Idaho Gem: Preston, home of Napoleon Dynamite
I’m back with the next must-see spot in my Idaho Gem series—places around the state that I personally love and feel are worth visiting! Idaho is full of natural beauty and fun attractions, and I wanted to showcase those in case you ever find yourself planning a trip.
There are so many gems to be found in the Gem State! (Sorry—I had to!)
Preston, Idaho
Preston, Idaho, is a little-known small town located in the Cache Valley of southeast Idaho and northern Utah. It became much more well known following the release of Napoleon Dynamite in 2004, as that is where the film was shot! Over 5,000 people call Preston home, and it’s a quick 30-minute drive from Logan, Utah, where you’ll find Utah State University and the scenic Logan Canyon in the northern Wasatch Mountains. We LOVE visiting Logan! All of Cache Valley is gorgeous.
I first visited Preston in summer 2005 for the first ever Napoleon Dynamite festival! I saw the film in a local indie theater in Boise with my parents and other family, and I remember thinking it was SO WEIRD, and I did not understand why everyone older than me was laughing. (I was a young high schooler at the time.) I quickly saw its quirky appeal, and my friend and I became big fans. We had an 80s themed joint birthday party because we shared the same birthday! I went with her family to Preston for the festival.
I don’t remember there being a lot going on at the festival, lol. I remember seeing Uncle Rico’s orange van, and I think Uncle Rico was there, too, but I don’t remember any other actors or actresses making an appearance. I wish I had photos! I’m pretty sure there was a tater tot eating contest, and it all took place on a very small plot of land in the middle of town. It was random, kinda like the movie.
Fast forward to September 2021: Korri and I were headed to Logan to attend a football game, and I insisted that we drive through Preston on the way so we could hit up as many film locations as possible! It was a quick drive-by adventure, but it was fun to find them, as in 2005 I had only seen Napoleon’s house, Pedro’s house, and the school (that I can remember, at least).
Napoleon Dynamite Film Locations
NAPOLEON DYNAMITE’S HOUSE
Address: 1447 E 800 N, Preston, ID
Directions: From US Highway 91, head east at the junction with Idaho Highway 34. Turn slight right onto 800 N. Napoleon’s house will be on your left.
Note: Keep in mind that this house is occupied! Don’t wander around their property. Napoleon’s house is on a dirt road.
PEDRO SANCHEZ’S HOUSE
Address: 59 S 2nd E, Preston, ID
Directions: From US Highway 91, head east on 1st S, then turn left on 2nd E. Pedro’s house will be on your right.
Note: Keep in mind that this house is occupied! Don’t wander around their property.
SUMMER WHEATLEY’S HOUSE
Address: 3384 S Parkinson Rd, Preston, ID
Directions: Head south on US Highway 91 from the Preston city center. Turn right on 2400 E, then turn right on Parkinson Rd.
Note: Keep in mind that this house is occupied! Don’t wander around their property.
TRISHA STEVENS’S HOUSE
Address: 253 S 2600 E, Preston, ID
Directions: From US Highway 91 in downtown Preston, head east on Oneida St. Turn right on 2600 E.
Note: Keep in mind that this house is occupied! Don’t wander around their property.
PRESTON HIGH SCHOOL
Address: 151 E 2nd S, Preston, ID
Directions: From US Highway 91, head east on 2nd S.
PLAYGROUND WITH TETHER BALL
Address: 525 S 400 E, Preston, ID
Directions: From US Highway 91, head north on 4th E to Oakwood Elementary School.
Note: There are no tetherball courts here anymore. Skip this stop if you’re short on time.
REX KWON DO
Address: 12 1/2 N State St, Preston, ID
Directions: It is on the northeast corner of US Highway 91/State St at Oneida St.
Note: I could not find this address, but I also didn’t get out of the car to investigate further.
POP’N PIN LANES
Address: 411 S US Highway 91, Preston, ID
Directions: You will see it on the east side of the highway as you drive through town. It is south of downtown Preston.
Note: This is where Kip and Uncle Rico plan their business venture.
DESERET INDUSTRIES THRIFT STORE
Address: 36 S State St, Preston, ID
Directions: This is on the west side of US Highway 91/State St south of Oneida St.
Note: This is where Napoleon shopped with Pedro.
LAMONT RESERVOIR
Address: 3 miles east of Preston, ID
Directions: From US Highway 91 in downtown Preston, head east on Oneida St. Turn left on 2200 E, then look for a really small sign indicating the reservoir and turn right.
Note: This is where Kip and LaFawnduh got married at the end of the film.
RITEWOOD EGG COMPANY
Address: 3643 S 4000 E, Franklin, ID
Directions: From US Highway 91 in Franklin, head east on Main St. Turn left on 300 E, stay on Maple Creek Rd, then turn left at 4000 E.
Note: This egg company is still in business!
BIG J’S DRIVE IN
Address: 190 S 200 W, Richmond, UT
Directions: It is on the west side of the US Highway 91 as you drive through Richmond.
Note: This is where Kip met Uncle Rico to chat about LaFawnduh over milkshakes.
ST. ANTHONY SAND DUNES
Address: 8 miles west of St. Anthony, ID
Directions: From Preston, head north on US Highway 91 to I-15. Take I-15 to US Highway 20, and head north on US 20 to St. Anthony.
Note: This is where Napoleon and Kip’s grandma rode ATVs and broke her coccyx. The sand dunes are about 2.5 hours north of Preston.
VISIT PRESTON, IDAHO!
How to get to Preston:
From Logan, Utah (approximately 27 miles): Drive north on US Highway 91.
From Pocatello, Idaho (approximately 68 miles): Drive south on I-15 towards Utah. Take exit 36 for US Highway 91 and head east/south to Preston.
TIP: Take a detour to Papa Jay’s in Clifton, Idaho, and try their world famous beef jerky! I’m partial to the hot peppered flavor, but there are so many to choose from (and even spicier options!).
LODGING/RESTAURANTS/GAS: There is one hotel in Preston. Logan, Utah, is the closest major city with more lodging and restaurant options. Pocatello, Idaho, also has more lodging and restaurants. Gas is available in the Preston area.
Check out all of the gems in the Idaho Gem series!
