Buffalo Park

Before Garfield Beach or Saltair, the lake's south shore had Dr. Jeter Clinton's resort. He opened his Lake House here in 1871 with a pier, bathhouses, and a steamboat anchored offshore, and in 1874 replaced it with an elegant three-story stone hotel that grew famous across the territory. The Kate Connor, a steamer owned by General Patrick Connor, ran excursions on the water; a railroad brought guests out from Salt Lake. Then the lake itself undid the place. As the water receded after 1885, sandbars rose where boats had docked, and by 1889 Clinton had sold out.

What the plaque says

In the spring of 1871, Dr. Jeter F. Clinton built his "Lake House" in this area. A pier was built to the water's edge, bath houses and other attractions were built and the steamboat anchored here. Remains of the pier are still visible. In the fall of 1874 Dr. Clinton replaced the Lake House with a large three-storied stone hotel. It was elegantly furnished and fitted for parties. The resort flourished for a time. The Kate Connor, a steamboat owned by General Patrick Connor, navigated the lake and was used as an excursion boat. The Clinton Hotel was well known all over Utah Territory. Transportation from Salt Lake City was provided by the Utah Nevada Western Railroad. Dr. Clinton's rock home renovated is still in use. In 1885 the lake receded and sandbars appeared so extensively in the lake the resort was doomed. In 1889 Dr. Clinton sold some of his holdings to Mr. William Glassman, a real estate developer. He had big plans to build a city. He mapped it out, planted 5000 trees and drilled 6 artesian wells. For added attraction Mr. Glassman contracted with Buffalo Jones of Manitoba, Canada to deliver 100 head of buffalo. Thirty-five buffalo were received in poor condition. They did survive and increased. Notwithstanding the attraction of the herd of buffalo, Buffalo Park made no hit with the public. The buffalo were transported to Antelope Island and Buffalo Park was abandoned.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Saltair — 9.5 mi
  A haunting lakeside resort with a storied past
• Great Salt Lake — 13 mi
  The largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere
• Bingham Canyon Mine — 13 mi
  The largest man-made excavation on Earth
• International Peace Gardens — 18 mi
  A hidden garden where 28 countries are represented in miniature

More markers nearby

• Black Rock Resort — 2.0 mi
• Garfield & Lake Point Resorts — 2.0 mi
• Adobe Rock — 2.6 mi
• E.T. Benson Grist Mill — 3.4 mi