In Logan for the break? 5 road trips you can take
Not all students are lucky enough to travel to the Caribbean or Disneyland for Spring Break. Whether it’s because of work, family or school, many students remain in Logan for the week. If you are a part of this group, you may still be itching to get out of Cache Valley for a little while.
While you may not be able to leave for long, here are 5 road trips you can take this week to explore the surrounding areas.
Preston, Idaho (About 30 minutes away)
About a half-hour north of Logan lies the sprawling metropolis of Preston, Idaho. This town of just over 5,000 sits just over the Utah-Idaho border and is most well-known as the setting for the cult classic “Napoleon Dynamite.” You can visit many of the filming locations, such as Napoleon’s house, Preston High School and the Deseret Industries where Napoleon buys his prom suit.
If you’re in the mood for a game of tetherball or are just short on time, this could be the perfect trip for you. Stop at the Pepperidge Farms outlet in Richmond for a snack on the way out (901 US-91, Richmond, UT 84333).
Locations of Napoleon Dynamite sites: http://www.movie-locations.com/movies/n/Napoleon-Dynamite.php
Directions to Preston from Logan: https://goo.gl/maps/E3KjwauSLcT2
Bear Lake (About 50 minutes away)
You can never spend enough time in Logan Canyon, no matter what time of year it is. The drive up to Bear Lake is sure to have many Instagram-worthy picture spots, and the lake itself is a sight to see. Snowshoeing and snowmobiling are popular activities here during the winter, if you like to be outdoors. Be sure to stop in Garden City to grab a raspberry shake, a delicacy the area is known for.
Directions to Garden City from Logan: https://goo.gl/maps/5def2PRk5d72
Golden Spike National Monument (About 1 hour away)
Driving an hour west of Logan will bring you to one of the most historic landmarks in Utah: Golden Spike National Monument. The monument marks the point where workers from the east and west met to complete the first transcontinental railroad in the United States in 1869. Visitors can view the monument’s locomotives, take a short hike, or take an auto tour to see the terrain workers had to handle while building the railroad.
Monument Information: https://www.nps.gov/gosp/index.htm
Directions to Golden Spike National Monument from Logan: https://goo.gl/maps/8qBYuVHoHkv
Lava Hot Springs (About 1.5 hours away)
There is nothing quite like sitting in a pool heated by geothermic elements. If you need some time to get away and de-stress during the break, try Lava Hot Springs in Idaho. The outdoor hot pools are open year-round and may help take your mind off that huge group project due in a few weeks. They also have an indoor water park if you want something a little more adventurous.
Information: https://lavahotsprings.com/
Directions to Lava Hot Springs from Logan: https://goo.gl/maps/bhju5p3S7b22
Bonneville Salt Flats (About 3 hours away)
The Salt Flats are one of the most notable landscapes in Utah. This unique area is often featured in music videos and engagement photos and is also a speed testing site for some of the fastest cars in the world. This trip is a little longer at almost three hours each way, but it can still be done in a day. A rest area is located just off the freeway for convenient access to explore the flats.
Directions to Bonneville Salt Flats from Logan: https://goo.gl/maps/RhNGyFUfdkF2
Once you’ve picked your adventure, get your playlist set, grab some friends, and head out to some of the interesting places northern Utah and southeast Idaho have to offer.
Most importantly, no matter what you do during spring break, be sure to find some time to relax. You deserve it.
—alek.nelson@aggiemail.usu.edu
@nelsonalek