Outdoorsy Stuff

Enjoy the Lake

Free public beaches include: Rendevous, State Park Marina, North Beach (reservations required), and several smaller but very nice beaches on the east side. Epic Recreation rents everything you could ever want, and we've had good customer service from them.

See more about beaches under "Tips for your Trip."

Explore a Cave

Minnetonka Cave is open daily in summer months and is a true hidden gem. Call for reservations. Take a jacket and be ready for some stairs.

Go biking

There is a great bike bath in Garden City, and they are working on extending it around the lake. There is also wonderful mountain biking to be had. Stump Hollow, Sink Hollow, Bunch Grass up to White Pine Lake, and Jardine Juniper are some of our favorite intermediate/advanced trails.

Try A Rope Swing

Bloomington Lake is a bit of a drive, but worth it. Drive 20 miles north to Bloomington, then it's a dirt road for 12 miles, then a short 10 minute hike. The lake is great for paddle boarding, and has a fantastically fun rope swing.

Get Hiking

There is plenty of hiking in the area. Our favorite Sunday afternoon stroll is the Limber Pine Trail, the view is stunning from the top of the Swan Peak trail, and there are plenty of larger hikes as well, like Laketown Canyon and Sink Hollow.

Drive Your ATV

There are trails for days in the sinks, or try out the Shoshone Trail System, which takes off near the KOA campground. And if you have a smaller ATV, Hodges Canyon and Sink Hollow are awesome.

Ride a Horse

Beaver Creek Lodge offers a variety of rides through some truly beautiful scenery.

Play Golf

The Bear Lake Golf Course is a lovely little nine-hole course. Not too expensive, and a perfect place to unwind and work on your swing while enjoying the views. There is also a Bear Lake West golf course just over the Idaho border in Fish Haven. They also have the most upscale restaurant in town.

To Do In Town

Eat Out

We like, Zips, Cody's, Firehouse Pizza, Cafe Sabor, and Aloha Family Grill. There are also several fun outdoorsy spots for breakfast like Ruca's and Crepes and Coffee. And if you want to step back in time, try the Bear Trapper. It will bring your childhood back to you. Honestly the food is pretty good wherever you go, and all of the burger joints make good shakes. FYI - so does the Chevron, but the secret is out on that one and the wait can be very long.

Hit the Theater

The Pickleville Playhouse has great family friendly plays (including a truly hilarious melodrama) all summer long. It's an annual tradition for many families who find their way to Bear Lake each year.

shop 'til you drop

More and more little shops seem to pop up downtown every year, and there are some fun ones. The shirts at Blue Clothing are darling and reasonably priced. They are also one of the only places in town to pick up a swimsuit if you neglected to pack yours. And don't forget to stop at the Chocolate Bear for chocolate covered raspberries. You'll thank us!

have an adventure

Relatively new to the area, Bridgerland Adventure Park offers giant slides, an aerial challenge course, zip lines, a giant swing, tube slides, disc golf, a rock wall, bungee tramp, bounce house, mini-golf and more. You'll certainly notice it as it is right by the cabin.

Pamper yourself

The Spa at Water's Edge is fairly new to the town, but it's a great little place to get a pedicure, massage or facial!

Dance It Up

We're not kidding. There are weekend dances all summer at the Bear Lake Dance Place.

Race Some Cars

We admit it, we've never been to the Renegade Raceway Go-Karts, but they always have a long line, so they must be doing something right!

swim indoors

Need to get out of the sun? Garden City Indoor Pool & Hot Tub offers a great change of pace. It's affordable and often not too crowded.