What Resort Was Built on the Great Salt Lake?

By Alice Nichols

The Great Salt Lake, located in the northern part of Utah, is one of the most unique natural wonders in the United States. This massive saltwater lake has been a popular tourist destination for many years, attracting visitors from all over the world.

One of the most iconic attractions on the lake was a resort that was built on its shores. In this article, we will dive into the history of this resort and its impact on the Great Salt Lake.

In 1889, a group of investors decided to build a resort on Antelope Island, one of the largest islands in the Great Salt Lake. The resort was called “Saltair,” and it quickly became one of the most popular tourist destinations in Utah. The resort was built to capitalize on the health benefits that were believed to come from bathing in saltwater.

The Construction and Design

Saltair was designed by a famous architect named Richard K.A. Kletting.

The building was constructed using wood and steel and featured an impressive Victorian-style design. The front entrance had two towers that rose up to 90 feet high, which made it visible from miles away.

The Attractions

Saltair had several attractions that made it a popular destination for families and tourists alike. The main attraction was its large saltwater swimming pool, which could accommodate up to 2,500 swimmers at once. The pool’s water came directly from the Great Salt Lake and was believed to have healing properties.

In addition to swimming, visitors could also enjoy dancing in the ballroom or watching vaudeville shows in the theater. There were also concessions stands where visitors could purchase food and souvenirs.

The Decline

Despite its initial success, Saltair struggled financially throughout its existence. In 1925, a fire destroyed much of the building, but it was rebuilt shortly afterward. However, as time went on, the resort became less popular, and it eventually closed its doors in 1958.

Conclusion

Today, the Saltair resort is a distant memory of the Great Salt Lake’s history. Although it no longer stands, it remains an important part of Utah’s cultural heritage.

Its unique design and attractions helped put Utah on the map as a tourist destination and contributed to the state’s economy for many decades. The Great Salt Lake is still a popular destination for tourists today, with many other attractions to enjoy.