ComedyTeen

🎬 Where Was Napoleon Dynamite Filmed? Complete Preston, Idaho Location Guide

2004

Jared Hess

Added January 15, 2024

5 Locations

Discover the eccentric world of Napoleon Dynamite in Preston, Idaho. Explore quirky filming locations and relive iconic movie moments!

About 🎬 Where Was Napoleon Dynamite Filmed? Complete Preston, Idaho Location Guide

👋 Hey film fanatics and travel bugs! Ever wanted to visit the small-town, totally surreal world of one of cinema's most beloved underdogs? Well, get ready because we're taking a trip to Preston, Idaho, the quirky heart and soul of the 2004 cult classic, Napoleon Dynamite!

This indie gem isn't just about awkward social interactions and sweet jumps; it's a masterclass in using authentic locations to build an unforgettable cinematic universe. Every dusty road, every unassuming house, and every school hallway in Preston became a character, adding layers of charm and hilarity to Napoleon's bizarre adventures.

What makes these spots truly special is how untouched they remain. Visiting Preston is like stepping directly onto the set, offering a surprisingly genuine, quirky glimpse into the film's backdrop. You can practically hear Kip practicing his martial arts or envision Pedro's campaign speeches as you wander.

So, buckle up your moon boots and prepare for an adventure. We’re going deep into the heart of Idaho to explore exactly where Napoleon Dynamite came to life, giving you all the behind-the-scenes scoop and practical tips to plan your own cinematic pilgrimage! Let’s get scouting! 🗺️

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🗺️ Major Filming Locations

🎬 Preston High School - Where Legends Are Made 🏫

Scenic view of Preston High School showing its red brick facade and front entrance

🏛️ The Location

Preston High School is a public school serving the small community of Preston, Idaho. It’s an active educational institution, maintaining its classic American school building aesthetic that served as the perfect backdrop for the film's quirky high school drama.

🎥 In the Film

This is where much of the pivotal action unfolds! From Napoleon's daily bus drop-offs to the chaotic election speeches, the iconic dance scene, and Pedro's memorable campaign, the school hallways and auditorium are central to the story.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 525 S. 4th East, Preston, Idaho, USA

🕒 Hours: Active school during weekdays; exterior viewing recommended outside school hours.

💰 Admission: Free (exterior). Please be respectful of students and staff.

🌐 Website: N/A (school website, not a tourist site)

💡 Pro Tip: Visit on a weekend or during school holidays for easier photo ops without disturbing classes. The exterior is instantly recognizable! 🎬 Fun Fact: The filmmakers used actual students and staff from Preston High as extras, blending the line between reality and the film's unique world.

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🎬 Napoleon Dynamite's House - Home of the Awkward 🏡

Stunning architecture of Napoleon Dynamite's house featuring its distinctive beige exterior and front yard

🏛️ The Location

This is a private residence, a modest, lived-in home that perfectly embodies the film's humble, rural setting. It's instantly recognizable to any fan, standing strong amidst the Idaho landscape.

🎥 In the Film

The Dynamite residence is the primary setting for Napoleon, Kip, and Grandma's lives. It's where Napoleon gets his tater tots swiped, Kip practices Rex Kwon Do with Uncle Rico, and the family's strange dynamics truly shine through.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 597 N. 800 East, Preston, Idaho, USA

🕒 Hours: Private residence; exterior viewing only.

💰 Admission: Free (from the street).

🌐 Website: N/A (private property)

💡 Pro Tip: Remember this is a private home, so be respectful! Take photos from the street and avoid trespassing or disturbing the residents. 🎬 Fun Fact: The house was chosen for its authentic, unpretentious look, perfectly fitting the characters' grounded, if peculiar, lifestyle.

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🎬 Deseret Industries (Thrift Store) - Find Your Moon Boots 🛍️

Beautiful view of Deseret Industries showing its modern exterior and signage

🏛️ The Location

Deseret Industries is a well-known thrift store chain operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Preston branch is a typical, functional thrift store, offering a variety of donated goods.

🎥 In the Film

This is where Napoleon famously buys his "sweet" moon boots, an essential part of his unique wardrobe and a truly memorable scene. It perfectly captures the character's unpretentious style.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 720 S. 800 East, Preston, Idaho, USA

🕒 Hours: Generally Mon-Sat, 10 AM - 6 PM (check current hours locally).

💰 Admission: Free to enter; purchases vary.

🌐 Website: You can find info on the Deseret Industries official site.

💡 Pro Tip: Go inside and browse! You might not find actual moon boots, but you can certainly hunt for your own unique thrift store treasures. 🎬 Fun Fact: The "moon boots" were actually just regular snow boots that the costume department found and painted a metallic silver!

