Antelope Island Bison Roundup Is Saturday, Oct. 24: Where to Watch and When to Arrive
Antelope Island’s annual Bison Roundup is this Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, and you don’t need to register to watch. Hundreds of volunteer riders on horseback will gather nearly 800 bison from across the island and move them north into the park’s holding corrals, according to Utah State Parks. The island is reached by the causeway at the west end of Antelope Drive in Syracuse, so expect a busy Saturday morning on that corridor.
Roundup day at a glance
- 9 a.m. — Riders head out from Fielding Garr Ranch and begin pushing the herd north.
- 10 a.m. — The Roundup Rendezvous opens at White Rock Bay and stays open until the last bison reaches the corrals.
- Noon to 3 p.m. — When the roundup has usually wrapped up in past years. State Parks cautions these are wild animals, so the finish can’t be predicted.
Where to watch
State Parks recommends the viewing area at White Rock Bay for the final push into the corrals. The Roundup Rendezvous there works like a small festival, with food trucks, vendor and educational booths, and games. Bring a camp chair or blanket. Vehicle access on the island’s east-side road will be limited for safety. Last year the park capped that road at about 500 vehicles and closed it once the cap was reached, the Standard-Examiner reported; State Parks hasn’t posted a number for 2026.
Before you go
- Arrive early. Davis County’s tourism office, Discover Davis, warns that roads and the park entrance get heavy traffic on roundup morning.
- Pay the entrance fee. The park’s regular day-use fee applies; check State Parks for the current rate.
- Pack water and layers. Discover Davis notes there’s no running water on the island and that most trails close during the event.
- Give the herd room. State Parks prohibits approaching, feeding or disturbing wildlife.
What happens after Saturday
The roundup is a herd-health tool, not a show. From Oct. 27–29, during the Working of the Bison, staff sort each animal, vaccinate it, screen it for pregnancy, parasites and other health issues, and give it an RFID tag tied to its health record. Free public tours run all three days; school and group leaders need to reserve through the park.
State Parks says the island can support about 500 to 550 bison, and 100 to 200 calves are born each year. With no predators big enough to take down a bison, the park sells surplus animals in an online auction set for Nov. 3, and part of the revenue goes back into habitat work and bison facilities.
Planning more time on the island? See our Antelope Island State Park guide, things to do in Syracuse, and the latest Davis County news.
Event times, access limits and fees are set by Utah State Parks and can change, especially with weather or herd behavior. Confirm details on the official Bison Roundup page before you go. DavisCountyUtah.com is not affiliated with Utah State Parks.
