Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Preston, Idaho

In Southeastern Idaho’s Cache Valley, Preston is a rural town with remarkable mountain vistas at its doorstep.

To the east lie the Bear River Mountains, and within minutes, visitors can be fishing in a crystal-clear lake or hiking through an alpine meadow.

Franklin, the oldest European settlement in Idaho, is located on the outskirts of Preston and serves as the starting point for a historic byway, connecting a variety of sites that reflect the region’s Native American heritage, pioneer history, and the Oregon Trail, which passed north of the Cache Valley.

As the seat of Franklin County, Preston hosts several significant events at the fairgrounds located on the west side of town, with none being more notable than That Famous Preston Night Rodeo, celebrated with three days of carnival attractions and parades.

1. Pioneer Historic Byway

Combining stunning natural landscapes with rich history, this scenic route follows the paths traveled by the region’s earliest European explorers in the early 19th century.

The Pioneer Historic Byway appropriately begins in Franklin, Idaho’s first permanent Euro-American settlement, before proceeding on a challenging northeasterly course through breathtaking terrain.

Start with a visit to the Franklin Historic District, and during your journey, you will encounter the Bear River Massacre Site (described later), the remains of Idaho’s first gristmill, authentic wheel ruts from the Oregon Trail, a historical Mormon ghost town, and an array of majestic natural scenery.

The byway features no fewer than ten reservoirs ideal for camping and fishing breaks, but will take approximately 2.5 hours to navigate without any stops.

2. Bear River Massacre Site

On January 29, 1863, the most significant massacre of Native Americans in the history of the West occurred a short distance northwest of present-day downtown Preston.

Displaced from their ancestral lands, the Shoshone Indians, led by Chief Bear Hunter, resorted to conducting raids against settlers. In retaliation, a group of California Volunteers from Fort Douglas (Salt Lake City) was dispatched north to confront this perceived threat.

This occasion was initially perceived as a triumph for the United States Army, but is now recognized as a massacre in which as many as 400 men, women, and children were ambushed and killed.

A memorial with a picnic area is situated adjacent to Route 91, and the Shoshone tribe has recently acquired 600 acres of land at the site with plans to establish a cultural interpretive center.

3. Napoleon Dynamite Filming Locations

The iconic 2004 film Napoleon Dynamite offers a glimpse into life in southeastern Idaho.

The film references Shoshone arrowheads and bass fishing, while Napoleon participates in an FFA event at the county fair and Grandma Dynamite takes an ATV ride in the St. Anthony sand dunes.

Preston served as the central filming location, with notable sites such as Preston High School and various downtown shops featuring prominently.

For those wishing to retrace the movie’s locations, you can visit the homes of Napoleon, Trish, Pedro, and Summer, and perhaps acquire some tots and a Napoleon Dynamite t-shirt downtown.

4. Preston Park

The primary urban park in Preston is located adjacent to the Franklin County Fairgrounds and offers a wide range of family-oriented amenities.

A popular attraction during summer months is the splash pad, which is typically operational from early to mid-September.

This facility, cherished by families, opened in 2016 and features an array of sprays and jets.

Additionally, the park includes two playgrounds for children, a skate park, ample open spaces, and facilities for baseball, soccer, basketball, and tennis. Those looking to enjoy a picnic in the summer will find attractive pavilions equipped with tables.

5. Franklin Relic Hall

Located southeast of Preston, the village of Franklin is distinguished as Idaho’s oldest permanent Euro-American settlement, founded in 1860.

The Franklin Relic Hall, established in 1937, was designed as a museum venue emulating the log cabins from the community’s early days.

The exhibits here have been updated with contemporary research but remain largely unchanged since the 1930s, featuring 19th-century photographs of settlers, agricultural tools, Native American artifacts, and captivating historical items such as a Yellowstone Park Touring Stagecoach.

Visitors can also explore accompanying structures such as the Franklin Cooperative Mercantile Institute and a replica of the fort that initiated the village.

6. Glendale Reservoir

Located a mere ten minutes from Preston, Glendale Reservoir is set in a picturesque environment, surrounded by the gentle rolling hills of the Bear River Mountains and featuring a green, wooded shoreline.

When full, Glendale Reservoir spans approximately 240 acres and serves as a premier fishing destination in the Preston region, known for its abundant rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and white crappie (size and bag limits apply).

Visitors will appreciate the ample shoreline access beneath the trees, as well as docks and a boat launch. Given its scenic location, the reservoir is also a favored summer retreat for local families seeking swimming, boating, and various water activities.

7. Oneida Narrows Reservoir

Showcasing captivating natural landscapes, the Oneida Narrows Reservoir is nestled within a narrow, steep valley on the Bear River, located approximately 15 miles northeast of Preston.

This locale provides a perfect escape for a weekend getaway, featuring 12 developed campsites along the forested shoreline, equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, boat ramps, and docks.