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🎬 Rex Kwon Do - Master Your Skills 🥋

Impressive facade of a building that served as Rex Kwon Do, showing a brick exterior and signage

🏛️ The Location

This building, formerly a small business, was transformed into the legendary Rex Kwon Do for the film. Today, it might house a different establishment, but the exterior remains recognizable for fans.

🎥 In the Film

Rex Kwon Do is where Kip attempts to master the martial art under the tutelage of the intense Rex. This location is synonymous with Kip's dedication to improving his "physical fitness" and life skills.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 100 S. 1st East, Preston, Idaho, USA

🕒 Hours: Exterior viewing only, as it's no longer Rex Kwon Do.

💰 Admission: Free (exterior).

🌐 Website: N/A

💡 Pro Tip: Imagine Kip's fierce kicks and Rex's demands as you stand outside. It’s a great spot for a quirky photo op with a "Bow to your sensei!" pose. 🎬 Fun Fact: The actor who played Rex, Diedrich Bader, improvised many of his lines, including the often-quoted "Break the wrist, walk away!"

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🎬 Kip and Lafawnduh's Wedding House / Dairy Farm - A Happy Ending 💖

Authentic street scene of Kip and Lafawnduh's Wedding House / Dairy Farm capturing its unique rural charm

🏛️ The Location

This distinct rural property, near a dairy farm, provided the perfect setting for the film's heartwarming conclusion. It is a private residence, maintaining its classic Idaho farmstead appearance.

🎥 In the Film

This location serves as the backdrop for Kip and Lafawnduh's wedding, a scene filled with joy, and of course, Napoleon's iconic dance routine that captivates the audience. It’s the ultimate feel-good finale. Note: While the image URL for this location is the same as Napoleon's house, the address provided for the wedding scene is different. The film used various homes, so this represents the iconic wedding site.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 1444 E. 1600 North, Preston, Idaho, USA

🕒 Hours: Private residence; exterior viewing only.

💰 Admission: Free (from the street).

🌐 Website: N/A (private property)

💡 Pro Tip: If you're feeling brave, try a few of Napoleon's dance moves in front of the house. Just make sure no one's watching (or maybe everyone is?). 🎬 Fun Fact: Jon Heder (Napoleon) choreographed his own dance for this scene, surprising the cast and crew with his moves on the day of filming!

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🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Napoleon Dynamite wasn't just a movie; it was a cultural phenomenon that proved quirky indie films could capture the hearts of millions. Its success is rooted in its unique vision and the clever ways locations contributed to its charm.

🎭 Director's Vision

🎯 Location Strategy: Director Jared Hess intentionally filmed almost entirely in his hometown of Preston, Idaho. This allowed for unparalleled authenticity, capturing the genuine feel of a small, rural American town.

🎨 Visual Style: The locations enhanced the film's distinct visual style – a slightly faded, retro aesthetic that made the bizarre character interactions feel even more grounded in a mundane reality.

🎪 Production Highlights

🎬 Short and Sweet: The entire film was shot in a remarkable 23 days, showcasing the efficiency and dedication of the small indie crew.

🎭 Lo-Fi Props: Many of the film’s iconic props, like the infamous “Liger” drawing, were created by the cast and crew themselves, often on the fly.

🎨 Budget Brilliance: Filming in Preston kept costs incredibly low, proving that massive budgets aren’t necessary for massive impact and profit.

🎯 Local Talent: Many background extras in the movie were actual residents of Preston, adding to the film’s authentic small-town feel.

🌟 Cast & Crew Stories

😄 Dance Breakthrough: Jon Heder's dance sequence was improvised on the spot after director Jared Hess asked him for something spontaneous. It became one of the film's most iconic moments.

😮 Method Acting? Jon Heder reportedly stayed in character even when the cameras weren’t rolling, further embedding himself in the eccentric world of Napoleon.

🎉 Community Spirit: The production team fostered strong relationships with the Preston community, often relying on local support for housing and other needs, which is quite rare for a film crew!

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🗺️ Plan Your Visit

Ready to trade your urban jungle for the rural charm of Preston, Idaho? This small town offers a unique travel experience for Napoleon Dynamite fans.

🏨 Where to Stay

💰 Budget: Super 8 by Wyndham Preston - $70-90/night - A reliable, clean option for budget travelers, close to town.

🏛️ Mid-Range: Preston Heritage Inn - $80-120/night - A locally owned inn offering comfortable stays with a personal touch, often a favorite among visitors.

✨ Luxury: For true luxury, you might need to look at options in nearby Logan, Utah (about a 30-minute drive), as Preston is a quieter town.

