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What we do International Dark Sky Places

Antelope Island State Park

About

Antelope Island State Park consists of 11,655 ha (28,800 acres) of land on the eponymous island separating shallow Farmington Bay from the open water of the Great Salt Lake, a large terminal lake in the state of Utah, U.S. The largest in the Great Salt Lake, the island’s land area fluctuates according to the rise and fall of the lake level. The Island is a small fault-block mountain range in the Great Basin, extending from the Wasatch Front to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It was used for ranching purposes from the arrival of the Mormon Pioneers in the area during the mid-nineteenth century until its purchase by the State of Utah in segments between 1969 and 1981, at which time it was designated a state park. Its geology, relatively unaltered landscape, sandy beaches and abundant wildlife are the Park’s main attractions.

Because of its situation as an island and a protected land the Park is free of development on and immediately adjacent to its territory, and this has helped preserve the condition of the Park’s night skies. While its eastern half faces one of the largest metropolitan areas in the western U.S., its western half looks out over the Great Salt Lake and is relatively undisturbed by artificial light at night. The Park has begun to actively conserve its remaining darkness, and has become a popular destination for area stargazers looking to get out from under the city’s glow.

Designated

2017

Category

Dark Sky Park

Address

4528 West 1700 South
Syracuse, Utah 84075 USA
Google Maps

Contact

Ms. Wendy Wilson
Tel.: +1 801 725 9263
Website

Land Area

116.6 km2

Documents

Application
Announcement
Annual Reports

Weather

Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for viewing the night sky at Antelope Island State Park (40.9563, -112.20722). Don’t forget to plan your trip during the new moon and astronomical twilight to enhance the viewing experience!