Why it's called the Michael W. Smith Center
Michael W. Smith first discovered Bear Lake in the early 1980s while visiting his wife Kelly's family cottage. It didn't take long for him to fall in love with this special place and the close-knit community that surrounds it. In 2006, he made Bear Lake an even bigger part of his life by purchasing a cottage of his own, where he and his family created countless cherished memories.
Mike treasured the simple joys of Bear Lake—the peaceful mornings on the lake, breakfast at Lakeside Cafe, conversations with local friends, and most importantly, quality time spent with his family. To him, Bear Lake was more than a vacation destination; it was a place of belonging, friendship, and renewal.
Throughout his life, Mike had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. His gregarious nature and warmth naturally attracted people to him. He was a spiritual man who believed that meaningful connections made communities stronger.
Although Mike is no longer with us, his love for Bear Lake and the people who call it home lives on.
It is our hope that the Michael W. Smith Community Center serves the community of Bear Lake as a welcoming place for neighbors to gather, families to celebrate and friendships to grow for generations to come.
