Preston, ID

Preston is a small city located in Franklin County, Idaho, United States. It is the county seat and was founded in 1866 by Mormon settlers. The city was named in honor of William B. Preston, a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The area where Preston is located was originally inhabited by Shoshone-Bannock and Shoshone-Cache tribes. European-American settlers began to arrive in the mid-1800s, seeking fertile land for farming and establishing communities.

Preston was a significant stopping point along the Oregon Trail and California Trail, serving as a gathering place for emigrants. The settlement grew rapidly after the railroad arrived in the late 19th century, with the Oregon Short Line Railroad passing through the town.

In the early 1900s, Preston became widely known for its thriving potato industry. The region's rich volcanic soil and favorable climate provided ideal conditions for potato cultivation. Potato farming and processing plants became the backbone of the local economy, attracting farmers and laborers to the area.

One of Preston's notable historical events is the Bear River Massacre, which occurred in 1863, well before the city's establishment. This tragic event took place about 20 miles northwest of Preston, where a detachment of the United States Army attacked a Shoshone-Cache encampment, resulting in the death of hundreds of Native Americans.

Preston gained national attention as the setting for the film "Napoleon Dynamite," which portrayed the unique and quirky aspects of small-town life. The film's success brought both fame and increased tourism to Preston.

Today, Preston remains an agricultural community, with potatoes, grain, and dairy farming as the primary economic activities. The city celebrates its history and heritage through various events, including the annual "Preston Night Rodeo" and "Preston International Days" festival.

Despite its small size, Preston has played a significant role in the development of the surrounding region and continues to be a tight-knit community proud of its history and culture.

Oneida County Pioneer Museum

A small museum showcasing the history and artifacts of Oneida County, including Native American artifacts, pioneer tools, photographs, and historical documents.

Bear Lake

Located just a short drive away from Preston, Bear Lake is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning turquoise blue waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and other water activities in the summer, as well as snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winter.

Cub River Guest Ranch

A family-owned guest ranch offering horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. They also have cabins and camping facilities for overnight stays.

Idaho ATV/Motorcycle Park

A nearby off-road park where visitors can ride ATVs, motorcycles, and other off-road vehicles on designated trails and tracks.

Franklin Co-op

This historic building, originally built as a cooperative mercantile store in 1912, now serves as a museum and visitor center providing information about local history and attractions.

Maple Grove Hot Springs

Located in Thatcher, a short drive from Preston, Maple Grove Hot Springs offers natural hot spring pools for relaxation and soaking. The site also includes camping areas and RV hookups.

Crystal Hot Springs

Another hot springs destination nearby, Crystal Hot Springs is a natural hot spring with different pools for swimming and soaking. They also offer water slides and other recreational activities.

Preston Golf and Country Club

A golf course where visitors can enjoy a round of golf with beautiful mountain views.

These are just a few of the attractions in and around Preston, ID. The area is also known for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and outdoor recreational activities.

Preston, Idaho experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and dry, while winters are cold and snowy.

During the summer months of June, July, and August, temperatures in Preston range from the mid-70s°F (about 24°C) to the mid-90s°F (about 35°C). This is considered the peak tourist season, with plenty of sunshine and relatively low humidity. However, thunderstorms can occur occasionally during the summer, bringing brief, intense rain showers. Nights during summer are cooler, with temperatures dropping to the 50s°F (10-15°C).

As autumn sets in, temperatures begin to cool down in September and October, ranging from the low 70s°F (approx. 21°C) to the mid-50s°F (about 13°C). The weather becomes more variable with occasional rainfall. Fall foliage in the surrounding countryside can be quite beautiful during this time.

Winter in Preston, which extends from December to February, is cold and snowy. Temperatures range from the mid-30s°F (about 1-3°C) during the day to below freezing at night. Snowfall is common, and the area experiences an average of around 40 inches (101 cm) of snowfall annually. Winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in nearby mountain ranges.

Spring, which occurs in March, April, and May, brings a gradual increase in temperatures. Highs range from the 40s°F (4-9°C) in March to the 60s°F (around 15-20°C) in May. Spring can be quite wet, with frequent rain showers and sometimes even snow in early spring. However, as the season progresses, the snow melts, and the landscape starts to blossom with colorful flowers and greenery.

Overall, Preston has a diverse climate with distinct seasons, offering plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the year.

Preston, Idaho is a small city located in Franklin County. Although it may be small, the city is divided into several neighborhoods. Here are some of the different neighborhoods of Preston:

Downtown

This is the heart of Preston, where you will find most of the city's commercial and retail activities. Downtown Preston is home to various shops, restaurants, and services. It also features the historic Oneida County Courthouse, which is a prominent landmark in the area.

Fairgrounds

Located in the south-central part of Preston, the Fairgrounds neighborhood is named after the Franklin County Fairgrounds. This area is primarily residential and offers a mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes. It is a quiet neighborhood, and its proximity to the fairgrounds provides residents with easy access to events and recreational activities.

Weston Martin

Situated in the western part of Preston, Weston Martin is a residential neighborhood characterized by spacious lots with well-maintained homes. It is a peaceful and family-friendly area, offering a suburban atmosphere with tree-lined streets and friendly neighbors.

Meadow Heights

Found in the southwestern portion of Preston, Meadow Heights is another residential neighborhood. It features a mix of housing options, including large single-family homes and some smaller properties. Many homes in this area have beautiful views of the surrounding meadows and countryside.

North State Street

Located in the northern part of Preston, this area along North State Street is primarily a commercial district. It is home to various businesses, including banks, restaurants, grocery stores, and other services. The neighborhood also includes some residential sections, with homes along side streets branching out from the main artery.

South Preston

As the name suggests, this neighborhood lies to the south of downtown Preston. It is mostly made up of residential areas, including quiet suburban streets with a mix of housing styles ranging from older historic homes to newer developments. South Preston also contains several public parks and green spaces, making it a desirable area for families.

These are just a few examples of the different neighborhoods within Preston, Idaho. Each neighborhood offers its own unique charm and character, catering to a variety of lifestyles and preferences.