From Myth to Marker: USU Folklore Program Brings Bear Lake Monster to Life

A new roadside marker in Garden City, Utah, now honors the legendary Bear Lake Monster, a creature rooted in Indigenous storytelling and popularized in the 19th century. Installed on the corner of Bear Lake Boulevard and Hodges Canyon Road, the sign is Utah’s first “Legends & Lore” marker, made possible by Utah State University folklore graduate student Melissa Anderson Asay, her mentor Professor Jeannie Thomas and funding from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, Mountain West Center for Regional Studies and the USU English Department. The project celebrates both the enduring appeal of the Bear Lake Monster and the university’s role in preserving local heritage.

“As a student, this project really solidified my love for research and for grant writing and for searching and finding things and talking to people,” said Asay. “I didn't even know folklore was a thing until I took a class. And I just loved it so much that I wanted to share it with others. And I think a roadside marker is a really easy way to do that,” she said.

Asay’s work involved navigating city approvals, researching historical archives and partnering with community members Brad Davis and Jayne Hodges to find the perfect location. The marker joins a growing list of USU folklore projects highlighting Utah’s cultural history, including future sites in Cache Valley and beyond. For Thomas and her students, it’s a perfect example of how humanities research can leave a lasting real-world impact—turning classroom lessons into living stories that connect communities and keep local legends alive.