The water is so buoyant that people can easily float. The salinity of the water averages about 12%, making it much saltier than the ocean. Swimming and sunbathing are popular on the clean, white sand beaches at Antelope Island State Park. Interstate 80 along the lake's south shoreline RecreationĮxcellent views of the lake are available from:Įnsign Peak on the north edge of Salt Lake Cityīench areas in the cities of Bountiful, Centerville and Farmington

The lake and its legends are an intriguing part of Utah's landscape and history. Some Indians and early settlers thought the lake was inhabited by a terrible monster with an enormous head. Early explorers thought the lake was an inland extension of the Pacific Ocean, or that a river connected the lake to the ocean. It is the largest lake between the Great Lakes and the Pacific Ocean, and is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. A remnant of the massive ancient Lake Bonneville, the lake is now landlocked and its waters are salty. The Great Salt Lake is one of the most asked-about tourist destinations in Utah.

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