26 Awesome Things To Do in Bear Lake, Utah in 2024
LOOKING FOR FUN THINGS TO DO IN BEAR LAKE?
You’ve landed on the right article because we have been visiting Bear Lake since 2017 for vacations and many family reunions. We have cumulatively spent about a month in Bear Lake over the years and have used our time in Northern Utah to create this complete list of things to do in Bear Lake.
Located on the Utah and Idaho border, it is a perfect destination for your next family vacation. This area of Utah and Idaho is a recreational playground for the whole family with activities both in the water and out. There are so many fun things to do in Bear Lake, Utah.
Bear Lake is known as the Caribbean of the Rockies because of its unique turquoise-colored water. Combine this with sandy beaches and fresh raspberry shakes – you just can’t go wrong.
We have been to Bear Lake many times as a family and have put together our ultimate list of things to do there!
Best Things to Do in Bear Lake
1. Visit the Minnetonka Cave
The Minnetonka Cave is one of the larger limestone caves in Idaho and one of the best things to do at Bear Lake, Idaho. The half-mile cave is full of beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and banded travertine separated into nine different rooms.
All of the caves are so beautiful and are something you can’t miss.
There are some things you need to know before going to the caves.
1. It is cold in the cave, so bring a jacket. The cave is usually around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. You can only pay with cash or check. Credit cards aren’t accepted.
3. They don’t take reservations, so you have a couple of options. You can send someone up earlier in the day to get tickets for later, or you can take your whole group when you want to go and be prepared for a wait. We had about a 60-minute wait when we went.
4. You cannot wear shoes or clothing that have been in another cave.
Directions to the Minnetonka Cave
The Minnetonka Cave is about 40 minutes north of Garden City, Utah near St. Charles, Idaho. You will want to turn east on Minnetonka Cave Road, which is just north of St. Charles. After the turnoff on Minnetonka Cave Road, the drive is about 20 minutes and ends at the cave.
If you have a maps app on your phone, it should have no problem directing you to the cave.
2. Go Boating on Bear Lake
The perfect place to take in the beautiful Caribbean-like water than out on the lake. It is about 109 square miles in size, so there is plenty of room for everyone. Along with boating, going out on jet skis can be a lot of fun.
Extreme weather can happen on this natural freshwater lake, so be prepared and check the weather before you head out.
If you don’t have your own boat, there are plenty of Bear Lake Utah boat rentals where you can rent a boat by the hour.
3. Relax on the Beach at the North Beach State Park
On the north end of the lake, there is a two-mile-long sandy beach that is perfect for all ages of beach-goers. Sounds perfect right?!? It is, except for one thing. It is busy on the weekends. Like – SO BUSY!
Make sure you plan ahead. You will need to make a reservation ahead of time for a day-use parking pass. You can make that reservation online here for one of the best beaches at Bear Lake, Utah. If you aren’t able to get a reservation for the North Beach, you can head to Rendezvous Beach at Bear Lake.
4. Tour the Paris Tabernacle & Historical Museum
The Paris Tabernacle is one of the pioneer landmarks in the area and served as a place of worship. It is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There is staff on hand to take you on a tour of the Tabernacle, or you can walk through the building yourself.
Our favorite part of the tabernacle was the beautiful red sandstone and Romanesque design on the outside. We learned that this sandstone was transported by wagon from a quarry that was 18 miles away. The historical museum is just across the street.
5. Play a Round or Two of Golf
There are two golf courses within a couple of minutes of the lake – Bear Lake Golf Course and Bear Lake West Golf Course. The courses are beautiful, with great views of the water. Coltin loves to golf, and Rowen and Raven are quickly becoming fans.
6. Enjoy a Raspberry Shake
This area is famous for its raspberry shakes. They even have Bear Lake Raspberry Days to celebrate the harvest of the famous raspberries.
Driving through town, you will see signs up for the famous raspberry shakes just about everywhere – even the Chevron Station. You really can’t go wrong, but the shakes and ice cream at Zipz are our favorite.
7. Ride the Trails
The area around Bear Lake has hundreds of miles of ATV trail rides with picturesque views of the water and mountains. There are trails that leave directly from the KOA, so you don’t have to worry about trailering to some trails you may or may not be able to find. This area is full of wildlife, so be on the lookout as you’re on the trails.
We took our RZR on our last visit, and we had a lot of fun. We visited at the end of May and were surprised that a lot of the trails still had quite a bit of snow on them. Most of the snow is gone by the end of June or early July.
