Preston Idaho and Franklin County

There’s something for everyone here in Preston, from the arts to the outdoors. We enjoy our hometown environment. As we grow, we are finding ways of preserving the variety of wildlife that resides in the mountains, fields and reservoirs around us, the family owned businesses and the quite neighborhoods.

THAT FAMOUS PRESTON NIGHT RODEO! During the first weekend of August on Thursday through Saturday, Preston presents That Famous Preston Night Rodeo. It’s a PRCA event everyone will want to see. In the Morning and Afternoon come downtown for the city-wide sidewalk sales, Craft, Vendor and Antique Fair on State Street, the Kids Festival, Live Entertainment, parade, and a Wild West Shoot Out. We have two lovely tree filled parks and RV facilities in the heart of town. There are antique shops, clothing boutiques, craft and collectable establishments, general merchandise and convenience stores.

SNOWMOBILING! The Preston Hill Climb occurs every year during the Last Weekend in January. It is exciting and spectators can see some of the best snowmobilers in the country.

RECREATION! Awaiting the fishermen and water-skiers who come from miles around are nine reservoirs. Peaceful campgrounds and refreshing hikes are within an easy distance. Snowmobiling is a favorite sport in the Bear River Range of the Wasatch Mountains and the Wellsville and Malad Ranges surrounding our town. The local hunting opportunities include: deer, elk, moose, pheasant, duck, geese and mountain lion. Hunting and fishing regulations and licenses are available at many of our stores.

Whether you are site-seeing or hunting the wildlife is abundant. Occasionally wildlife can be seen in our backyards and fields, but mostly in the beautiful mountains and near the many waterways.
Historic sites and scenic views can also be navigated on the Pioneer Historic Byway that passes through Preston on Highway 91. We hope that you will get off I-15 and come visit our beautiful hometown of Preston.

MOVING HISTORY!
Constructed in 1895, the Oneida Stake Academy building has a new home on the corner of Benson Park. The Mormon Historical Sites Foundation and the Friends of the Academy raised the money to move the 108 year-old building to the Benson Park, approximately two blocks away from it’s current location. They are now raising money to fund the Academy’s restoration.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS! When the weather cools and the trees lining downtown turn color the whole town begins to buzz in preparation of The Festival of Lights held on the Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving. This weekend is filled with shopping, bed racing, musical and theatrical events, music filled streets, children’s activities, and CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. The night features a lighted parade, fireworks, and a spectacular turning on of all the lights. The lights will stay up and turned on until the beginning of the new year. You’ll want to make the Festival of Lights an annual trip to Preston.

Bear River Massacre Site
This now peaceful valley is the site of one of the most tragic meetings of two cultures that the state has ever experienced. At 1:00 am on January 29, 1863, an infantry of soldiers with all their weapons moved through the snow drifts into position to attack a band of 450 Shoshoni men, women, and children that had camped along the banks of the Bear River. The troops began the attack at the crack of dawn just as they were lighting their first campfires. The Shoshoni lost nearly 275 people due to this cruel attack of the California Volunteers. The battle became one of the worst disasters for Native Americans in the west.

Home of Napoleon Dynamite

Preston is the home town of Napoleon Dynamite! Visit the sites where the movie was filmed, eat some tots and pick up a flippin’ sweet Napoleon Dynamite T-Shirt while you are there.

Preston Area Business Association – Lodging and Recreation
City of Preston Idaho
Franklin County Idaho

Franklin County Area Recreation

Treasureton Reservoir

Fishing Reservoir located in Franklin County is 151.7 acres. Stocked with Rainbow Trout.

Highline Recreational Trail

Highline is a 55-mile trail mostly at 9000 feet elevation between Preston and Soda Springs. It is suitable for both hikers and bikers as well as Cross Country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. Contact the Montpelier Ranger District for maps and information. See Southeast Idaho's interactive map.

Franklin Historic District

Open summer only. The oldest continually settled town in Idaho, Franklin was founded in 1860 by Mormon pioneers. Several original buildings stand in the historic district: the Relic Hall, the old ZCMI store, the Hatch House, and others. The Old Yellowstone Route is just outside of Franklin where stagecoaches full…

Pop'n Pins Bowling Alley

12 lanes of retro style, hard wood lanes. Featured in the cult classic film, "Napoleon Dynamite" movie. Birthday parties and business meetings. The Island Bowl restaurant serves Hawaiian cuisine.

Dry Canyon Trailhead

Weston Canyon Trailhead for snowmobiling, ATV riding and mountain biking. See our ArcGIS interactive printable map.

Oxford Slough Waterfowl Production Area

Large colonies of nesting Snowy and Cattle Egrets, White-faced Ibis and Franklin’s Gull can be found here. Several heron, egret, and tern species, Northern Harrier and Long-billed Curlew also nest at this site. Large numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds including breeding American Avocet and Black-necked Stilt. In the fall, this…

Lamont Reservoir

Fishing reservoir located about 3 miles north of Preston.

Bear River Hot Springs

A large outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs fed by natural hot water, including a therapeutic jetted tub. A waterslide and children’s pool make this a good family outing. A gaming room and snack bar compliment the changing and locker rooms. The resort has eight hotel rooms with hot tubs…

Bear River Heritage Area

The Bear River Heritage Area straddles the Idaho-Utah border where the Great Basin and the Rocky Mountains meet. Come and experience its unique and varied cultural heritage. www.bearriverheritage.com

Birch Creek Trailhead

Trailhead for snowmobiling, ATV riding and mountain biking. See an interactive printable map.

Condie Reservoir

Condie Reservoir has been managed for trophy large mouth bass since 1990. Bluegills and yellow perch are also present.

Glendale Reservoir

Glendale Reservoir near Preston is best suited for anglers and has the highest bass catch rates in the region. All bass under 16 inches must be released. Also present are bluegill and rainbow trout.