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Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Located on the north end of Bear Lake. The refuge is home to large numbers of
Canadian geese, ducks of many species, Ibis, Sandhill Cranes, Avocet, and many
other birds. There are 17 acres of marsh, open water and grasslands. Observation
sites are available on a motor tour route. Walking trails are also available.
Mosquitoes are plentiful. The refuge can be accessed from Paris or from Highway
89 between Ovid and Montpelier.
Bloomington Lake
The small glacial lake is placed in a spectacular setting of cliffs and
waterfalls. The mountain flowers and rugged scenery surrounding the lake are
part of its attractions. The Bloomington Canyon road leading to the lake area is
very rough. Those who wish to visit the lake are advised to use a truck.
Caves
Minnetonka Cave (info 208-945-2407) Located 9 miles up St. Charles, Idaho. Open
for tours daily, the cave provides entertainment and education. Among its
features are large rooms and caverns, stalagmites, stalactites and other cave
formations. Tours are provided daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Be prepared for over
400 steps going up and down. Jackets and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Paris Ice Caves, where caverns contain ice all summer long, but are accessible
generally by the middle of July. Located in Pairs Canyon, Idaho.
Charles C. Rich Memorial
Paris Tabernacle grounds. Charles C. Rich was sent by Brigham Young to settle
the Bear Lake Valley. He settled in Paris, Idaho because Native Americans
occupied the south shore.
Fish Ladder
A structure on the north end of Bear Lake enables spawning fish from Bear Lake
to travel up Big St. Charles Creek to spawning grounds.
Garden City Boardwalk
At the City Park in the middle of Garden City, Utah. Enjoy a walk through the
wetland area on a boardwalk above it all. Sometimes wildlife and different
species of birds are seen. The quiet walk ends up right on the beach of
beautiful Bear Lake. Enjoy a picnic while you relax and watch the activity on
the lake.
Gutzon Borgholm Monument
Located on the church grounds in St. Charles, Idaho, the monument commemorates
the birth place of the famous sculptor who created the monumental presidential
sculptures at the Black Hills.
Highland Trail
A 55 mile long National Recreation trail is accessible from many points within
the Bear Lake area including Bloomington Canyon, Paris Canyon, Emigration
Canyon, and Logan Canyon. It is open to hiking, horseback riding, motorbikes or
mountain bikes. Spectacular scenic views from the trail can be seen in Cache
Valley as well as Bear Lake Valley.
Lakeside Recreation
Summer Weekend Dances, or can be rented for family reunions (435) 946-2947
Montpelier Reservoir
Excellent fishing is available in the man made reservoir. No motorized boats are
allowed. The earth filled dam is 62 feet high. It impounds 3,850 acre feet of
water used for irrigation. the reservoir is north of Highway 89 in Montpelier,
Idaho and Geneva, Idaho.
Oregon
Trail
The Oregon Trail crosses Bear Lake County from the border on the southeast to
Soda Springs on the northwest. Although much of the trail is covered by paved
roads, unpaved portions of the trail are visible parallel to Highway 30 north of
Georgetown, Idaho. The Oregon Trail Rendezvous Pageant is held the Saturday
before the 24th of July, in Montpelier. The Pageant offers Dutch oven dinner,
musical entertainment, and dancing on the old Oregon Trail. National
Oregon/California Trail Center (information 1-800-448-BEAR)
Travel back in time. Visit Peg Leg Smith's trading post, spend some time in a
wagon train encampment at Clover Creek. Experience living history as real people
become pioneers, mountain men, traders, heroes, and scoundrels. Located in
Montpelier, Idaho at the junction of Highway 89 and Highway 30.
Paris Tabernacle
Built by Mormon Pioneers over 100 years ago, the tabernacle is constructed of
sandstone. It contains fine wood work in all parts of the interior. Tours are
conducted daily during the summer with frequent organ recitals. Located in the
middle of the town of Paris, Idaho.
Paris Pioneer Museum
The Paris Pioneer Museum contains many historic items and photographs. It points
the way to the large number of historic buildings in the community of Paris.
Open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Pickleville Playhouse
Summer Theater and Western Cook-out-Usually you will need reservations. Call
(435) 946-2918 or (435)753-1944. Open June through Labor Day.
Rails and Trails Museum
Celebrating the history of the Oregon Trail and other historic routes in the
area, the museum also contains pioneer artifacts, many historic photographs, and
items that recall the earliest settlers of Bear Lake Valley.
Raspberry Patches
Raspberry patches in Bear Lake Valley provide the fresh produce for wonderful
fresh raspberry shakes, sundaes, and jams. Raspberry treats are available at
most drive-ins around Bear Lake.
Rendezvous Rest Stop
Located on U.S. Highway 30 on the southwest corner. The rest stop was the site
of early mountain men rendezvous held during the summers of 1826 and 1827.