Walk along the spacious reserve of Great Salt Lake State Park to experience the beauty and recreational opportunities of the Western Hemisphere’s largest salt lake. Entwined with myths and legends of Native American tribes and early settlers, Great Salt Lake is an important landmark in Utah’s scenery. Watch a spectacular multihued sunset from the sandy shoreline and spot wildlife and flocks of migratory birds. Go on a boating adventure and spend the night camping near the water.
Stop at the Great Salt Lake State Park’s small visitor center to ask about the park’s seasonal highlights during your stay. The visitor center contains interesting displays, where you can learn about the 1,500-square-mile (3,900-square-kilometer) lake’s formation, its significance to local Native American peoples and European settlers and its history and changing water levels. Pick up souvenirs and maps from this helpful center.
Rent a boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard from the park’s rental operator. You can also organize boat tours from here. Make your way to the Great Salt Lake State Marina and boat launch to set out on your adventure. Join sailors from Great Salt Lake Yacht Club and sail on waters that are saltier than the ocean.
Enjoy 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers) of varied shoreline and take in views of white sandy beaches, Black Rock mountain and Antelope and Stansbury islands. Antelope Island is renowned for its hiking and biking trails. You might see bison in the shoreline marshes, as well as migratory birds that make a stopover here to refuel at freshwater inlets. Find a secluded spot for a swim and marvel at your buoyancy in the salty water.
In the evening, relax at your campground or RV site and enjoy a magnificent sunset. You might also catch a concert at the charming old Great Saltair building.
The visitor center and marina of the Great Salt Lake State Park are located on the park’s southern end, which is less than a 30-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City. The park is open daily and charges an entry fee per vehicle. Pay an extra fee to camp overnight.