Antelope Island State Park

A causeway connects Antelope Island State Park situated in the Great Salt Lake to the mainland.   The Great Salt Lake is a remnant of the huge Lake Bonneville that once covered over 20,000 square miles.

Although water flows into the lake there is no outlet so evaporation leaves a high concentration of minerals.   The water is saltier than the ocean and only brine shrimp, brine flies and several types of algae can survive in the lake.

 

The island is also home to bison, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, big horn sheep, coyote and over 250 species of bird not to mention being on a migration route for 4 to 6 million birds who feed and nest on the Great Salt Lake each year.

This pronghorn antelope (?) was enjoying the grass on the side of the road leading to the historic Fielding Garr ranch.

 

The Fielding Garr ranch house which was built in 1848 is the oldest Anglo built house still on its original foundation in Utah.

The bison were about a ½ mile away from the ranch so my photograph is not very clear.

We stopped at Bridger Bay, it’s very pretty and plenty of people were enjoying the waters, I fully intended to join them, but the brine flies at the edge of the water freaked me out, so maybe another time.

Have fun, we are!