Category: Experiences

Beginning in September, local potato farmers sell their newly harvested potatoes in fifty pound bags. Watch for opportunities to buy real Idaho spuds at roadside stands often found along State Highway 34, near Grace, Idaho, or along US Highway 91 in Preston.

The Shoshone Indians used this trail system to cross the mountains between Cache Valley and Bear Lake Valley, and on into Wyoming. When Mormon settlers came, they used the trail to take mail between the valleys. A marker commemorating the pioneer mail route is located up Cub River Road (County…

This monument honors the birthplace of Guston Borglum, the sculptor of Mount Rushmore. Borglum was born in St. Charles, Idaho in 1867. His marble head sculpture of Abraham Lincoln is on display in the Capitol Rotunda. Gutzon Borglum's Wars of America, a bronze sculpture of 42 humans and two horses,…

Upon entering Garden City from Logan Canyon, Quick and Tasty greets you with fresh cut home fries and raspberry shakes.

This local museum is housed in a building that was built in 1914 as a drug store. The original safe and pressed-tin ceiling are still intact. The museum had its origins in a collection of mementos gathered by Miss Hattie Morgan and the Native Daughters of the Idaho Pioneers group…

This is a 25-year-old business, family owned and operated. The Weeks family says that the growing conditions in Paradise produce superior flavor in their berries, which include strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, gooseberries, huckleberries, blueberries and black, red, and white currants. They also produce juices, syrups, and freezer jams that are available…

This local gathering spot features homestyle cooking, including homemade soups, bread, and pies.

This three-cell jail was built in 1880 of plank and five tons of spikes. Operated by the local chapter of Daughters of Utah Pioneers. The DUP Museum is a log cabin near the jail, and both sites are owned and operated by the organization.

This small pioneer building is over 125 years old and in its early days functioned as a school, local chapel, and meeting hall. In 1966, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave the building to the Daughters of Utah Pioneers who renovated it to create a pioneer relic…

This building was built in 1883, designed by Truman O. Angell, Jr., who also designed the Logan Tabernacle and the Logan Temple. It is the oldest county building in Utah still being used for its original purpose.

This deceivingly small building is home to a deli, souvenir shop and Idaho lottery. Gladys is enthused to say that she has built up a strong clientele for her place over the last 14 years of business, and she is a well-loved mainstay of the community. Come in, explore and…

The Oneida Stake Academy was one of many schools founded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was started in 1888 in Frankiln, Idaho. When the time came in 1889 to build a building for the academy, Preston was chosen as the location because it was centrally located…

Local and regional railroad history and artifacts. Located downstairs in the National Oregon/California Trail Center.

This is the oldest drugstore in Idaho. Stop in for an old fashioned soft drink like iron port. The store sells gifts, cards, and historical book by local authors, along with the usual drugstore stock.

All of Chad’s homemade products contain raspberries from the family patch in the back yard. The products are all hand made in their home and can be purchased at local establishments.

Years ago Max Gundersen started in the upholstery business in the Salt Lake area. Since moving to Idaho in 1974, he started to work in leather and tooling in leather. He creates gun cases, chaps, bridles and other items. The business has a large market, both local and nationally, including…

Samaria, about 9 miles southwest of Malad, was once the largest town in the Malad Valley. Settled in 1868 by homesteaders, the town did well until the railroad was routed through Malad. After that, the primary businesses developed around the railroad terminal, and Samaria remained a farming community. A number…

Established in 1950, this is the place to get frozen homemade pie dough so you can have perfect pie crusts, too.

Located at Soda Springs City Park in downtown Soda Springs, along the main Hwy 30. Wednesdays 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Homemade fresh baked goods, fresh noodles, artisan lettuce, fresh eggs, crafts and more.

This Romanesque-style Mormon tabernacle was constructed in 1889 of red sandstone from a quarry 18 miles away. This place of worship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is still used by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A small museum houses heirlooms…

The Lodge Motel is situated in the center of Garden City, Utah on the shore of beautiful Bear Lake. All of Garden City's shops and eateries are within a short walking distance from your motel room. Pet friendly rooms offered year-round.

In the early 1900s the Hopkins family homesteaded the site where this hot springs was developed, and for many years it was known to locals as Hopkins Hot Springs. You can read about the interesting history of this family and the original uses of the site at the front desk…

Family owned and operated, the Baugh Motel was built in 1957 on the site of an old trolley car depot and is reminiscent of 1950's brick roadside architecture. The registration office in an old gas station. The rock-walled ruins of a flour mill can be seen on the northwest corner…

Malad Valley Heritage Square is a wonderful collection of Pioneer era cabins, an old fashioned Ice Cream store, covered wagons and farm machinery. It includes the Osmond Family Homestead. Free Self Guided Tours daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. Children must be accompanied by an adult. They hold several old…

Calling all quilters! For a week every June you can shop-hop to this and 14 other quilting shops along the Wasatch Front. In the fall, during deer hunting season, the quilt shops sponsor an overnight trip for all those “hunting widows.” Check out the Shop-Hop at: http://www.utahshophop.com/. Village Dry Good…

The museum has one of the largest permanent collections in the Intermountain Region, featuring western and international artists, a fine ceramics collection, and Native American Artwork. Regularly changing exhibits bring a variety of fine arts and crafts to patrons.

