Drive to Bear Lake

Everyone drives north from the Salt Lake / Provo area through Logan Canyon toward Garden City. Beautiful scenic drive — enjoy it!

LaBeau's Drive-In

Meet up at the iconic LaBeau's in Garden City for lunch and, of course, the famous Bear Lake raspberry shakes. The original since 1981 with 45+ shake flavors. The perfect way to kick off the trip.

Renegade Raceway Go-Karts

Something for literally everyone — the double karts allow passenger riders as young as age 2, so even Avie gets to ride along. The teens and older kids will love racing each other. A perfect first-day activity.

Check In at The Hideout

Head to the house, unpack, claim bedrooms, and get settled. Someone can do a grocery run at Mike's Market for breakfast and snack supplies — it's a full-service grocery right in Garden City with a bakery, butcher block, fresh produce, deli, and even a Beans & Brews coffee shop with lake views from the mezzanine.

Dinner at Bear Lake Pizza Co. Make Reservation

Easy group dinner before the show. Try the famous 28-inch “Old Ephraim” pizza — made for groups your size. Right in Garden City.

Pickleville Playhouse — Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Tickets Purchased

Opening week of this beloved musical at Bear Lake's famous dinner theater! A barn-raising good time that the whole family will love.

Easy Start + Grocery Run

After a late night at the play, no need to rush. Breakfast at the house, coffee, and get everyone sunscreened. Since you'll be on the boat for six hours starting at 11, someone should make a quick trip to Mike's Market to stock up on snacks, drinks, and lunch supplies for the boat.

Pontoon Boat — 26' Tri-Toon from Bear Lake Rentals Reserved

Six hours on the water (11 AM – 5 PM). We upgraded to the 26' tri-toon — a little bigger, nicer, and faster than the 22'. High-performance with a big motor and tow bar. All the fun of a ski boat but with way more room for the whole crew. Everyone fits on one boat. Located at Sun Outdoors Resort on the southwest side of Bear Lake.

Water toys reserved: 3–4 person tube, wakeboard, and kneeboard.

On the Water

Bear Lake's Caribbean-blue color comes from suspended limestone particles — it's unreal in person. Pack sunscreen, towels, snacks, drinks, and jackets for the little kids (the water is cold!). Cruise, swim, tube, and soak it all in.

Dinner at Café Sabor

Lively Mexican and Latin food with a great patio and margaritas. Kids eat free Mondays; Taco Tuesdays (just missed it!). Fun, family-friendly energy. The Garden City location is seasonal — if it's not open yet, the Logan location is a solid alternative.

Drive to Minnetonka Cave

Head up the east shore of Bear Lake toward St. Charles, Idaho, then up St. Charles Canyon to the cave. Beautiful scenic drive.

Minnetonka Cave Tour Tickets Purchased

A guided tour of this stunning 9-room limestone cave. The tour is ¾ mile long with 888 stairs (444 down and 444 back up) and takes about 90 minutes. You'll be done around 12:30 PM.

Lunch — Options Near the Cave or Back in Garden City

Near the cave in St. Charles (~10 min):
• Minnetonka Market & Café — Sandwiches, burgers, tacos, chicken strips. Open year-round, right on Main St. Cozy and local.
• Bear Cave — Burgers, shakes, fries. Arguably the best fry sauce in the Bear Lake area.
• Float On — Ice cream and loaded french fries. Great for a quick bite with the kids.

Back in Garden City (~25 min): More options and seating for a big group. Bear Trapper, Zipz, or Crepes & Coffee all work well. See the Restaurant Guide below.

Downtime at the House

Relax, let the kids play in the game room, enjoy the hot tub or barrel sauna. Recharge before an evening out.

Dinner at Campfire Grill at Conestoga Ranch Reserve Ahead

The top dining experience at Bear Lake. Wood-fired pizza, Wagyu burgers, and stunning lake views. Seasonal (May–Sept). A special night out for the whole family. Reserve well in advance for a party of 12. Dinner will probably be about an hour and a half.

Limber Pine Nature Trail (Optional Sunset Hike)

If we have time after dinner, an easy, beautiful 1.3-mile loop at the Logan Canyon summit. Family-friendly for all ages. Ancient limber pine trees and gorgeous canyon views. Sunset is around 9:05 PM in mid-June, so an 8:00 PM start catches golden hour. Plan to be done around 9:00. Optional — no big deal if it doesn't work out.

Relaxed Morning

Breakfast at the house. No rush — horseback riding isn't until 11:30.

Drive to Logan Canyon Horseback Riding

Head through Logan Canyon on Hwy 89 to the horseback riding outfitter. Don't rush it — enjoy the canyon drive.

2.5-Hour Horseback Ride with Box Lunch Reserved

A guided trail ride through gorgeous mountain scenery with a box lunch included. Ages 7+ can ride, so one adult will stay back with Avie (10 riders total). Done around 2:00 PM. Booked through logancanyonhorsebackriding.com

Hike to the BR on the Mountain (Optional)

Done with horseback riding around 2:00 PM, then about an hour drive down Logan Canyon to Tremonton/Garland. Hike up to the Bear River High School “BR” hillside letters. Short but steep climb with great views of the valley from the top. Depends on how everyone's feeling after the ride.

Visit Family Graves

Stop to visit family graves at Tremonton cemetery. A meaningful moment before dinner.

Family Dinner at Maddox Ranch House — Remembering Uncle Richard Make Reservation

Gather with extended family at Utah's original steakhouse to celebrate the life of Uncle Richard. Maddox has been family-run since 1949 in Perry (just south of Brigham City). Famous for ranch-raised beef and comfort food — a fitting place to come together. Make a reservation for the full group.

Pack Up & Check Out by 10:00 AM

Clean up the house, pack the cars, say goodbye to The Hideout. Maybe one last group photo on the balcony.

Bike Ride Along Bear Lake (Optional — Group Decision)

One last activity together before heading home. Two great biking options right in Garden City:

Bear Lake Legacy Pathway — A flat, paved 4.5-mile path along the lake shore from the marina through Garden City to Ideal Beach. Rent surreys, banana bikes, trikes, or mountain bikes from Bike Barn at Bear Lake KOA. Fun for the whole group, easy for all ages.

E-Bikes from Firefly Power Bike Rentals — Rent electric bikes and cruise the Legacy Pathway or explore the dirt roads and mild trails around Bear Lake with zero effort. Pedal like normal or flip the switch and let the motor do the work. Great for mixed fitness levels and a fun way to cover more ground. Contact: fireflypowerbikes.com • (435) 770-2645

Farewell Raspberry Shakes & Head Home

One last round of shakes from LaBeau's before you leave — bookend the trip! Then drive south through Logan Canyon back to the Salt Lake / Provo area. Allow extra time for the drive and airport.