If you don’t have an ATV or RZR, you can check out the rentals from Bear Lake FunTime.
If you are interested in hiking rather than driving, the Limber Pine Trail is a great option.
8. Rent a Bike from the Bike Barn
The Bear Lake Bike Barn is part of the KOA and has a bike for every rider’s size and ability. They have beach cruisers, mountain bikes, banana bikes, and surrey bikes.
We hadn’t ever ridden on a surrey before, and the kids’ seats on the front were perfect for Rowen and Raven, so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. It was fun to get to all be together, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re planning on going long distances.
This is a great place to look for your Garden City, Utah bike rentals, and it has easy access to the trail running along Bear Lake Blvd.
9. Catch a Show at the Pickleville Playhouse
The Pickleville Playhouse is a musical theater in Garden City, Utah. They have been providing family entertainment and live music for over 40 years and put on a show you will have no regrets about going to.
The shows are totally family-friendly, so even the little ones will enjoy the show. On our last visit to the playhouse, we watched Who Shot Juanito Bandito. We would totally recommend the show if you’re in town on the day it is playing. They also offer dinner and a show if you’re interested in combining the two.
10. Spend the Morning Horseback Riding
We went on our horseback ride with the Beaver Creek Lodge, which is about 25 minutes outside of town. The mountains that we rode through were so pretty, and we had a great experience with our guides and horses.
If you don’t ride a lot, we would recommend the 60 or 90-minute rides. Their season runs from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October.
11. East Beach
If you found that North Beach was full or want a really nice beach that isn’t quite as busy during your visit, check out East Beach. It is about 15 minutes farther away, but the drive isn’t too bad.
There are lots of great amenities here, like pavilions, shady areas, and grass. The water is very shallow and clear here, with really nice san. If you’re looking for a beach to spend the day at with your kids, this is a great option.
You can drive out on the beach here, but the sand can be deep in areas, so be careful.
The Idaho State Parks have started using requiring a day-use reservation. When making your reservation, you will want to select the day-use and/or parking pass if you want to visit the beach.
There is also a great campground here, right on the lake. If you’re bringing an RV or want to tent camp, the Bear Lake State Park Campground is a great place to check out.
12. Rendezvous Beach
Rendezvous Beach is at the south end of Bear Lake in Utah. It is about two miles northwest of Laketown. There are so many great amenities here, including boat rentals, a large day-use area, and a beach.
A day-use pass is $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents. There is also great camping here. There are 106 RV sites with full hook-ups and 37 tent sites.
13. Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway
This is a Bear Lake Scenic Drive that includes amazing views of the turquoise blue waters at Bear Lake. There are lots of great historical sites along this drive, as well as the Minnetonka Cave. The drive starts at Bear Lake on U.S. 89 near Fish Haven and ends in McCammon.
This route goes through St. Charles, Paris, Montpelier, Soda Springs, Bancroft, and Lava Hot Springs. Make sure to pack your swimming suit for swimming at Lava Hot Springs.
14. Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway
When we drive to Bear Lake, we usually come in on the Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway, and it is beautiful. It is about 41 miles long and will take you through a stunning stretch of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
If you are driving through Logan, you will drive on this byway. The distance from Logan to Bear Lake is about 33 miles, a short drive. If you are coming in from a different area, it is well worth taking a few hours out of your day to drive the canyon. During the fall months, the fall foliage here is incredible.
15. Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge
One of the best places to spot wildlife in this area is at the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge. It is a great place for hiking and looking for animals. This area is home to moose and lots of different kinds of birds like owls, peregrine falcons, and osprey.
The refuge covers about 18,000 acres of marshland, open waters, and meadows.
16. Sink Hollow Trail
If you’re up for a bit longer of a hike, the Sink Hollow Trail is a beautiful trail in Logan Canyon near the Beaver Mountain Ski area. The hike is 9 miles round trip with a moderate difficulty level. During the summer months, this is a great hiking and mountain bike trail.
In the winter, it is great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
17. Bridgerland Adventure Park
Bridgerland Adventure Park is a great place for a family outing where everyone will have a great time. There are lots of great outdoor activities like ropes courses, a zip line, rock climbing, and turf tubing.
There are a couple of free activities there, like the disc golf course and a playground. After that, there are dozens of different activities and obstacle courses to complete. Activities are paid for by the course, activity, or tube ride.
18. Bike Around the Lake
If you’re up for a longer bike ride, there is a great bike path that goes around the lake. The bike ride is about 50 miles, and bike rentals are available in town if you need one. It is best to ride around the lake clockwise so you are on the lakeside of the road.
