Discover Preston

If you are considering Preston as a destination, you can compare several highlights: historic architecture, local culture, events and outdoor activities. The Oneida Stake Academy tells the story of the region’s educational history, while the Highline Recreational Trail and other sports options appeal to different interests. Market and event dates may also play a role in planning your trip.

History and Architecture in Preston

The Oneida Stake Academy was founded in 1888. Its sandstone building was constructed in Preston between 1890 and 1894 and dedicated in 1895. For more than three decades, the Academy provided secondary education, religious instruction and leadership training to young people from southeastern Idaho. Its history offers a perspective on both its educational mission and the development of the building.

The Academy was built in the Romanesque Revival style, using sandstone from local quarries. It is located in Ezra Taft Benson Park in Preston. When considering the timeline, the founding, construction and dedication were distinct milestones: the institution already existed before its sandstone building was constructed and dedicated.

The Daughters Of Utah Pioneers Museum in Preston offers another historical perspective. It displays artifacts and recorded history of the Utah pioneers, including material about the early history of Franklin County. Alongside the Academy’s educational history, the history of the pioneers and the county is therefore a distinct area of interest.

Culture and Events

The Worm Creek Opera House is the renamed Grand Theatre, a movie house built in 1930 and restored in Preston. It is used for films and live theater performances, as well as orchestra and piano performances. These uses range from film and theater to music; specific programs may vary.

Events in Preston include That Famous Preston Night Rodeo. It runs from Thursday through Saturday on the first weekend in August. The Festival of Lights, held on the Friday evening after Thanksgiving, includes a lighted parade and fireworks. Check the dates for each year before traveling if you plan to schedule your trip around one of these events.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

The Highline Recreational Trail is 55 miles long and runs between Preston and Soda Springs. The trail is suitable for hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing; snowshoeing is also an option in winter. These activities vary by season: snowshoeing is specifically mentioned for winter, while access and trail conditions are generally subject to seasonal changes. Check conditions if you are planning a specific visit.

The Pioneer Historic Byway also has a clearly specified route: it follows Highway 91 through Preston. Those interested in regional history can consider historic places and a designated route as distinct aspects of a trip.

Market and Sports Options

The Preston ID Farmers Market supports local farmers and small businesses. It offers fresh goods and locally sourced products; the selection depends on the market day. In 2026, the market is scheduled for Wednesdays at Preston City Park. Since dates are seasonal, check whether your planned visit falls on a market day before setting out.

Preston City Park is also home to four Preston Pickleball Courts. Another sports option is the Preston Golf and Country Club, a challenging semi-private 18-hole golf course. The options therefore differ in terms of both sport and scale: four pickleball courts in the park or an 18-hole golf course. If specific facility details are important for your visit, check them in advance.

For a broader travel overview: Franklin County.