8 GREAT PLACES TO VISIT IN BEAR LAKE, IDAHO
In a previous post, I wrote that adventure begins at home and listed the virtues of finding nuance in your own backyard. Moving a bit beyond my own property, I have found many other worthwhile adventures in and around my hometown of Montpelier, Idaho. I played tourist in a familiar place and compiled this practical guide for visiting a lovely little corner of the U.S.A.
I grew up and once again live in the town of Montpelier, nestled high in the Rocky Mountains in the very southeast corner of Idaho. With a population of about 2,500, it has no claim-to-fame for big-city living. It’s quiet and maybe a little dilapidated, with a faint aura of the Wild West hovering in the streets. The sites are unbeatable and the history prevalent. Plus, nearly every activity in the area is very budget-friendly.
The county is called Bear Lake, named for the lake that is shared by Idaho and Utah. Many passersby detour through the county on the route between Salt Lake City and Yellowstone National Park. Allow 2-3 days minimum to visit this area.
These activities are listed by location going south to north for those following the SLC to Yellowstone route. It can be reversed if coming from Yellowstone. However, all of these locations are close together with no more than one hour of travel time between any two points.
1.BEAR LAKE
The lake itself is the main attraction in Bear Lake County. Nicknamed “The Caribbean of the Rockies,” the lake is famous for its brilliant teals and blues set against a backdrop of stately desert mountains.
The most inviting (and most crowded) beach is North Beach located in Bear Lake State Park—Idaho. You can drive your vehicle right onto the beach for the cost of just $5 USD per car and can stay the whole day if you wish. At the water’s edge, soak in some sun, cool off in the water, or enjoy a picnic in the sand. There are also opportunities for boat, jet ski, and paddleboard rentals all around the lake.
Because the lake is a freshwater mountain lake, it isn’t terribly warm. The water is warmest in August and September. Evening hours are also a little nicer for swimming after the sun has warmed the water all day. Plus, you can’t beat the sunsets.
Ice fishing on the lake is a popular activity in the winter as well.
HOURS OF OPERATION: all day
PRICE: $5 per vehicle
2.MINNETONKA CAVE
Located just west of Bear Lake is Minnetonka Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in the state of Idaho.
You can only enter the cave with a trained tour guide. Tours begin every half hour, last for about 90 minutes, and are organized on a first-come, first-serve basis with large group exceptions. The guides are well-informed and entertaining. The nine rooms of the cave are filled with other-worldly formations, some of which have been cleverly named after fairy tale and Disney characters.
The cave maintains a cool temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit year round, so bring a jacket. Wear sturdy shoes as you will traverse 888 stairs and uneven paths throughout the cave. A moderate fitness level is needed. Also, keep in mind that the cave is in a high-altitude area. Breathing can be more difficult for those from lower altitudes.
HOURS OF OPERATION: 10 a.m – 5:30 p.m. every day between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
PRICE: $8/adult, $6/child (6-15). Group and family rates available. Cash only.
3.GUTZON BORGLUM MEMORIAL
One of Bear Lake’s claims to fame relates to the small town of St. Charles. The sculptor and designer of the Mt. Rushmore monument in South Dakota, Gutzon Borglum, was born in St. Charles in 1867. Just west of the town’s main street, a very small memorial with a miniature Rushmore replica stands in his honor. The memorial is free to visit at any time.
4.BLOOMINGTON LAKE
This glacier lake is a true gem. Located above 8,000 feet, the lake can be accessed by driving into Bloomington Canyon until you reach the parking area. The lake is only accessible by foot, and the trail from the parking area to the lake is about a half-mile in length. The trail is an easy hike and is lined with a colorful palette of wildflowers.
Clear waters reflect the dramatic cliffs surrounding the lake. Only the brave take a jump into the chilly waters. Only the bravest of the brave use the rope swing to enter the lake. Sometimes you will find a rope tied to a tree overhanging the water. (I admit I am not brave and have never done this!) The mountains around the lake are often laced with ice and snow well into July.