19. Fishing
If you want to try your hand at fishing, Bear Lake is a great place to give it a try. If you want a place for some easy fishing, head to the Garden City Pond. It is a stocked pond, but you will need a Utah fishing license. Kids 12 and older will need a license as well.
Bear Lake is a great place to fish for cutthroat trout. The lake trout can grow up to 30 lbs. Bear Lake is also home to two species not found anywhere else in the world – the Bonneville Whitefish and Cisco. You can fish from the shore as well as fish on the lake from a boat or kayak.
20. Garden City Park
If you want a nice place to enjoy the lake without the crowds, check out Garden City Park. It sits right on the lake and is a great place to enjoy the wonderful views.
There is a little beach there, but it is rockier than some of the other beaches on the lake. If you’re looking for a sandy beach for sand castles, this is not the one. The good thing about this beach is that there is no parking fee – it is free!
There is a nice boardwalk, restrooms, and an outdoor shower.
If you are visiting Bear Lake from Late May to early July, you may be able to spot fireflies here. After about 9:30 in a wet habitat, you have a chance to see them in Bear Lake. The boardwalk here is a great place to try to see them.
21. Limber Pine Nature Trail
If you’re looking for a family-friendly hiking trail in Bear Lake, check out the Limber Pine Nature Trail. This trail is about 1.2 miles, so even the youngest of hikers can make it. The trail is also mostly shaded, which is perfect for a hot summer day.
The highlight of this hike is a 600-year-old limber pine tree. The bottom of the tree has such a unique shape, and it’s a lot of fun to see.
If you are visiting early in the summer (May and June), you may find snow on this trail.
22. Bloomington Lake
Bloomington Lake is a small glacial lake north of Bear Lake. It is such a beautiful lake and reminded us of the beautiful scenery we saw in Glacier National Park.
The lake is perfect for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. There are also lots of beautiful wildflowers in the area.
The trailhead is up the Bloomington Canyon, which is recommended for high-clearance vehicles. This is a great ATV trail. From the parking area, there is a quarter-mile hike.
This road can be closed as late as June due to snow on the trail. It is not uncommon to see snow into the month of July in the area.
23. Bear Lake State Park
A great place to enjoy the beauty in this area is Bear Lake State Park. It is in the southeastern corner of Idaho. There is a really nice beach in the state park, which is perfect for swimming, fishing from the shore, and relaxing at the beach.
The Bear Lake State Park Marina is also a really nice area to visit.
This is also a great place to stay if you’re going to be camping during your visit to Bear Lake.
24. Bear Lake Overlook
If you are coming into Bear Lake from Logan Canyon, make sure to take a quick stop at the Bear Lake Overlook. Technically, it is the UT US89 Bear Lake Overlook Rest Area. It is a quick and easy stop but has beautiful views of the Bear Lake Valley.
25. Paris Ice Cave
If you didn’t get your cave fix at the Minnetonka Cave, add on a visit to the Paris Ice Cave in Paris Canyon. The ice never melts in the cave, even in the hot summers.
This cave is easiest to explore during the late summer and early fall when there is a little less ice in the cave. This makes it a lot easier to navigate.
Keep in mind that the road going to the Paris Ice Cave may have snow on it in the spring and early summer. If there is snow on the road, you will need to walk in. If there is no snow on the road in, you can park at the opening of the cave.
26. Renegade Raceway
After a fun day at the lake, head to Renegade Raceway for some go-kart races that the entire family will enjoy. It is right in downtown and has a large track so everyone can race. They can accommodate large or small groups, but it is best to make a reservation if you can to make sure they are ready for you.
Things to Do in Bear Lake in the Winter
If you are visiting Bear Lake during the winter, you are in luck! There are so many fun Bear Lake winter activities, making it a magical, snowy destination. Some of the most popular things to do are ice fishing, skiing and snowboarding at Beaver Mountain, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
Weather in Bear Lake
This mountain area sits at a high elevation, which means long winters. We visited at the end of May one time and still found ourselves wearing jackets, and we ran into a lot of snow on our RZR rides. It is best to be prepared with layers and check the weather before visiting.
The high elevation also makes the water temperature in the lake cold. Summer is the best time to visit if you want to do a lot of water sports.
When you are outside, be sure to bring sunscreen and reapply often. With the high elevation, it is pretty easy to get sunburned, speaking from experience.
