Hot spots — Davis County has its share of popular tourist attractions

While Davis is the smallest of Utah's 29 counties and often overlooked by tourists — who favor southern Utah, Salt Lake or Summit counties — Davis is a unique pocket of Utah territory that's much more than a bedroom community for Salt Lake City.

There's no doubt that Lagoon is the most visited single destination in the county. But, for its small size, there are other worthy attractions, too.

Here's a subjective list of the top 10 tourist attractions in the county, and while the order of these attractions is easily debatable, it could be used as a springboard for others to create their own rankings:

1. Lagoon amusement park, Farmington

It isn't Disneyland, but it doesn't try to be. This is a first-class theme park with a rich history. More than fun, Lagoon is a vital part of Davis County's economy. With more than a million guests a season, Lagoon ranks fourth among Utah's top tourist destinations, behind Temple Square, Glen Canyon and Zion National Park.

This means it is Davis County's No. 1 tourist spot for total numbers — despite being open less than seven months a year.

With more than 30 teenage/adult rides and a dozen more rides just for young children, plus many games, Lagoon-a-Beach water park, historic Pioneer Village and some entertainment offerings and food outlets, there's only "one Lagoon."

This will be Lagoon's 121st year. It is one of the nation's oldest amusement parks, having opened on July 15, 1886.

A new roller coaster, "Wicked," is currently under construction west of the Fire Dragon Coaster at Lagoon.

Lagoon opens in mid-April each year and closes around Halloween.

2. Antelope Island/Great Salt Lake, west side of county

With buffalo, antelope and more than its share of sunny skies, Antelope Island is a worthwhile retreat from the increasingly urban Wasatch Front. Open space, rock-desert terrain and water-filled vistas dominate.

Davis County tourism promotes Antelope Island as "a rugged blend of the Western outdoors," with dramatic geology, rolling age and free-roaming American bison.

Antelope Island covers 28,022 acres and is by far the largest isle in the Great Salt Lake. It is approximately 15 miles long and 4 1/2 miles wide.

Winter is a great time to visit the island, because there's less snow than most places and has few visitors. Quiet and solitude are the winter assets on the island.