It may be winter at Bear Lake, but thoughts of summer are already warming things up at North Beach. After months of admiring photos and reliving sunny days, Bear Lake State Park has announced the winners of its summer sand sculpture contest—an event park officials hope will become a seasonal favorite.

The competition invited visitors to turn North Beach sand into works of art, with entries divided into four categories: Adult, Teenager, Youth and All Age Groups. Each first-place winner will receive a Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee gift certificate, which will be good for two days at North Beach during the summer of 2026.

“Our goal was to encourage creativity, family interaction and outdoor recreation all at once,” said Bear Lake State Park Manager Andy Stokes. “Bear Lake State Park has always been a place where families come to slow down, unplug and create memories together, and sand sculpting fits perfectly with that.”

This year’s first-place winners are:

Adult category: “Octopus Pulling the Ship Under” by Ryan and Kymnbel Bywater

Teenager category: “Butt Man” by Summer and Kobe

Youth category: “The Pillars of Hercules” by Leland Diehl

All age groups: “The Peacock” by Jake Williams

According to Stokes, the response from the community exceeded expectations, with entries from local families, returning visitors and first-time park users alike.

“It became a fun talking point on the beach and a way for families to connect, not just with each other, but with the park itself,” he said.

Recognizing artists across different age groups was an important part of the event’s design. Stokes said Bear Lake State Park is a multigenerational destination, and the contest was meant to reflect that.

“Recreation and creativity don’t belong to a single age bracket,” he said. “Both the young and the old can still have fun.”

When reviewing submissions, park staff looked for creativity, design, storytelling and overall effort. But Stokes said what really stood out was the joy behind the projects.

“These weren’t rushed sculptures,” he said. “They were meaningful experiences shared together, and that showed.”

Stokes added that creative events like the sand sculpture contest help people feel more connected to Idaho State Parks, especially families who may be visiting for the first time.

“Activities like this turn parks from places people simply visit into places they actively experience and return to,” he said.

Looking ahead, Stokes said the park hopes to grow the competition into a signature summer event, potentially adding expanded categories, designated build days or community partnerships—while keeping the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Visitors planning ahead for summer 2026 can also expect new camping opportunities with the development of Sage Springs Campground on the east side of the park. The area will offer primitive RV and tent sites, with long-term plans to add utilities as the campground evolves.

Stokes also encouraged visitors to use the North Beach day-use reservation system, which has become increasingly popular during peak summer days.

“It gives families peace of mind knowing they won’t be turned away when the park reaches capacity,” he said. “That way, they can focus on what matters most—time together outdoors.”

For now, the sand sculptures may be long gone, but their legacy is clear: a little creativity goes a long way toward building summer memories—and giving everyone something to look forward to when the weather warms again.