Sightseeing in southern Idaho

When pioneer leader Brigham Young and his advisers mapped out the State of Deseret — Utah's sprawling proposed predecessor — and applied for statehood 160 years ago, its borders stretched quite naturally into southern Idaho. Forget those straight lines of later mapmakers.

And southern Idaho remains so close to Utah — in distance, culture, topography and history — destinations there remain an attractive travel option, whether for one day or many.

The Utah-Idaho border is only 100 miles from Salt Lake City, due north on I-15. Montpelier, to the northeast on the Oregon Trail at the top of Bear Lake, is 152 miles away via I-15 and U.S. 89. Idaho's pinnacled City of Rocks National Reserve, on the old California Trail, is 194 miles to the northwest, via I-84 and the gateway village of Almo.

With the sluggish economy, and overseas or long-distance cross-country trips beyond the budget of some families and vacationers, going "north of the border" can be a viable option.

Here, in no particular order of recommendation, are a half-dozen (too few, considering the possibilities) Utah-to-Idaho destinations or drives to consider, moving east to west — just as most pioneering emigrants did:

Montpelier/Bear Lake

Though perhaps now most obviously a railroad town, as well as the junction for U.S. Highways 89 and 30, Montpelier (said to have been named by Brigham Young for the community in his native Vermont) is also a convergence point for history and scenic beauty.

The history is embodied by Montpelier's top-notch National Oregon/California Trail Center, a multi-faceted museum that commemorates the fortitude and day-to-day experiences of the thousands of pioneers who trekked through southern Idaho. Buoyed by the idea of "manifest destiny," they headed west from Missouri to the promising lands of the Oregon Country (claimed by both Americans and the British) and Alta California (part of Mexico until after the Mexican-American War).

Exhibits help visitors experience a moment by a campfire, a computer-simulated ride on a covered wagon, and learn about the first Mormon settlers in the Bear Lake Valley, the coming of the railroads — and you can even join a simulated wagon trek.

Nearby is beautiful Bear Lake, that 20-mile-long, 8-mile wide turquoise oval shared by Utah and Idaho. A drive around the lake can be a delightful experience. Both states have parks on the shores. There are plenty of beaches, campgrounds, boat ramps and opportunities for fishermen, bikers and riders of ATVs.