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.
2025 Events
July 2025
July 3
8:00am Dooly Knob Trailhead
Guided Hike to Dooly Knob
Join our special guests Team 76, an Army Reserve group from Fort Douglas, on a guided hike to Dooly Knob for the best-known views of the Great Salt Lake. This 3-mile hike offers great photo opportunities and potential glimpses of the island’s bison herd.
Walk250 Utah challenges every Utahn to walk or move 250 miles in Utah’s incredible outdoors during our nation’s 250th anniversary. Our lands offer a lens through which we can view the past and learn about the place we call home.
This is a family and leashed-dog friendly activity. There is no fee to participate- regular park entry fees apply. Contact dpitzz@utah.gov with any questions.
July 5
11:00am Fielding Garr Ranch
Junior Ranger!
Scavenger Hunt at Fielding Garr Ranch
Kids! Join the park naturalist at Fielding Garr Ranch. We’ll take a close look at human and natural environments and how they interact with each other.
This activity is designed for youths aged 5 to 12 years old, but any child and kid-at-heart is welcome to join.
There is no fee for this program – regular park entry fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.
Park Impacts: None
July 12
11:00 am Buffalo Point Deck
UMFA in the Wild: Antelope Island State Park | Origami Nature Scavenger Hunt
Join the UMFA in Utah’s amazing wilderness to experience nature and make art.
What objects can you find in landscape? Create your own nature scavenger hunt using an origami “fortune teller” to play with a friend. Supplies are provided. There is no fee for this event. Regular park entry fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov or u0110103@umail.utah.edu with any questions.
Park Impacts: None
July 19
Hike with a Ranger
9:00am Frary Homestead
Join the park naturalist at the Frary Homestead trailhead for a short 1/2 mile hike. This is a family and leashed-dog friendly trail.
There is no fee for this event – regular park entry fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.
Park Impact: None
July 24
Pioneer Day at Antelope Island
10:00am – 4:00pm Fielding Garr Ranch
Join us for a day of fun activities, pioneer games and tours at Fielding Garr Ranch. Try your hand with a lasso or hoop-and-stick. Race your siblings on a stick pony, dip candles and make other crafts. Tours of Fielding Garr Ranch facilities will be scheduled throughout the day.
11:00am and 3:00pm
Join the park naturalist for a guided walk through the historic Frary Homestead. This is a short, 1-mile round-trip hike and is family and leashed-dog friendly activity. Meet at the Frary Homestead trailhead, approximately 2 miles north of Fielding Garr Ranch.
There are no fees for these activities – regular park entrance fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.
July 26
Is Fielding Garr Ranch Haunted?
Fielding Garr Ranch 8:30pm
Is the Fielding Garr Ranch Haunted? Come and see for yourself.
Learn about methods used to detect unexplained things, hear stories, and reported experiences. After the presentation and safety guidelines, we will wander through the buildings looking for evidence of visitors from beyond the grave.
This event is $10 per person and Includes your park entrance fee.
Space is limited so contact Amy at antelopeislandranch@utah.gov to reserve your spot or for more information. Unreserved tickets will be available at the Gate the night of the event. You should be through the Entrance booth 30 mins prior to the start time to make it to the Ranch on time.
Park Impact: None
August 2025
August 15
Antelope Island Spider Festival
3:00 – 9:00 pm Antelope Island Marina
Join us from 3:00 to 9:00 pm at the Antelope Island Marina for spider-themed presentations, crafts, guided walks, community science, face-painting, food and more to learn about these fascinating residents of Antelope Island and Utah!
There is no fee for this activity -regular park entry fees apply. Please contact brockjames@utah.gov with any questions.
8:30pm
Scorpion Safari
Meet at the Antelope Island Marina parking lot for a brief presentation about one of our more elusive arachnids – the Northern Scorpion. Afterward, we’ll head out through their desert habitat to try to find them using UV lights. Limited lights are available for borrow on a FCFS basis.
There is no fee for this activity – regular park entry fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.