Visitors can cast their lines in the reservoir for yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and walleye, or simply enjoy the stunning, rugged scenery.

Downriver, the Oneida Dam serves as the starting point for rafting and tubing excursions down the Bear River. This six-mile run is exhilarating yet accessible, providing a refreshing experience during hot summer days.

8. Oneida Stake Academy

Situated in the northeast corner of Preston Community Park (Benson Park), this notable structure represents a valuable piece of Preston’s early history.

Constructed in the early 1890s by Mormon pioneers as a secondary education facility, this elegant three-story stone building is one of only three remaining structures from the era of educational institutions supported by the Mormon Church.

Notable alumni of the Oneida Stake Academy include Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) and Harold B. Lee (1899-1973), both of whom served as presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Originally situated at Preston High School, the building was meticulously moved to its current location, stone by stone, in 2004.

9. Willow Flat Springs Trail

The allure of the Bear River Mountains to the east will be hard to resist. Within minutes, individuals can hike through enchanting upland landscapes, surrounded by wildflower meadows, towering peaks, and majestic conifers.

The Willow Flat Campground, situated at an elevation of 6,300 feet, serves as an excellent starting point for an unforgettable mountain hike.

This location features a 4.7-mile out-and-back trail that winds along the Cub River, leading to the stunning Bloomington Lake.

This alpine lake is enveloped by towering rock walls, which descend toward bouldery green slopes adorned with wildflowers in early summer.

10. Preston Golf and Country Club

Despite the seemingly exclusive title, this semi-private 18-hole golf course located at the northern end of Cache Valley is open to visitors.

The front nine holes were established in 1960, followed by the back nine in 1999. Both sections possess unique attributes, with the front featuring mature trees and small greens, while the back is more open, presenting challenges with numerous hazards.

One of the prominent attractions at the Preston Golf and Country Club is the breathtaking scenery, with the Bear River Mountains towering in the east.

Green fees are notably reasonable at this course, and the level of service surpasses expectations for a small-town golf facility.

11. Bear Lake

An hour-long drive through the Bear River Range leads to this vast and stunning freshwater lake, which spans the Idaho-Utah state line.

Bear Lake is often referred to as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” due to its enchanting, clear turquoise waters.

Visitors can enjoy these captivating waters at the fabulous North Beach State Park, where they can relax on the sandy shore, mesmerized by the scenery, or rent kayaks and motorized boats for an adventurous experience on the lake.

In the Bear Range above Bear Lake, guests can explore the limestone Minnetonka Cave, where a 90-minute guided tour reveals nine chambers filled with stalagmites, stalactites, and beautifully banded travertine.

12. That Famous Preston Night Rodeo

The premier annual event in Preston takes place in the newly renovated arena at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, typically occurring in late July or early August.

The unusual name reflects its distinction as the first rodeo held after sunset, and over three days, numerous activities occur both in the arena and throughout Preston.

In terms of action, visitors can expect bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and more.

There is also a vibrant array of side events scheduled during the rodeo, including an amateur golf tournament, a sidewalk sale, and the “Rodeo Roundup” with activities for children.

Every evening at 6:30 PM, Preston comes alive with the Rodeo Days Parade, followed by a carnival featuring rides, performances, and cotton candy.

13. Franklin County Fair

Shortly after the rodeo, the fairgrounds in Preston become the site of the annual county fair, typically a six-day event that celebrates the county’s agricultural roots, featuring 4-H and FFA competitions along with a diverse array of livestock exhibits.

This event is accompanied by entertaining activities for the entire family, including live music, stand-up comedy, motocross events, a ninja warrior competition, magic shows, fun contests, horse pulls, another rodeo, a car show, and a demolition derby.

As one would expect, a wide variety of delectable fair food is also available, ranging from fried dough to tacos.

14. Festival of Lights

Preston kicks off the holiday season with flair during a one-day event at the end of November, filled with numerous activities and entertainment options.

The Festival of Lights features a variety show at Preston High, a visit from Santa Claus on State Street, an engaging bed race, and a complimentary children’s movie at the Worm Creek Opera House.

This festive occasion culminates in a lighted parade, preceded by entertainment to engage the crowd and followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

15. National Oregon/California Trail Center

A detour worth taking when visiting the Bear Lake area is this interpretive center, which recreates the experiences of cross-country emigrants during the mid-19th century.

The Oregon/California Trail entered present-day Idaho at the southeastern corner of the state, traveling northwest to reach the flatlands of the Snake River Valley.

The meticulously researched and innovatively designed exhibit at the National Oregon Trail Center simulates the experience of a wagon train and offers a variety of interactive stations along with genuine artifacts such as trunks, dolls, firearms, an antique cash register, and more.

Docents dressed in period attire enhance the experience with narratives of adversity and adventure. Guests can also venture outdoors to view authentic wheel ruts carved by wagons over 170 years ago.