The Great Salt Lake is a popular attraction to visitors to Utah. It is a world famous geographic feature that even astronauts can see from space. Utah’s Capitol city is named for it. The best place to experience this lake is from Antelope Island State Park. The 7.2 mile causeway to the Island has great views on both sides. The beach at Bridger Bay is the best place to ‘float’ in the Great Salt Lake and to see the sunset melt into the salty water. During the summer, kayaks are available for rent at the marina.
Bird Watching
The Great Salt Lake is part of the Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network and is a National Audubon Important Bird Area. These designations recognize the 2-5 million shorebirds that visit the Great Salt Lake in the spring and fall. The Antelope Island Causeway is a fantastic place to view shorebirds and the historic Fielding Garr Ranch is considered a ‘migrant trap’ for other interesting species. Owls are also popular at Antelope Island State Park.
Bison Roundup
The annual Bison Roundup is a true western experience for many. Held in the late fall each year, horse back riders actually ‘round up’ the 600+ bison into the corrals. Each animal is veterinary checked and released back to the park or sold at auction. The Antelope Island State Park bison herd boasts a unique pure bison gene that most other herds don’t have.
Suggested Itineraries
DAY ONE
Morning: Start your day out at Antelope Island State Park with a late morning hike before lunch.
Choose from 16 different trails on the island with varying levels of difficulty. Pick up a map of the trails at the visitors center and start your adventure.
*Make sure to pack lots of water to stay hydrated while on the trails.
Lunch: Enjoy a buffalo burger at the Island Buffalo Grill located at Bridger Bay Beach.
Check in to your hotel. Find your perfect place to unwind.
End your night with dinner and shopping at our premier shopping destination in the County – Station Park. Station Park features upscale retail, dining and entertainment, a movie theater, a park, children’s play area and a world-class show fountain.
DAY TWO
Before you leave, you won’t want to miss having breakfast at Sill’s Café in Layton. This family-owned café is a local favorite and is famous for their giant scones and pancakes.
DAY ONE
Bring your camera and binoculars for the best viewing of antelope, mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes and a herd of over 500 free roaming bison at Antelope Island.
Lunch: Try a buffalo burger at the Island Buffalo Grill located at Bridger Bay Beach.
Continue your adventure with a bike ride around the island on numerous trails or a horseback ride led by expert wranglers who are intimately familiar with the island and its history. For more information on horseback riding, visit RandGHorseAndWagon.com.
Check in to your hotel. Find your perfect place to unwind.
Have dinner at a local favorite in the county. If you’re in the mood for Chinese food, Mandarin has been in operation for 38 years and serves up memorable wok-prepared dishes using top-quality vegetables, meat and seafood. If you’re in the mood for pizzas, pastas and unique beer, Roosters is the place to go. Roosters is Davis County’s first micro-brewery and offers more than 26 unique brews.
DAY TWO
Before you go, don’t miss the chance to golf with spectacular views of the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains.
Or if you’re looking for an activity for the whole family, don’t miss the chance to sneak in a short hike. Davis County has over 500 miles of trails. Pick up your trails map at any city office, bike shop or find it online.
DAY ONE
Start your day off by soaking in the history of Davis County. Choose from a variety of different museums and other cultural activities. There is even a chocolate factory that you can tour and sample some chocolate.
Lunch: Find your perfect dining experience.
Spend the rest of your day at Lagoon. Lagoon is fun for the whole family. Enjoy rides, games and a day at the waterpark.
Check in to your hotel. Find your perfect place to unwind.
DAY TWO
Start your day early at Antelope Island State Park. The wildlife is most active in the mornings and you can capture some amazing photos.
After you visit the island, be sure to stop at Crown Burger to grab some lunch. This is a local favorite and is famous for their burgers.
Afternoon: Check out Cherry Hill, The Rush or Boondocks to enjoy more fun with the family.
Dinner: No matter what kind of dining experience you’re looking for, you can find it in Davis County. Find your perfect dining experience.
