Kayaking for Kids Open
Great Salt Lake State Park
4.1(4,660)4.1 out of 5 stars, 4660 reviews Salt Lake City, UT
About Great Salt Lake State Park
A unique, otherworldly state park featuring the second saltiest body of water on Earth, offering stunning mountain backdrops, striking reddish waters, and educational exhibits at the visitor center. It is a great quick stop for photography and light education, though amenities are very basic.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Quick sightseeing stops when driving from the airportFamilies wanting a brief, educational outdoor experienceSchool-aged children who can engage with the educational history at the visitor centerTeens and older children interested in unique photography and natural science
Why families love it
- Stunning scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains
- Educational visitor center with historical information, brochures, and souvenirs
- Unique natural phenomena like reddish saline water and natural foam
- Excellent photography opportunities, particularly at sunset
- Visitor center with historical exhibits and souvenirs
- Scenic viewpoints of the lake, mountains, and nearby copper mine smelter
Insider tips
- Bundle up in heavy layers if visiting in late fall or early spring due to freezing temperatures and high winds
- Bring your own snacks and water as there are no food concessions
- Stop by the visitor center first to grab brochures and learn about the lake's history
Good to know before you go
- Visiting unprepared for cold, windy weather in winter and spring
- Expecting a full day of active entertainment, as things to do are limited
- A $10 entry fee feels high for the limited amenities provided
- No food or drinks are available on-site
- Wicked, freezing winds during colder months (March/November)
- Crowds
- Eerily quiet and uncrowded during the colder off-season months like November.
- Value
- $10 entry fee, which some feel is expensive given the lack of amenities, food options, or activities beyond a basic restroom and visitor center.
- Food
- No food or drinks are sold on-site; visitors must bring their own supplies.
- Accessibility
- Visitor center is equipped with basic restrooms and brochures
- Safety
- Swimming is allowed but not highly recommended by visitors due to water conditions like dead ducks.
What parents say
"It’s a beautiful park and a truly unique experience—if you're in the area, it's definitely worth seeing at least once. The striking reddish colors of the lake, combined with the natural foam caused by unique bacteria in the highly saline water, create an otherworldly scene. The surrounding mountains add a stunning backdrop that enhances the whole experience. The only downside is the $10 parking fee, which feels a bit excessive considering there are no real amenities, no food or drinks, just a basic restroom. Overall, a memorable stop for nature lovers and photographers alike."
a week ago
"This was a really nice park to visit! The views of the lake and surrounding mountains are great. There is a visitor center that has some nice souvenirs from the lake and a lot of really cool information about the history of the lake itself... Namely that it is the second most salty body of water on earth besides the Dead Sea. Definitely a beautiful trip, we came in early early spring end of winter so were lucky to see some snow capped peaks around still too."
2 months ago
"Beautiful place to learn about this amazing lake. In the middle of March, the wicked winds were so strong and it was super cold. Bundle up! Completely worth it!!"
a month ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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