Relive the Old West in Southeast Idaho!

This is the story of the passage through the Rocky Mountains and over the Continental Divide.  The great westward migration of the Oregon and California Trails stopped in Southeast Idaho to rest and repair their wagons having just completed crossing the point on this American Continent where the creeks and rivers begin to flow westward to the Pacific Ocean.

Butch Cassidy and his gang robbed the Bank of Montpelier at 3:13 pm on August 13, 1896 after the 13th deposit in the amount of $13.00, then raced out of town.  For a week the posse followed but gave up the chase near Snyder Basin. No one really knows what happened to the money or for that matter exactly where the men went. After his arrest later, Meeks swore that he never got a penny of the loot. . . Meeks was the only one ever arrested. Cassidy and Lay were never brought to trial.

Southeast Idaho Rodeo Tour
Nearly every town in Southeast Idaho has at least one rodeo every year! The most famous is the Wrangler Million Dollar Silver Tour's Western Frontier Pro Rodeo is held each year in March at the ISU Holt area in Pocatello Idaho. That Famous Preston Night Rodeo is held in July in Preston Idaho.

Come watch Cowboys, Bronc & Bull Riders, Pole Benders, Barrel Racers, Mutton Busters, Team Ropers, and Rodeo Clowns. Don't miss out on all rip-roaring fun!

Step into the days of the Old West and the Oregon Trail by taking a one hour 2,000 mile journey on the Oregon Trail-all within the comfort of the National Oregon/California Trail Center.  You and your family will become members of a simulated wagon train headed west and be guided by our Wagon Master and live cast of pioneers whose dialogue and stories will make the adventure come alive!  It's the most fun you'll ever have learning history!  For more information please call 1-866-847-3800 or visit their website.

Fort Hall Replica & Frontier Town
A visit to the Fort Hall Replica is to enter the 19th Century world of explorers, trappers, fur traders, Native Americans, pioneers, Gold seekers, historic figures, and common folk; all of whom visited the place called Fort Hall on the banks of the Snake River in what is now Southeast Idaho. The roads to the Replica follow close to the Oregon and California Trails and other famous roads and byways.
View a Slide Show of the Replica

Shoshone-Bannock Fort Hall Reservation
The Shoshone Bannock Tribal Museum tells the story of the tribes and of the west.  The Shoshone Bannock Indian Festival and All Indian Rodeo is the second weekend of August each year.  Tribes from the United States and Canada gather for this four day celebration.  The public is welcome and there is a small admission fee.  The tribes also exercise sovereign status in the operation of gaming at the Fort Hall Casino.

Portneuf Mountain Man Rendezvous

Learn how to fire with flint and steel, enjoy mountain man history and tall tales, and experience life as it was pre-1840. Shotgun Matches, Muzzle Loader Shoots, Council Fire & Music,
Primitive Archery Competitions, Knife & Hawk Walk, Candy Cannon, Tin Tepee & Primitive Camping,  Cannon Shoot, Black Powder Cartridge Trail Walk. Pre-1840 Trade Goods for Sale inside the Trader's Circle. Held near McCammon in June.

Bear River Massacre Site
The January 29, 1863 Bear River Massacre of 250 or more Native Americans, by Colonel Patrick Connor and his troops, occurred here. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. The battle became one of the worst disasters for Native Americans in the west.
A new monument to the massacre has been constructed on the north hill above the massacre site near Preston Idaho.

Chesterfield  Townsite
The Chesterfield Townsite is an old rural village frozen in time. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The period of significance for the Townsite is prior to 1920. Established in 1879, this historic community on the Oregon Trail is a well preserved example of a small Mormon settlement. The town site features 23 historic buildings, many of them brick, built between 1884 and 1904. Visit the Chesterfield Foundation website for more information.

Franklin Idaho Relic Hall
The only state owned museum outside of Boise. Built in 1937, it houses many of the relics brought into Franklin or acquired by the Pioneers, including an extensive photo collection.The town of Franklin was founded in the spring of 1860 by Mormon pioneers moving north through the Cache Valley of Utah. Sixty-one families built small cabins along the Cub River (at that time called the Muddy River) and commenced farming.