Why Is It Called Soda Springs? The region around Soda Springs, Idaho, is very active geothermally. Early trapper and pioneer diaries are replete with descriptions of the strange geology in the area. The rocks for miles around were described as being of the “soda formation,” which consisted of mounds of…

This old Mormon meetinghouse is built of local stone and nestled in the pleasant community of Providence, just south of Logan. Built in 1871, the Old Rock Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is affectionately known as the Old Rock Church. An addition to the Old Rock Church,…

Drive north from Brigham City along Highway 38, and you will see many late-nineteenth-century stone houses built from locally-quarried stone and generally reflecting vernacular building styles of the period. These charming private residences were built by pioneers and are now a part of the picturesque scenery on the drive between Brigham…

Built in 1930, having a rich history in Preston, Idaho, the Worm Creek Opera House, formerly known as The Grand Theatre, and provides movies and live performances in Franklin County, Idaho. In 1986, the Theatre was a vacant building that had not been used for several years. Under the direction…

In operation since 1937, Peach City Ice Cream has been serving up tasty burgers and delicious shakes for over 65 years. Locally owned by the Morgan brothers, Harvey and Blynn, this local hangout serves over 20 flavors of homemade ice cream. The house specialties are the Big Joe burger and…

The Bluebird Inn is an old homestead overlooking Bear Lake, with lush gardens and an outdoor hot tub. There are five charming rooms, each with a fireplace, and your stay includes a full breakfast in the sunny dining room.

Known as the crown jewel of the Bear River Range, this glacial lake greets visitors with an explosion of summer wildflowers and lush green plants. Tony Grove was formed by powerful and slow-moving glaciers, as evidenced by the huge boulders deposited around the lake. Moose are often spotted taking advantage…

The Daughters of Utah Pioneers built this museum in 1983. It features pioneer artifacts, Native American artifacts, and other relics found in the area left by the travelers on the Oregon Trail which went through Soda Springs. Open Friday through Saturday 1 pm to 4 pm.  To schedule special groups…

Dragongoose Farm is an interesting site, featuring an historic home and granary built in 1875. Settler Niels Bergeson planted a box elder tree around 1874 that is listed as a Utah Champion Box Elder. Part of the historic home was used as the Bergeson Maternity Home from 1939-1949. When you visit this…

Opened in 1929 by grandfather Bert Olsen, this café is run by third-generation family members. They still offer the same rib-sticking hearty meals.

Located at Lion's Memorial Park, downtown Montpelier, Idaho. Open Saturdays from 9:00 – 1:00 p.m. Local produce, woodcrafts, soap maker, jewelry maker, fresh baked goods. Live music–country and folk.

In the 1860s, Brigham Young instituted what came to be known as the “cooperative movement” in Utah. With the new transcontinental railroad came goods made elsewhere, and the church leaders feared that materialism and covetousness would grow among the Mormons. A system of businesses owned cooperatively was created, with existing…

The first designated historic district in Utah, the Willard district reflects the Welsh heritage of many of the earliest settlers. The main builder of the homes was Shadrach Jones, a Welsh stonemason, and the homes are mainly Greek Revival and Gothic in style, forming the largest grouping of pioneer stone…

Come watch newly hatched fish (fry and fingerlings), learn about fish reproduction and stocking, and maybe try your luck in a nearby creek! This fish hatchery was built in 1946 and supplies fish stock to southeast Idaho lakes, rivers, and streams. The primary fish produced in the hatchery’s 16 vats…

Charlie’s Supreme Ice Cream has been scooping up tasty ice cream (made locally at Heart to Heart Foods) for years. Visit Craig “Charlie” Earl’s shop and get a taste of real Utah ice cream. Open late for weekend fun.

Bret Argyle started working with leather, creating belts and repairing tack while in his youth. Today he has converted the garage in his home into a boot and saddle shop. Stop in and order a pair of boots or buy the grandchildren a pair of chaps. Custom made saddles are…

Located across the street from the historic Paris Tabernacle, this restaurant is a great place to visit if you enjoy cattlemen’s stories and good cooking. Paris has a unique staff consisting mostly of high school students who work all summer. It is now Cody's Gastro Garage.

Deer Cliff Inn sits right on the scenic Cub River, and has been family owned and operated since 1940. They serve steak, seafood, local trout, and their famous broasted chicken and honey buttered scones, and feature entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Their regular season is from May to October, but special…

Granite spires and monoliths reaching 60 stories tall. Geologists estimate the oldest granite to exceed 2.5 billion years. Established in 1988 as a national reserve, City of Rocks encompasses 14,407 acres of land (about one quarter is privately owned) and is renowned for its scenic, geologic, and historic significance. The…

In business since 1914, this historic café has seen much business done over a cup of coffee and a handshake. Stop in for a cool drink at the old soda fountain. A mural in the back room depicts local history and predictions for Logan’s future.

The Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located on the north shore of Bear Lake.  Over 18,050 acres of the Dingle Swamp, open water and grasslands have been dedicated to preserving bird and wildlife habitat. The reserve is home to sandhill cranes, herons, snowy egret, white pelicans, Canada geese and a…

Located in a former bookstore, the "Owl," as locals call it, has been a favorite hangout for decades, serving up locally brewed beers from around the state. Located in historic downtown Logan, the Owl offers outdoor seating on the rooftop deck during the summer. Proprietor John Calderwood can often be…

Awesome numbers of birds can be viewed in Spring, Summer and Fall, at this world-famous national wildlife refuge. Nearly 74,000 acres of marsh, mudflat, seasonal wetlands and uplands attract shorebirds, waterfowl, herons, grebes, gulls, eagles, hawks and many other birds. “Throughout the refuge’s long rich past, it has not only…

LaBeau's and LaBeau's 2 (next door) serves burgers, hot and cold sandwiches, corn dogs, chicken nuggets, fries, onion rings and delicious raspberry shakes!