The Preston area has excellent schools, low unemployment, exceptional medical personnel, an outstanding health care
facility, city and county governments, unsurpassed scenic beauty, outdoor
recreation, and a variety of cultural activities for the entire family.
PRESTON is Franklin County's largest city. Before the first house was built in Preston and when it was still a wilderness, LDS Church President Brigham Young and company were on their way to a conference in Bear Lake when he had his driver stop. President Young got out of the wagon near the present business district of Preston, placed his cane to the ground and said, "There will be a great city built here." (History of the Development of Southeastern Idaho, 1930). He was right! Preston began on that very spot. Now boasting a population of almost 5,000 folks, with an additional 12,000 in the County, wonderful shopping and recreation opportunities, and the best Rodeo in the West, you can see why Preston is the place to be!
Preston was originally called Worm Creek when it was settled in 1888 because the waterways in the area resembled worms as they curved and wound their way through the countryside. (Another story relates that it was actually WARM Creek, because of the many hot springs in the area, but someone got it wrong and WORM Creek stuck!) 
Relics of Preston's historic past can be seen in the Oneida Stake Academy building, built in 1890 and which once again made history in 2003 when it was moved, in one piece, to its new home in Benson Park in the city center of Preston. As far as we know, the Academy is the largest, highest, and heaviest building to be moved intact in U.S. history. Restoration of the grand old lady of Preston is under way.
Other monuments to the past include the home of LDS Apostle Matthew Cowley, the Bear River Massacre site, Historic Downtown Franklin, most of the downtown business district and other stately and beautiful homes and buildings. One of Preston's most entertaining undertakings was the restoration of the Worm Creek Opera House Summer Theatre. In the summer, the Northern Cache Valley Theatre Guild and other entities offer melodramas, plays and movies. Its winter repertoire includes community activities, school productions, theatre guild performances and of course movies.
Summer in Preston is marked by the PRCA and WPRA approved, more than half-century-old "That Famous Preston Night Rodeo", when cowboys and girls from national and international fame come to compete and rise to the challenge only buckin' broncs and bulls can offer. There's nothing quite like sitting in the stands, tasting the dust and experiencing the courage of these participants and cheering them on to victory. The Rodeo, begun in 1936, is the second oldest night-time rodeo, under lights, and to add to it's excitement is the charm of Rodeo Days - a sidewalk sale extraordinaire! And of course what Rodeo would be complete without a carnival, hamburger stands and world class entertainment.
Winter adds to Preston's reputation as the place to be in Idaho when the Idaho Festival of Lights illuminates the city with myriads of sparkling lights and warm holiday cheer. The Feast, with three sittings, and a prime rib dinner to die for, is a traditional part of the Festival, along with a lighted parade - all beginning the day after Thanksgiving and running the entire month of December. Both of these events bring thousands of visitors from all over the country.
So many other activities and events fill our year. Check out our Calendar for events all year long here in Preston.
Beautiful parks, an 18-hole championship golf course, gorgeous boutiques and other specialty shopping, close-by canyons, snowmobiling trails, breathtaking fall colors in nearby mountains, hiking trails, friendly people, easy access to fishing (including excellent fly fishing) on several reservoirs and the Bear and Cub Rivers and other streams, hunting, excellent restaurants, motels, lodges, RV parks, hot springs for soaking and recreation, wilderness areas, State and National Parks, convenience stores, gas stations, rock climbing, exploring or relaxing. Preston has it all - perhaps that's why we call it the jewel in Idaho's crown. Come and sparkle with us!!
There’s something for everyone in Preston, Idaho!!!
