s website. You’re welcome to contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions as well.
Park Impacts: Altered traffic flow, please follow signs for PUBLIC STAR PARTY.

October 10
Starting at 5:00pm
Public Star Party
Join members of Ogden Astronomical Society in White Rock Bay for an evening of stargazing with telescopes. We’ll start the evening by looking at our star, the sun, through solar-filtered telescopes. After dark, volunteers will switch to equipment to view distant planets and other deep-space objects.
There is no fee for this activity – regular park entry fees apply. Answers to common questions can be found at OAS’s website. You’re welcome to contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions as well.
Park Impacts: Altered traffic flow, please follow signs for PUBLIC STAR PARTY.

October 24
Antelope Island Bison Roundup
Hosted each year at Antelope Island State Park, the Bison Roundup is a primary tool utilized to help ensure the continued health of one of the nation’s largest and oldest public bison herds. To help people better understand how the bison herd is managed, you can visit Antelope Island State Park the day of the event and experience it first-hand. Rider registration opens September 1 at 8:00am. A link will be posted here. Registration is not required for spectators. More info TBA. Questions? Contact tackley@utah.gov.

October 27-29
Antelope Island Bison Working
During the Working of the Bison, the animals are sorted and separated one at a time to receive their vaccinations. They receive individual health screenings that include checks for pregnancies, parasites, and health issues.
Free public tours and media opportunities are available all three days of this phase. Educators and other group organizers: please reserve group tours by emailing tackley@utah.gov. Group reservations are limited and tours are not guaranteed for groups without reservations.

November 4
Bison Auction
The manageable herd size for bison on the island is between around 500-550 bison, and each year there are between 100-200 calves born into the herd. With no natural predators on the island capable of taking down a bison, it is necessary to artificially reduce the herd size to balance out the food supply.
By selling excess bison at a public auction, park staff are able to keep the herd within a number the habitat can support. Ideally, the plan calls for a herd size of about 550 bison. This will be an online auction. Contact bwmorris@utah.gov with any questions.

Fall 2026 (Date TBD)
Ranch Fall Fest
Food trucks and other vendors will be on site, as well as face painting, pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, pioneer games and family friendly ghost tours. Wagon and pony rides will be offered by Rhodes Valley Outfitters. Costumes are encouraged! While most are free, some activities at this festival will require payment. Regular park entry fees apply. Contact antelopeislandranch@utah.gov with any questions.
Park Impacts: Increased traffic at Fielding Garr Ranch