SYRACUSE. Great Salt Lake's largest island owes its name to John C. Fremont, who hunted antelope there in 1845. Several years later, a herd of 17 bison was introduced to the island, and their descendants now number around 600 and share the island with a variety of other animals, including elk, pronghorn, coyotes, and several species of waterfowl and birds of prey. Visitors to the island's state park may explore the island's 15-plus miles of hiking trails or tour it on horseback or horse-drawn wagon.

LAKE BONNEVILLE. The eerie Bonneville Salt Flats, which stretch out for some 30,000 acres, were formed when Lake Bonneville, a freshwater lake that once covered the entire state, evaporated. Like something out of a science fiction thriller, this vast plain is devoid of life. Each year, after winter floods dissipate, wind sweeps the briny surface until it's as smooth as glass. In the summer, thermometers hit the century mark, and winter often sees freezing temperatures, making this one of the most inhospitable places in North America. Best known as the site of the Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway, where numerous land speed records have been set during the annual speed trials.

DOWNTOWN. Nicknamed "Salt Lake's outdoor living room," the Gallivan Center is a marvelous public space located smack dab in the heart of the city. The center is noteworthy for its aesthetically pleasing layout and architecture ­ an attractive theater surrounded by a beautiful mix of tree-lined walkways, green spaces, and local artwork. From mid-November to mid-March, locals flock here to enjoy the outdoor ice-skating rink. In the summer months, the Gallivan Centers hosts a variety of family-friendly cultural activities, including free concerts, movie screenings, food festivals, and the like.

MAGNA. The largest lake west of the Mississippi River, the Great Salt Lake annually receives mineral-rich floodwater from surrounding mountains, making it more than five times saltier than ocean water. In fact, only the Dead Sea has a higher salt content than this 2000-square mile lake's 15 to 20% salinity. Tourists are encouraged to visit the State Park and marina area, located in Magna, where they'll find a flurry of activities: swimming, sailing, and bird-watching, to name a few.

DOWNTOWN. This 80-acre park provides a perfect escape from bustling city life. Jogging trails, playgrounds, and tennis courts offer opportunities to expend extra energy. People looking for a place to relax appreciate the duck ponds and the refreshing fountain, an artistic re-creation of the surrounding mountains. Tracy Aviary can also be found in the park.