Garden City | USA Utah

Garden City is a town in Rich County, Utah, located on the western shore of Bear Lake. Known as the "Caribbean of the Rockies" for the lake's intense turquoise waters, it is a premier summer resort destination and the raspberry capital of the region.

Historical Timeline

Originally used as a summer rendezvous site for Shoshone tribes and later 19th-century mountain men (including Jedediah Smith). Settled in 1877 by LDS pioneer Phineas Cook. The town’s economy shifted from subsistence ranching to tourism in the early 20th century as Bear Lake became a popular retreat for residents of the Wasatch Front.

Demographics & Population

The estimated 2026 permanent population is 643.

Seasonal Surge: During the summer months, particularly during Raspberry Days, the daily population swells to over 30,000.

Economics: Median household income is $78,412. The economy is entirely dominated by seasonal tourism, property management, and hospitality.

Urban Layout & Landmarks

Logan Canyon (US-89): The scenic mountain pass serving as the primary gateway from the west.

Bear Lake Boulevard: The main thoroughfare lined with iconic raspberry shake stands and rental shops.

Garden City Pond: A local community fishing spot and park.

Heritage Park: The central venue for community events and festivals.

Top Landmarks & Attractions

Bear Lake State Park (Marina): The primary hub for boating, jet skiing, and sailing.

Pickleville Playhouse: A historic theater known for family-friendly musical productions and "melodramas."

Bear Lake West Golf Course: Offering elevated views of the lake's unique blue hue.

Garden City Raspberry Stands: Famous for fresh raspberry shakes, a regional culinary staple.

Minnetonka Cave: Located just across the Idaho border; a massive limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Highways: Intersection of US-89 and SR-30. US-89 is a designated National Scenic Byway.

Infrastructure (2026): Significant investment in wastewater treatment capacity is ongoing to handle the massive influx of short-term rentals and summer tourists.

Pedestrian Transit: The town is expanding its "lake-side" trail system to connect residential developments with the commercial core.

Safety & Environmental Alerts (Jan 26, 2026)

Extreme Cold: Overnight lows are currently -20°C (-4°F).

Lake Condition: Bear Lake is partially frozen near the shoreline. Large ice sheets are shifting due to high winds; walking on the ice is strictly discouraged.

Winter Travel Warning: Logan Canyon (US-89) is currently under a "traction required" advisory due to heavy drifting snow and black ice.

Avalanche Danger: High risk on the slopes surrounding the Bear Lake valley following recent heavy snowfall.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Connectivity: High-speed fiber is available in the main town site, though speeds can throttle during peak summer weekends due to network congestion.

Currency: US Dollar (USD). Sales tax is 7.1%.

Climate & Air Quality

Garden City has a Humid Continental climate (Dfb) with significant lake-effect snow.

Current Air Quality: Excellent (AQI 7).

Conditions: Sunny and frigid; current temperature is -9°C (16°F).

Local Cost Index

1 Famous Raspberry Shake: $6.00 – $9.50

1 Standard Lunch: $18.00 – $28.00

Median Home Value: $620,000 (Driven by high-value vacation and investment properties).

Facts & Legends

The lake's turquoise color is caused by the suspension of calcium carbonate (limestone) particles in the water. A verified fact: Garden City is the primary producer of the Bear Lake Raspberry, a specific cultivar prized for its flavor. A local legend involves the "Bear Lake Monster", a serpent-like creature first reported by settlers in the 1860s; sightings continue to be a significant part of local lore and tourism branding.