August 16
OAS Public Star Party
6:00PM White Rock Bay Event Area
Join volunteers from Ogden Astronomical Society for an evening of gazing into the cosmos. Starting at 6:00 we’ll begin by viewing our star, the sun; safely through filtered telescopes. Once the sun sets, equipment will be switched out for dark sky viewing of planets, nebulae, star clusters, and even far-away galaxies. Telescopes will be provided. There is no fee for this event. Regular park entry fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.
Park Impacts: Road closures and changes in traffic patterns beginning at 5:00pm in the area around White Rock Bay. Follow signs to event parking.
August 23
Is Fielding Garr Ranch Haunted?
Fielding Garr Ranch 8:30pm
Is the Fielding Garr Ranch Haunted? Come and see for yourself.
Learn about methods used to detect unexplained things, hear stories, and reported experiences. After the presentation and safety guidelines, we will wander through the buildings looking for evidence of visitors from beyond the grave.
This event is $10 per person and Includes your park entrance fee.
Space is limited so contact Amy at antelopeislandranch@utah.gov to reserve your spot or for more information. Unreserved tickets will be available at the Gate the night of the event. You should be through the Entrance booth 30 mins prior to the start time to make it to the Ranch on time.
Park Impact: None
September 2025
September 6
11:00 am Buffalo Point Deck
UMFA in the Wild: Antelope Island State Park | Ori Torn Paper Landscapes
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. Supplies are provided. There is no fee for this event. Regular park entry fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov or u0110103@umail.utah.edu with any questions.
Park Impacts: None
September 20
Is Fielding Garr Ranch Haunted?
Fielding Garr Ranch 8:30pm
Is the Fielding Garr Ranch Haunted? Come and see for yourself.
Learn about methods used to detect unexplained things, hear stories, and reported experiences. After the presentation and safety guidelines, we will wander through the buildings looking for evidence of visitors from beyond the grave.
This event is $10 per person and Includes your park entrance fee.
Space is limited so contact Amy at antelopeislandranch@utah.gov to reserve your spot or for more information. Unreserved tickets will be available at the Gate the night of the event. You should be through the Entrance booth 30 mins prior to the start time to make it to the Ranch on time.
Park Impact: None
September 27
OAS Public Star Party
5:00PM White Rock Bay Event Area
Join volunteers from Ogden Astronomical Society for an evening of gazing into the cosmos. Starting at 6:00 we’ll begin by viewing our star, the sun; safely through filtered telescopes. Once the sun sets, equipment will be switched out for dark sky viewing of planets, nebulae, star clusters, and even far-away galaxies. Telescopes will be provided. There is no fee for this event. Regular park entry fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.
Park Impacts: Road closures and changes in traffic patterns beginning at 4:00pm in the area around White Rock Bay. Follow signs to event parking.
October 2025
October 4
Kick off to Spooky Season!
Fielding Garr Ranch
11:00am – 4:00pm
Come in costume, play games of old, enjoy a treat (while supplies last). We’re guiding mini ghost tours and telling stories and reports of those who lived here and those who may not have left.
There is no additional fee for this activity, regular park entry fees apply. Contact antelopeislandranch@utah.gov with any questions.
Park Impacts: Increased traffic at Fielding Garr Ranch
October 18
OAS Public Star Party
5:00PM White Rock Bay Event Area
Join volunteers from Ogden Astronomical Society for an evening of gazing into the cosmos. Starting at 6:00 we’ll begin by viewing our star, the sun; safely through filtered telescopes. Once the sun sets, equipment will be switched out for dark sky viewing of planets, nebulae, star clusters, and even far-away galaxies. Telescopes will be provided. There is no fee for this event. Regular park entry fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.
Park Impacts: Road closures and changes in traffic patterns beginning at 4:00pm in the area around White Rock Bay. Follow signs to event parking.
October TBD
2025 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
Date TBD
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.
2026 Events
January 1
First Day Hike
Information TBD. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.