Pioneer Historic Byway's unique combination of history, natural beauty, and cultural milestones provide the traveler with an intimate look at the trials and triumphs of a rugged frontier people guided by faith and inspired by freedom. Your journey begins in the extreme southeastern corner of Idaho at Franklin, Idaho's oldest city, before continuing up the Bear River through historically rich sites, spectacular scenery, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Most of the stops along Pioneer Historic Byway hearken back to the mid 1800s, when Mormon pioneers began settling the area. Evidence of their hard work and determination abounds all along the way. While in Franklin, tour a variety of historic buildings and sites, including a 19th Century city hall and Yellowstone Rock, an original route marker from one of the first routes to the National Park. In Preston you'll find the Preston-Oneida Stake Academy, a fascinating three story Romanesque stone structure.
Your trek takes you from vibrant small towns to abandoned places where the ghosts of the nation's past always linger nearby. The dusty roads of Chesterfield silence your footsteps as you walk through this untouched example of early western life. Harsh climate and bad crop seasons led settlers to abandon the town, leaving 23 early American structures behind. The trip takes on a somber tone when you tread the hallowed ground of the Bear River Massacre National Historic Site where 250 Native Americans were killed by an American army unit. Many reminders of the Oregon Trail exist along Pioneer Historic Scenic Byway as well, including Sheep Rock, the first split of the Oregon-California Trail.
For a memorable driving break stop at the Franklin Historic District, and the Preston Oneida Stake Academy. Kick back after a day on the road by visiting one of the area's hot springs for a well deserved soak. For cold, naturally carbonated spring water visit Hooper Springs Park in Soda Springs. The park's variety of amenities, including picnic tables, restrooms, and a playground, makes it a perfect spot to stop for lunch. Before continuing on the byway to Grays Lake Wildlife Refuge and Scenic Tincup Canyon don't miss the captive geyser in downtown Soda Springs.
Remnants of the Past on the Pioneer Historic Byway
Encounters with Birds on the Pioneer Historic Byway