How to have fun in Logan during the winter months
Logan is situated perfectly for all of the outdoor winter sports. Indoor activities are also still available for those who have an aversion to cold temperatures or frozen precipitation. Here are a few suggestions on how to do winter Logan-style.
Hardware Ranch, elk sleigh ride
For $5, catch a ride through the winter feeding grounds of the local elk herds. Be prepared to experience (smell) the natural world of wildlife. Hundreds of elk gather in the meadow where the ranch is located, 15 miles up Blacksmith Fork Canyon and east of Hyrum. This year the tours run Dec. 17-Feb. 28, Friday through Monday, noon to 5 p.m. Rides begin at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The visitor center does not offer any food, but the indoor dining area offers a place for your own picnic. Date potential is cozy when one brings a thermos of hot chocolate and one wool blanket.
Preston Christmas lights
Napoleon Dynamite’s hometown features the best display of Christmas lights in the valley. For the price of a couple gallons of gas, follow Main Street (U.S. Highway 91) north over the border into Idaho. Preston’s Main Street and several neighborhoods are fantastically decorated for the holidays. Be sure to hit the house on the northernmost end of Preston’s main drag, past the Burger King gas station. The owners devote some serious wattage to their Christmastime decorations. No trip to Idaho is complete without a stop at La Tienda, a gas station/restaurant in Franklin on Hwy. 91 between Logan and Preston. They serve a delicious burger, but are most well-known for selling more lottery tickets than any other store in Idaho.
Open-mic night at Logan Arthouse Cinema
Wednesday’s open-mic night is free and open to anyone who wants to broadcast themselves over a loudspeaker system. Amateur comedians, vocalists and dramatists can test their talents on the stage beginning at 7 p.m. Arthouse also offers viewings of indie films, local bands and comedy clean enough to bring your grandmother to on other nights. The central location, 795 North Main St., is friendly to those walking from Old Main.
The White Owl, Thursday night bands
On occasional Thursdays, a different band jams in the main room of the local tavern, The White Owl. There’s no cover charge, but patrons will want to try their famous burger or one of their sandwiches. For that $3 in your wallet, order a side of spicy pickles ($2) and tip the waitress. CAUTION: Minors, do not attempt to enter. After paying steep fines for past occurrences of minors on the premises, management is strenuous in keeping under-aged parties out of the building. (36 West Center St.)
Contra Dance
For a suggested donation of $5, the public can spend the first Saturday of each month contra dancing at the Whittier Center. Similar to square dancing, but in line formations, this style of dancing has been around for centuries. A live band plays folksy music and a caller shouts out the moves. There is help for the less coordinated, and the dances begin easy to let newcomers get the hang of it. (290 North 400 East, 7:30-10:30 p.m.)
Cross-country ski to one of USU’s Yurts/ slumber party
Get a trip together with some buddies and burn some calories skiing to USU’s Mongolian-style Yurts. Haul in some grub, wood and supplies and the ingredients for a slumber party are in place. The yurts are outfitted with a wooden floor, wood burning stoves, full kitchens, and bunks for 8-12 people depending on the yurt. They are located in Blind Hollow, near Tony Grove and Green Canyon. Rentals for the weekends are chosen by lottery in November, but the weekdays are first come, first served each week. USU’s Outdoor Recreation Program (ORP) has gear and maps of trails available. Yurt rental is limited to USU students and faculty and at least 50 percent of the group must have an active A-number. Rates begin at $64 per week night for the smaller yurt, $96 for the larger.
Ski the Beav/ tailgate party
Skiers at the local resort, Beaver Mountain, are spoiled by minimal lines and space to actually let loose and ski on the mountain. Weekdays offer no lines. The recent pileup of snow is a boon for the resort. Beaver has the lowest lift ticket price for hundreds of miles, $40 per day. Students can buy a discounted season pass for $305. Beginners ought to ride the lift up with an expert to catch up on the lingo and get some tips. Park on the upper parking lot, near the yurt and join a collection of snowboarders (knuckle draggers) and skiers (two plankers) tailgating with barbecues, crock pots of chili or merely a bag of chips. The resort also sells the basics.
information gathered by Tam Rounds