Franklin County: History, Landscapes, and Trails

Franklin County combines striking landscapes, regional history, and a variety of trails to create a destination with many different facets. Between Preston and Franklin, Little Mountain, also known as Mt. Lookout, rises above the area. This distinctive landmark is completely separate from the Wasatch Range and shapes the view across the valley. Distinct shorelines of Lake Bonneville are also visible on the mountains. Oneida Narrows is considered one of the county’s outstanding scenic attractions.

Explore the Landscape and Enjoy the Outdoors

Travelers who want to include outdoor experiences in their plans will find several options in Franklin County. The Highline Recreational Trail runs 55 miles between Preston and Soda Springs and is suitable for hiking and cycling. In winter, the same route is used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Albert Moser Trailhead provides access to snowmobiling, ATV riding, mountain biking, and hiking. This allows you to shape your days differently depending on the season and your preferred pace, without limiting the region to a single activity.

The waterways also offer their own highlights. Lamont Reservoir has a boat ramp, a dock, and a vault toilet. Fish found there include bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, largemouth bass, yellow perch, rainbow trout, and tiger muskie. Treasureton Reservoir is a 151.7-acre fishing reservoir stocked with rainbow trout. Foster Reservoir contains rainbow trout, perch, sunfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. Birdwatchers may be interested in the Oxford Slough Waterfowl Production Area, which is home to large breeding colonies of snowy egret, cattle egret, white-faced ibis, and Franklin’s gull.

History in Franklin and Preston

Franklin was founded by Mormon pioneers in 1860 and is considered Idaho’s oldest continuously inhabited town. In Preston stands the permanent building of the Oneida Stake Academy, which was constructed between 1890 and 1894 and still exists today. The Academy operated from 1888 to 1922 and is considered the oldest of two or three surviving buildings from that era’s church-sponsored educational work.

The Franklin Historic District offers further glimpses into the past, including Relic Hall, the old ZCMI store, and the Hatch House. The Lorenzo Hill Hatch House is a rare example of Greek Revival architecture in Idaho; interpretive exhibits there address topics relevant to travelers, among others. The John and Ann Doney House preserves the remains of a larger home built around 1870. The Franklin Co-operative Mercantile Institution Building, purchased by the Idaho Pioneer Association in 1923 for use as a museum, displays mementos from the town’s past. The Pioneer Historic Byway follows Highway 91 through Preston and passes historic sites and scenic viewpoints.

Events and Special Places

Events and traditions also contribute to the region’s character. Franklin continues to celebrate Idaho Day every year on the last Saturday in June. The Franklin County Fair features livestock shows in cooperation with local 4-H groups, food stands, variety shows, and world-class bull riding. That Famous Preston Night Rodeo is considered the world’s first night rodeo. The Franklin County Fairgrounds includes four covered exhibit buildings, an outdoor pavilion with picnic tables and a stage, a covered livestock arena, four livestock barns, and a covered outdoor PRCA arena.

Another historic site is the Bear River Massacre National Historic Landmark, which covers 1,200 acres. Visitors are asked to view the site from designated public areas. Those who want to combine history and landscapes can also include the Pioneer Historic Byway, the historic buildings in Franklin, and the trails around Preston in their personal travel plans.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When looking for a vacation rental in Franklin County, it is worth deciding on the focus of your trip first. For those interested in culture, Franklin, Preston, the Oneida Stake Academy, and the Historic District are key attractions. Travelers planning active days can consider the Highline Recreational Trail or the Albert Moser Trailhead. Anglers and water sports enthusiasts may base their choice on the reservoirs mentioned above, while nature observers can plan a visit to the Oxford Slough Waterfowl Production Area.

You can also view Clark County, Bonner County, Gem County, Bingham County, Washington, Ada, and Bonneville as additional destinations in the overview.

For the overarching travel overview: Idaho.