Hotels Near Bear Lake, Utah
Conestoga Ranch
⭐️ Rating 9.2/10 | 📍Location: 427 W. Paradise Parkway in Garden City | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
Conestoga Ranch has a beautiful property with a glamping set-up catering to couples as well as families, making it one of the most unique hotels in Bear Lake, Utah. They have luxurious tents sleeping up to six people as well as wagons that come with an en-suite bathroom.
🏆 It has been voted as one of the top 5 glamping resorts for the last three years by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice travel awards.
It was a wonderful experience. They were very helpful and adjusted to our schedule and needs. Clean and inviting. Glamping was better than expected.
– Kris (Read more Reviews)
This is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a unique place to stay with great amenities. There are complimentary cruiser bikes you can use to explore town, and at the end of the day, you can relax by a campfire roasting s’mores.
There is also an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or you can prepare your own meals in the rendezvous BBQ tents. Other amenities include yoga classes, massages, a playground, game tend, and lawn games.
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Conestoga Ranch
Multi Resorts at Bear Lake
⭐️ Rating 9/10 | 📍Location: 725 East 2200 South in Garden City | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
Multi Resorts at Bear Lake has apartment-style units available for rent with everything you need to enjoy your time in this area. There are lots of great amenities on site, like a hot tub, swimming pool, and tennis courts. There is also a great playground with on-site bike and kayak rentals.
The amenities were great – everything was very close to the condo – loved the kids playground and the green grassy area to set up outdoor games we brought.
– Karen (REad More Reviews)
The one-bedroom apartments sleep up to six guests, and the one-bedroom loft apartments sleep up to 10 guests. All units come with a kitchenette and a private bathroom. Kitchens are well-stocked with kitchenware, a toaster, an oven, and more.
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Multi Resorts at Bear Lake
VRBOs in the Area
There are also tons of private rentals listed on VRBO available in this area. These work great for large groups or those wanting more amenities like multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, and multiple social gathering areas.
We love staying in private rentals because we can have our kids in their own room. We also love having a full kitchen. It makes it so much easier to prepare food and helps cut down on vacation costs because we don’t have to eat out as often.
FAQ: Things to Do in Bear Lake
During the summer season through Labor Day, you can expect Bear Lake to be busy. It is recommended to make your reservations well in advance if you are visiting during the summer months. Bear Lake is a popular destination in Utah in the summer and during the Raspberry Days Festival.
Yes, Bear Lake is worth visiting. We always have a great time when we visit Bear Lake, especially when it is warm enough to enjoy swimming and other outdoor activities like hiking, visiting the cave, and exploring the 4×4 trails.
The Bear Lake area is most known for its beautiful lake with clear waters. It is perfect for water skiing, paddle boarding, and playing at its ideal beach,
The prettiest part of the lake is North Beach. This is a beautiful beach with soft and powdery sand and very few rocks. You will also find very little grassy wetlands at the beach.
If you want to swim and participate in water activities, July and August will have the best weather conditions. June can be a little chilly for swimming, but still has nice conditions.
Swimming is allowed and a very popular activity to do at the lake during the summer. The beaches in the area have a gradual and sandy slope, making it perfect for swimming.
You should come prepared for lots of water activities. You should plan on bringing beach gear, sunscreen, life jackets, and towels. This area sits at a higher elevation so even in the summer months, it can be chilly at night. It is a good idea to bring some jackets.
Bear Lake is such a beautiful turquoise color because the water has a high density of microscopic particles of lime, also known as calcium carbonate. The lime has a naturally white color which gives the water a light-blue color.
Bear Lake sits on the Utah-Idaho border in the United States. On the Utah side, the biggest city is Garden City. On the Idaho side, you can enjoy the small towns of Fish Haven, St. Charles, and Paris.
Conclusion: Things to Do Around Bear Lake
We hope you have found this guide helpful in planning your visit to northern Utah and deciding what to do in Bear Lake, Utah. It is such a fun place to visit, with easy access to those in Idaho and Utah.
There are so many fun Bear Lake activities, especially during the warm summer months, like the Bear Lake Raspberry Days, which usually starts mid-July.
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I like this site very much so much superb information.
Aww thank you so much! I’m glad you have found the info on here useful. We love all of the fun things to do at Bear Lake!
We haven’t taken our kids to Bear Lake and we need to! I know they would love the caves. This is a great list, it has all my favorite Bear Lake things to do!
Oh it is such a fun place to explore as long as it isn’t too windy. The caves are definitely a hit with the kids.
The raspberry shakes at Zips are epic! We get them every time we are at Bear Lake.
They are just delicious! The outdoor seating area is a great place to enjoy them.