Early morning arrival will allow you to avoid crowds. This place has recently been “discovered,” so be prepared to share the lake and trails with others.
PRICE: $5 per vehicle, all day use
5.BEAR LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Birdwatching is a hobby I learned from my grandma. We used to take trips to this wildlife refuge every spring to watch the baby geese and ducks waddle behind their mothers.
Just north of Bear Lake, the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal home for a variety of animals including moose, rabbits, raccoons, and loads of birds. One of the most enchanting birds to see is the sandhill crane with its long legs and long neck popping up above the brush. Elegant, white trumpeter swans appear occasionally as well. Keep your eyes peeled for great horned owls and, once in a while, an eagle.
May and June are the best times to visit if you want to see the baby animals. The refuge is often devoid of birds in the winter months since they leave when the frost comes in. (I should follow their lead.)
Driving and walking trails are available throughout the refuge.
PRICE: free, all day use
6.PARIS TABERNACLE
My favorite building in the county is the Paris Tabernacle. Built in 1889, this historic meetinghouse was erected by the early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints using sandstone quarried from the area. It was and is still used for large gatherings of this church as well as for local community events such as plays, patriotic programs, and graduations.
A thirty-minute free guided tour lets you see the exquisite craftsmanship of these early settlers. The roof was designed using shipbuilding techniques and thus resembles an inverted boat. The nearly-century-old organ is also a highlight to see and to hear.
While you can go inside and look around on your own, definitely opt to take the guided tour. The guides are local people who are sometimes descendants of those who first settled in the Bear Lake area. They are knowledgeable and engaging and will share loads of interesting historical tidbits.
There is also a mini-museum housed in the foyer of the building where you can see early pioneer artifacts. This place is a treasure trove of history of the West.
HOURS OF OPERATION: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day
PRICE: free
7.BUTCH CASSIDY MUSEUM
Life is pretty quiet in my hometown of Montpelier, so when something exciting happens—even something bad—it tends to be remembered and sometimes even celebrated.
When our town fell victim to one of the world’s most infamous criminals, we decided to make the event one of our biggest attractions. The famous Butch Cassidy bank robbery that took place on August 13, 1896, is now memorialized at the Butch Cassidy Museum located on Main Street in Montpelier. Cassidy, a well-known outlaw, and two others robbed The Bank of Montpelier of gold, silver, and cash. They made their escape with somewhere between $5,000 and $15,000.
You can learn about Butch and his gang at the original bank location which has been restored and transformed into a museum. Walk on the preserved floor and have your picture taken next to the original bank vault. Owner Radek is often there to regale you with stories of the Wild West.
If you happen to be in Montpelier in August, you might even have the chance to see the annual Bank Robbery Reenactment which takes place on the Saturday closest to the 13th of the month.
HOURS OF OPERATION: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day
PRICE: free
8.NATIONAL OREGON/CALIFORNIA TRAIL CENTER
Montpelier is home to the National Oregon/California Trail Center which is more than a museum—it is an experience! A live cast of pioneers will take you on a simulated wagon tour during which you will obtain food and supplies for the journey, enjoy campfire stories, and learn about life on the trail. The entire tour is educational and interactive.
You can also visit the Rails and Trails Museum which compiles artifacts from the early railroad in Montpelier. Also notable is the Simplot Art Collection of the Oregon Trail which is a collection of 44 paintings by Gary Stone. These depictions of life on the trail show the struggles and triumphs of the people who made the westward journey across America.
HOURS OF OPERATION: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Wed. – Sat. from June 1 to Sept. 30
PRICE: Adult (ages 18+) $12, Senior (60+) $11, Youth (8-17) $9, Children (4-7) $5, Toddlers (3 & under) FREE, school and group rates available
***Note that all places mentioned in this post may be affected by COVID-19 restrictions. Please call beforehand for current hours of operation and mask requirements.***