The Pioneer

Story behind the Pioneer Rental Yurt

Latter-day Saint pioneers were not the first to settle in the Bear Lake Valley, but they undoubtedly became the most influential group to shape the area. While earlier explorers and trappers had passed through the region, it was the Mormon pioneers who truly transformed the landscape and its communities. In September of 1863, Charles C. Rich led a group of pioneers into the Bear Lake Valley, where they established the small community of Paris, Idaho. This marked the beginning of what would soon become a thriving settlement in a rugged and remote area.

Following the successful establishment of Paris, other nearby communities like Garden City and Laketown quickly sprang up in the years that followed. However, the pioneers faced numerous challenges, including a harsh and unpredictable climate, difficult terrain, and limited resources. Despite these difficulties, they showed remarkable perseverance, which would later define the valley’s success. The valley’s diverse climate, with its harsh winters and scorching summers, made life especially tough, but the pioneers learned to adapt. They cultivated the land, raised livestock, and built homes, gradually transforming the area into a prosperous farming and ranching hub.

Moreover, the settlers’ determination was crucial to the valley’s development. Not only did they clear the land, but they also planted crops and built sustainable communities. They faced isolation, but their sense of community kept them going. As a result, Bear Lake soon prospered as a hub for agriculture, thanks to its fertile land and abundant natural resources. Through their hard work and grit, the early pioneers laid the foundation for the region’s future prosperity, which is still visible today.

In Honor of the Pioneers

In tribute to their legacy, the Pioneer Rental Yurt at OsoBlu honors the pioneers’ resilience and determination. The rustic design and decor of the yurt aim to reflect the strength of those early settlers, who overcame so many challenges. Staying in the Pioneer Yurt allows guests to step back in time, allowing them to reflect on the sacrifices and triumphs of those who helped shape the valley. At the same time, visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of Bear Lake, appreciating the land that the pioneers fought so hard to cultivate. Ultimately, the yurt serves as a lasting reminder of the pioneers’ significant impact, and it’s a small token of gratitude for their contributions to the Bear Lake Valley.

Sleeps: 12

Amenities:

Pioneer is assisted handicapped accessible which includes grab bars in the shower and toilet areas and wide doors.