Pioneer Historic Byway
Bear River Mormon Settlements & Ghost Towns
| Departure: | Franklin Historic District, Idaho |
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| Destination: | Soda Springs, Idaho |
| Time to allow: | 1 day |
Experience the history of Mormon settlement in part of the Upper Bear River Valley. Brigham Young sent settlers north from Salt Lake City up the Bear River and into Cache Valley, establishing communities along the way. In 1860, they founded Franklin, Idaho's first town. This was followed by settlements in Preston,Thatcher, Grace, Soda Springs, and Chesterfield. The story of settlement is captured in unique historic buildings, difficult irrigation projects, and Chesterfield, a Mormon "Ghost Town." A full day is needed for the 110 mile journey, with an overnight stay at the Historic Enders Hotel and Geyser View Restaurant in Soda Springs. Spend the next day in town, exploring carbonated springs, the Captive Geyser, and a historic segment of the Oregon/California Trail. Plan your trip between June through October for the best weather, colorful scenery, activities, and events.
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Start: Franklin Historic District
As the first town and Mormon community in Idaho, Franklin offers historic buildings, museums, monuments, and recounting of events that provides a traveler insight into the history of Mormon settlement in this region of the West. Gateway to Pioneer Idaho
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Stop 1: Preston-Oneida Stake Academy
Directions from previous place: Drive north on US 91. At Milepost 8.4 enter Preston, Idaho. Travel north 0.75 miles on US 91 to Oneida street, turn right (east) 1/2 block to PHB Site #2-Oneida Stake Academy.
Distance from Previous Site: 9.1 miles / 14.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 20 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 30 minutes The Academy typifies the Mormon self-sufficient culture and desire to establish their own society in this region of the West, which included education. Besides being a beautiful and unique architecture, it remains as a tribute to that effort.
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Stop 2: Last Chance Canal
Directions from previous place: Drive from Preston to Grace, ID. From the south entrance of Grace, drive 2.1 miles to Telford Road, Milepost 46.4, a graveled Caribou County road. Turn right (east) onto Telford Road and go 1.5 miles to Last Chance Canal.
Distance from Previous Site: 39.9 miles / 63.8 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 45 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour This site is the point on the Bear River where water was first diverted by Mormon settlers to develop an agriculture industry in Gem Valley.
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Stop 3: Chesterfield
Directions from previous place: Retrace your route back to SH 34. Turn right (north) onto SH 34 and go 4.0 miles to the US 30/SH 34 junction. Go straight (north) through the US 30/SH 34 junction and stay on paved Caribou County, Old Highway 30. It will veer to the left (west) and take you 10 miles to Bancroft, ID. At Bancroft, turn right on the paved County Road, Chesterfield Highway, cross the railroad tracks, and go 10.0 miles to PHB Site #9, Chesterfield Townsite.
Distance from Previous Site: 25.5 miles / 40.8 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 45 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 2 hours Chesterfield was a Mormon Townsite founded in 1879 and located on the Oregon-California Trail. It was abandoned in the 1920s because of the harsh climate. It is being restored as an example of early Mormon settlement. Guided tours are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Monday thru Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm.
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End: Soda Springs
Directions from previous place: Reverse the travel route from Site #9 and return to the junction of US 30 and SH 34. Drive east 7 miles to the first traffic light in Soda Springs, turn left (north) onto Main Street and proceed 1.5 blocks to the junction of Main and 1st South street. Turn left, west, into the access road to Geyser Park. Go 100 feet to the Geyser parking lot.
Distance from Previous Site: 28 miles / 44.8 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 1 hour Suggested Time at This Site: 3 hours Soda Springs was established by Mormons in 1871. It contains numerous sites and information about Mormon emigration. It is also replete with early explorer information, Oregon-California Trail stories, and numerous geologic springs, from which it derives it's name.
