Cities and Towns in Bear Lake County, Idaho

Founded in 1875, Bear Lake County is one of 44 counties in the state of Idaho. Historically, Bear Lake County was Oneida County. The city of Paris is the county seat. With FIPS code of 7, Bear Lake County has a population of 6,545 and area of 971 square miles (2,515 km²).

List of all cities in Bear Lake County, ID alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Bennington, ID 83254 208
Bern, ID 83220 208
Bloomington, ID 83223 208
Dingle, ID 83233 208
Dingle, ID 83261 208
Fish Haven, ID 83287 208
Geneva, ID 83238 208
Georgetown, ID 83239 208
Glencoe, ID 83261 208
Liberty, ID 83254 208
Montpelier, ID 83220 208
83254 208
Nounan, ID 83254 208
Ovid, ID 83254 208
Paris, ID 83261 208
Pegram, ID 83254 208
Raymond, ID 83238 208
Saint Charles, ID 83272 208
83287 208
Wardboro, ID 83254 208

Major Cities and Towns in Bear Lake County, Idaho

Montpelier

Area and Population

  • Area: 2.71 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 2,597
  • Zip Codes: 83254
  • Latitude: 42.3224° N
  • Longitude: 111.2977° W

Location and History

Montpelier is the largest city in Bear Lake County, located in southeastern Idaho near the Utah border. It lies in the Bear River Valley, surrounded by picturesque mountains and close to Bear Lake, a popular recreational area. Montpelier was founded in 1864 by Mormon pioneers and named after the capital of Vermont. The city grew as a key stop on the Oregon Trail and later became an important hub for the Oregon Short Line Railroad. Montpelier’s rich history includes the infamous Butch Cassidy bank robbery in 1896, which is commemorated at the local Bank of Montpelier museum.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Montpelier is served by Bear Lake High School and A.J. Winters Elementary School. Notable landmarks include the National Oregon/California Trail Center, which offers interactive exhibits about the pioneer experience, and the nearby Bear Lake State Park, known for its turquoise-blue waters and outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and camping.

Paris

Area and Population

  • Area: 3.41 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 513
  • Zip Codes: 83261
  • Latitude: 42.2275° N
  • Longitude: 111.4002° W

Location and History

Paris, Idaho, is a small town located just south of Montpelier, nestled in the Bear River Valley. Founded in 1863 by Mormon settlers, the town was named after Paris, France, by Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Paris became the county seat of Bear Lake County and is known for its historic architecture, particularly the Paris Tabernacle, a stunning example of Romanesque Revival architecture built between 1884 and 1889. Paris has maintained its small-town charm and historical significance, making it a key location in the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Paris is home to the Paris Elementary School, part of the Bear Lake School District. The town’s primary landmark is the Paris Tabernacle, a historic building that hosts events and tours, offering insights into the town’s religious and cultural history. The nearby Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Georgetown

Area and Population

  • Area: 1.37 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 476
  • Zip Codes: 83239
  • Latitude: 42.4747° N
  • Longitude: 111.3694° W

Location and History

Georgetown is a small town located north of Montpelier in Bear Lake County. The town was established in 1869 by Mormon pioneers and was named after George Q. Cannon, an early leader of the LDS Church. Georgetown has historically been an agricultural community, with farming and ranching playing key roles in its economy. The town is situated along U.S. Route 30, making it accessible to travelers and residents alike. Georgetown remains a quiet, rural community with a strong sense of heritage and close-knit community ties.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Georgetown is served by schools in the Bear Lake School District, with students attending Bear Lake High School in Montpelier. The town is known for its peaceful rural setting and proximity to outdoor recreational areas such as the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, where residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping.

St. Charles

Area and Population

  • Area: 0.73 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 131
  • Zip Codes: 83272
  • Latitude: 42.1147° N
  • Longitude: 111.3858° W

Location and History

St. Charles is a small town located on the western shore of Bear Lake, in the southeastern corner of Bear Lake County. The town was settled in 1864 by Mormon pioneers and was named after Charles C. Rich, an early LDS Church leader. St. Charles is known for its proximity to Bear Lake, often referred to as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” due to its stunning turquoise-blue waters. The town has remained a small, tight-knit community, with a history deeply connected to the lake and surrounding natural beauty.

Major Schools and Landmarks

St. Charles is part of the Bear Lake School District, with students attending schools in nearby Montpelier. The town is famous for its outdoor attractions, including Bear Lake State Park, which offers a range of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Additionally, the Minnetonka Cave, located nearby, is a popular natural landmark featuring fascinating limestone formations and guided tours.