City Guide to Logan, Utah

Logan, Utah is an outdoorperson’s dream. Situated in the Cache Valley and surrounded by majestic mountains, Logan has much to offer those who enjoy truly escaping. It is centrally located near very fine hunting, fishing, skiing, camping, and hiking. Additionally, because Logan is a moderate-sized town, it also provides plenty of accommodations in comfortable hotels, as well as a variety of places to eat and shop.

The appeal of Logan is that it offers activities year-round. The summer and autumn are the most popular seasons for tourists, as the hiking and camping in nearby Logan Canyon are superior. Additionally, Bear Lake, with its boating, fishing, and white sand beaches is less than an hour away by car. A weekly Farmer’s Market provides fresh produce and crafts every Saturday from the middle of May to the first weekend of October. During the autumn months the canyon explodes with color rivaling even the famed fall leaves found on the East coast. And there is plenty of good hunting near Logan as well.

But there is plenty to do in the winter as well. The Hardware Ranch offers horse-drawn sleigh rides all winter, for a very low price (usually less then $5), and offers a restaurant, coffee shop, and gift shop. These rides are popular, as they offer a look at the elk that winter in the area. Nearby fields and tracks are perfect for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, and it is even possible to get in a little ice fishing.

Logan is also known for its historical heritage. The American West Heritage Center offers interpretive displays (and even holds a festival every year), and there are other museums and historical sites located throughout the Cache Valley. The Jensen Living Historical Farm and the Logan Tabernacle offer a look at the valley’s pioneer and Mormon beginnings. The farm is only open during the summer months, and is a look at how a farm was run at the beginning of the 20th Century. Many of the buildings are authentic. The Tabernacle is open year-round and tours are offered free of charge Tuesday through Saturday.

The restaurants in Logan offer the usual chain restaurant fare: Olive Garden, Chili’s, and a variety of fast food restaurants. There are some interesting ethnic choices, however. There are several Mexican restaurants (Sabor is quite good), a few Chinese restaurants, and a very good Indian restaurant called the Indian Oven. The diversity comes from students attending Utah State University.

Shopping is not too bad. There are plenty of discount and outlet clothing stores, including Ross and T.J. Maxx, as well as Wal-Mart (of course!) and Sam’s Club. But a trip downtown to see the older shops and browse among antiques and bookstores is well worth it. The Bluebird CafÃ?©, located almost directly across from the Tabernacle, is a nicely done restaurant with three levels and food that does not appear to have increased in price for more than ten years. The portions are large, and the cafÃ?© also has its own soda fountain and candy counter (with homemade chocolate confections).

Logan is truly a beautiful place to get away from it all, enjoying a bit of the West in comfort and ease.