The islands of Great Salt Lake, the Southern Pacific Transportation Company causeway, and the Antelope/Syracuse causeway.

How many islands are in the Great Salt Lake, where are they, and are they inhabited?

The lake contains 11 recognized islands, although this number varies depending on the level of the lake.  Seven islands are in the southern portion of the lake and four in the northwestern portion.

The large islands in the southern portion are named Antelope, Stansbury, Fremont, and Carrington.  The smaller islands are named Badger, Hat (Bird), and Egg.  The four small islands in the northwestern portion are Dolphin, Gunnison, Cub, and Strongs Knob.

Antelope Island has been inhabited since pioneer times.  A ranch house on Antelope Island is said to be the state's oldest Anglo-built structure on its original foundation and the longest continually inhabited building in Utah. Presently, the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation retains ownership of the ranch house which is open periodically during the summer for tours.

Top photo: Aerial view of Antelope Island from the south end.
Bottom photo: Antelope Island, 23,175 acres of which 2,000 acres are designated as Antelope Island State Park. Photos by Grant Willis.

Fremont Island has also been inhabited, most notably by Judge Wenner, a probate judge for Salt Lake County, and his family, from 1884 to 1891.

Both Gunnison and Carrington Islands were unsuccessfully homesteaded for short periods of time.

Antelope Island has been owned by the State of Utah since 1980.  It is home to a large herd of buffalo which is managed by the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation.  Antelope, deer, and many other animals also live on the island.

The northern 2,000 acres of the 23,175-acre island are designated as Antelope Island State Park.  The Antelope Island/Syracuse causeway is the only public-access road connecting the island to the mainland.