Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, and is known for its high salinity due to the lake's location in a closed basin with no natural outlet to the sea. The lake is fed by several rivers, including the Bear, Weber, and Jordan rivers, but the water only leaves the lake through evaporation, leaving behind the salt and other minerals, which provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including brine shrimp and various species of birds. The lake has a rich history dating back to the Native American tribes that lived in the area and later became an important resource for the Mormon pioneers who settled in Utah. Today, the Great Salt Lake is a popular tourist destination that includes Antelope Island, a peninsula at the southern end of the lake that offers hiking, horseback riding and is home to a herd of 500 bison.