Finding Affordable Fun in Logan

For many students, moving to Utah State University means not only learning their way around a new campus, but also learning what to do for fun in a new city. Fortunately, many of Logan’s most popular activities for students are affordable or even free. 

One of these activities, recommended by Utah State senior Kate Nielsen, is country swing dancing.   

Nielsen, who regularly dances at Sage Hall, said about 300 dancers attend on Tuesday nights, and many are college students or recent graduates. 

“My best friends have come from swing dancing,” Nielsen said. “It’s a great way to find friends, meet people to ask on dates, get some exercise and learn a new skill.” 

While swing dancing might sound a little intimidating to beginners, Nielsen said it shouldn’t be. 

“There are plenty of opportunities to learn, and many people who aren’t instructors will help teach you new moves when you are on the floor.” 

Admission ranges from free to about $10, depending on the location and the night. 

For another active and social outing, many students head to Cache Valley Fun Park for Sk80’s Night. 

Sk80’s, an event that combines roller skating and 1980s music, runs from 9 p.m. to midnight on Tuesdays.  

“It’s a really fun concept,” said Peter Miller, the general manager of Cache Valley Fun Park. “We have a live DJ, and he plays a lot of ‘80s disco, but he also plays a lot of newer stuff as well.” 

Because Tuesday is the Fun Park’s discounted day for roller skating, admission and skate rentals cost $2.70 each.  

According to Miller, students are welcome to bring their own skates instead of paying for rentals.  

With hundreds of students attending on some Tuesday nights, Miller said many show up sporting all-out 1980s attire. 

For those looking for a quieter, less crowded activity, some students prefer to spend their evenings and weekends in Logan Canyon. 

“I love how close Logan Canyon is and its diversity,” said Aubree Rasmussen, a Utah State junior. “From lakes to ski resorts, there are so many activities you can do with a quick drive.” 

To check out gear for outdoor excursions, students can stop by the Outdoor Program Rental Shop, located behind the ARC, which offers current students a 35% discount. Rasmussen said she has enjoyed hiking the Wind Cave Trail, a four-mile hike less than a 15-minute drive from campus. This hike gains about 1,000 feet of elevation and ends at a limestone arch overlooking the canyon. 

“I would recommend hiking to Utah State students because not only is it good for you physically, but mentally as well,” Rasmussen said. “It can relieve stress from college and also allows you to release endorphins.” 

For students whose idea of a good find involves a clothing rack rather than a hiking trail, Logan’s local thrift stores can offer another way to have fun on a budget. 

“We make sure that we keep our prices as low as we can for our community while also providing quality,” said Savannah Haddock, a manager of the local thrift store Somebody’s Attic. “We want to give customers a good deal but also give them good clothing as well.” 

Somebody’s Attic, located on 100 North in Logan, is a nonprofit that donates all proceeds to The Family Place Utah and CAPSA.  

“Whatever you spend goes immediately back to the community,” Haddock said. “I feel like our prices are worth it, and you know the money you spent is going somewhere good.”  

Sk80s at Cache Valley Fun Park