Situated in the upper Snake River Valley of eastern Idaho, Sugar City was founded in 1903 to house employees of a new sugar beet factory. The town served these workers and other residents until the factory closed in 1942, when the pace of the town slowed. Gradually, Sugar City became a bedroom community to Rexburg, three miles to the south. It also supported the area's thriving agricultural indust
ry, which centers around Idaho's potato products. The town continues as a residential community today, although its businesses are expanding. With the transition of Ricks College to Brigham Young University-Idaho and the construction of an LDS (Mormon) Temple in Rexburg, coupled with accelerating growth throughout eastern Idaho, Sugar City is well-positioned to continue its development. The city will be a key player in the region's future. HISTORY
Sugar City was incorporated in 1903. The Upper Snake River Valley was being developed into farms and ranches. Its volcanic soil and the cool summer nights of the region’s high elevation were ideal for growing potatoes – and sugar beets. Sugar City was laid out to be near the largest factory of the Utah & Idaho Sugar Company, built in 1904. The Union Pacific Railroad opened the region to national markets, not only for sugar but also for livestock, grains, potatoes, and timber. Citizens no longer see the 100-pound bags of U&I sugar. Due to changes in technology and marketing, the sugar factory closed in 1942, having produced 405,000 tons of sweetness. Today, Sugar City is home to farmers, educators, businessmen, and workers in varied other vocations. PLACE TO LIVE
Sugar City is primarily a residential community of single-family homes. But the municipality also has manufactured homes and apartments. The city's safe and quiet neighborhoods make it an ideal location for families and retirees. The city is self-sustaining, with grocery, convenience, and hardware stores, as well as a service station, car wash, detail shop, restaurant, and beauty salons. Other businesses include a dentist's office, dance studio, and two large potato processors, providing stable employment opportunities. Large shopping and medical centers 10 minutes away in Rexburg, home of Brigham Young University-Idaho, extend amenities. SCHOOLS
Sugar City, combined with Salem, has its own school district, District 322 (www.sugarsalem.com, 208-356-8802). Salem is the rural area west of Sugar City. In town are four schools:
Central Elementary, grades K-3 (420 students)
Kershaw Intermediate, grades 4-6 (375 students)
Sugar-Salem Junior High, grades 7-8 (275 students)
Sugar-Salem High, grades 9-12 (450 students)
About one-third of the students live in Sugar City. The others come from Salem and the surrounding area as far away as Newdale, eight miles to the east. More than 100 of the district's approximately 1,600 students live outside district boundaries but attend Sugar-Salem schools by choice. Sugar-Salem schools are known for academic excellence, with the high school designated a national Blue Ribbon School. Sugar-Salem High School also boasts award-winning orchestra and drama programs and excels in competitive sports. Schools in the district are classified at four or five stars on a five-star rating system, and each meets No Child Left Behind annual progress requirements. A committed and conscientious school board oversees the district, maintaining and strengthening its scholastic and extracurricular programs. The board ensures balanced and effective curricula. LOCAL AND REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS
Parks adorn quiet neighborhoods. Tennis Courts and softball fields provide recreational opportunities. Sugar City is surrounded by unsurpassed outdoor opportunities. Just step outdoors, and you can see the Kilgore Range of Montana, the Tetons in Wyoming, and the Lost River Range of east central Idaho. Activities: Boating, Hunting, Fishing, Skiing and Snowboarding, Hiking, Horse Packing, Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking, Snowmobiling, Golf, ATV Adventuring, Picnicking and Camping, Alpinism and Rock Climbing
Attractions and Miles from Sugar City : Yellowstone National Park (80), Island Park and Harriman State Park (50), Jackson, Wyoming, (80), Teton National Park (80), St. Anthony Sand Dunes (15), Yellowstone Bear World (12), Craters of the Moon National Monument (110), Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers (170), Targhee National Forest (40), Grand Targhee Ski and Summer Resort (60). Green Canyon and Heise Hot Springs Resorts (20 and 30), Ashton Reservoir and Ririe Reservoir (30 and 40), Palisades Reservoir (60), Clean air, clear water, deep forest, dazzling snow - just step outside
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