Provo, UT

Until my trip this year, I’d always thought Bear Lake was much farther away than it is. You can make the trip in about three hours, depending on how you drive, and if you leave with a full tank you could make it there and back on one tank of gas. We did it. And in fact, aside from gas costs and a hotel room, you could stay several days in Bear Lake without spending any money if you prepare.
We went up I-15 through Logan Canyon to get there, and through Wyoming and Park City on our way home. I think the Wyoming route is longer, so stick to I-15 if you want to speed things up. We got there Monday afternoon after stopping at the Hill Aerospace Museum (which is right on the way if you go through Logan Canyon, and is also free), and stayed in a cabin Mike’s uncle got for us. Garden City is beautiful at this time of year; even though it was hot in the afternoons, the mountain air and lake breezes made the weather wonderful for vacationing. Bear Lake itself is freezing, so I recommend going in the afternoon and letting the sun have some time to warm up the water a bit.

There are rental places all over Garden City: you can rent all kinds of bikes, ATVs, jet skis, and other vehicles just about anywhere along the lake. If you’d rather not spend extra money, just set up camp on the beach (there are parts where you can drive your car practically up to the water) and have coolers of snacks in your trunk. We brought sandwiches that we’d made that morning, grapes, Capri Sun, water bottles, those boxes of individual chip bags, crackers, and other snacks to keep us hydrated and fed while we enjoyed the beach. Bring your sunscreen, of course, and don’t forget to reapply after spending some time in the water. Wear a hat if you’re sensitive, and bring one of those portable gazebos that you can sit under. (Ours struggled in strong winds, so make sure you set it up carefully.)

The Pickleville Playhouse has plays throughout the summer. They usually have melodramas written by the Playhouse’s own members in addition to some famous plays (last year it was Little Shop of Horrors, this year Thoroughly Modern Millie). The Bear Lake Pizza Company is famous for its huge “Old Ephraim” pizza, which is 28”. If your group finishes it, you get your picture on the wall. There are several diner-type restaurants lining the main street, including LaBeau’s (which is always busy, so expect a wait); Garden City is famous for its raspberry shakes, so be sure to try one of those.

On the way home we went through Wyoming and stopped at the Bear River State Park in Evanston to see the buffalo. It’s a nice little rest stop with a small museum inside, a playground outside, and covered pavilions where you can eat. The museum is open from 8 to 5. This is a cheap one as far as vacations go, and a great way to spend a week or so of your summer.