🚗 Getting Around

🚗 Car: A car is essential for exploring Preston and its surrounding areas. The filming locations are spread out, and public transport is not widely available. Parking is generally easy and free.

🚶 Walking: While some locations are walkable if you're staying centrally, a car is needed to visit all sites efficiently, especially the house and farm.

📸 Photo Tips

🌅 Best Times: Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light for photos, avoiding harsh midday sun. Plus, locations might be less crowded.

📱 Instagram Spots: Don't miss the high school entrance for a classic shot, the "Vote for Pedro" wall (if you can find fan art), and of course, the exterior of Napoleon's house.

🎬 Movie Moments: Recreate iconic poses – try Napoleon's deadpan stare at the high school, a martial arts stance outside the Rex Kwon Do building, or a dance move at "Kip’s wedding house"!

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❓ Quick Answers

🎬 Is this based on a true story?

No, Napoleon Dynamite is not based on a true story, but director Jared Hess drew heavily from his own experiences growing up in rural Idaho and based characters on people he knew for its unique authenticity.

🗺️ Can I visit all locations in one day?

Absolutely! All primary filming locations in Preston, Idaho, are relatively close to each other. You can comfortably visit them all in a half-day or full day, depending on how much time you spend at each.

💰 How much should I budget?

Preston is a very affordable destination. Beyond travel and accommodation, most filming locations (exterior views of private properties, public school) are free to see. You might budget $20-30 for food and any small souvenirs.

📱 Are there guided tours?

Formal guided tours specifically for Napoleon Dynamite locations are rare. However, the town of Preston does embrace its cinematic fame, and local events or resources might pop up. It's best experienced as a self-guided tour.

🎭 When was this filmed? Napoleon Dynamite was filmed in July 2003. This means you might want to visit in the summer months to experience similar weather conditions to the movie, though Idaho winters can be dramatically different. 🌍 Is Preston, Idaho, safe for tourists?

Yes, Preston is a very safe, quiet rural town. Visitors generally experience a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Just be respectful of private property and local residents while exploring.

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🎬 Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?

From awkward stares to sweet dance moves, the world of Napoleon Dynamite truly came to life in the unassuming town of Preston, Idaho. This journey isn't just about seeing where a movie was made; it's about diving into the quirky, charming, and utterly unique spirit that made this film a cultural touchstone.

Whether you're hunting for moon boots at Deseret Industries, trying to feel "like a friggin' eagle" outside the high school, or simply soaking in the nostalgic small-town vibes, a trip to Preston is a pilgrimage for any true fan. It's a reminder that cinematic magic can happen anywhere, even in a quiet corner of Idaho. So, what are you waiting for? Time to ignite your inner Napoleon and embark on an unforgettable adventure! Share your photos with us using #WhereWasItFilmed!

Year Released

2004

Director

Jared Hess

Filming Locations

5 locations

Behind the Scenes

Jared Hess, the director and co-writer, crafted 'Napoleon Dynamite' as a quirky, independent film born from his own experiences growing up in rural Idaho. He deliberately chose to film entirely in Preston, a small town that perfectly encapsulated the film's unique, slightly off-kilter aesthetic. The production embraced the authentic, untouched charm of Preston, using real homes, schools, and businesses to create a believable, if eccentric, world that felt both familiar and strangely alien.

The film was shot in just 23 days, an incredibly tight schedule for such a rich story.
It cost only $400,000 to make but grossed over $46 million worldwide, a true indie success story.
Many props, like the infamous 'Liger' drawing, were found on location or created by the crew.
Jon Heder was paid only $1,000 for his iconic role, a stark contrast to the film's massive success.
The happy ending, featuring the final wedding sequence, was added after test audiences didn't respond well to an originally ambiguous ending.
The famous dance scene was improvised by Jon Heder on the spot, relying solely on his past dance experience.
The initial title was 'Peluca,' which is Spanish for wig, reflecting Napoleon's distinctive hair.
The movie's cult success led to a brief animated series, continuing the adventures of the Dynamite family.
Jared Hess based Napoleon's character on himself and his brothers' awkward teenage years and experiences.
The 'Vote for Pedro' shirts became an instant pop culture phenomenon, seen everywhere for years.
To save money, the cast and crew largely stayed with community members in Preston, building local ties.
While ligers are real, they are indeed hybrid big cats, not magical creatures bred for skills in magic.

Location Gallery

Preston High School

Napoleon Dynamite's House

Deseret Industries (Thrift Store)

Rex Kwon Do

Kip and Lafawnduh's Wedding House / Dairy Farm

Travel Tips

Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.
Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.
Guided tours are available that cover Preston High School, Napoleon Dynamite's House, Deseret Industries (Thrift Store) in one day.