Bison in Antelope Island State Park Utah Magnet

Antelope Island State Park, located in the Great Salt Lake of northern Utah, is a unique natural sanctuary known for its striking desert landscapes, wildlife viewing, and especially its large gatherings of American white pelicans. Despite the arid surroundings, the island is surrounded by saltwater and marshes that attract millions of migratory birds each year. Pelicans are one of the star attractions, and visitors in spring and summer can witness large flocks soaring above the lake or resting along its shores. The birds do not nest on Antelope Island itself, but on Gunnison Island, a protected rookery to the northwest that hosts one of the largest breeding colonies of white pelicans in North America. While the pelicans are a seasonal highlight, the island offers much more for nature lovers. Antelope Island is home to free-ranging bison, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and bighorn sheep, set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains, lake views, and golden grasslands. Visitors can explore the park via hiking and biking trails or drive to scenic viewpoints such as Buffalo Point. Interpretive signs and ranger programs help visitors understand the importance of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem, and how nutrient-rich waters support a vast food web, including the brine shrimp and insects that feed pelicans. With its surreal beauty and rich birdlife, Antelope Island is a must-visit for birders, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape into Utah’s wild side.