Soda Springs has a rich history, starting when the Pioneers headed west for California and Oregon. Due to the abundance of springs and water in the area, Soda Springs became known as the "Oregon Trail Oasis." The famous Steam Boat Springs and Hooper Springs, which were originally called "Beer Springs,"  were some of the main sites to be seen by the earlier settlers and travelers, as well as the many sulfurous springs that many pioneers journaled about the smell coming from them. The City became further famous in 1937 when a well was being drilled in search of hot water for a bathhouse that unleashed what is known as the Geyser, the only captive Geyser in the world.

Caribou Historical Society promoted the community’s history and helped celebrate the Caribou County Centennial 1919-2019. Please call Galen Wilson at 208-221-3181, Bill Horsley at 208-604-0524, or Jerry Stoor at 208-317-5148 for more information or visit Facebook Historic Soda Springs. Many community members have come together to post stories and pictures of the past. 
Pioneer Cedar Cemetery Historic
Visit the National Oregon/California Trail Center Click here for more information.
Visit Historic Chesterfield. Click here for more information.


Union Pacific produced and distributed "Half Pint" by David L. Tank, a story about the Dinky Engine. 
The Real "Half Pint"
When the water in the Alexander Reservoir near Soda Springs, ID, was lowered in 1976, workers discovered a small locomotive. It had been left by the construction crews when the reservoir was built in 1924 and rested underwater for 52 years.
Caked with mud and rusting, the Union Pacific Railroad craftsman completely restored the locomotive at the railroad's repair shops in Omaha and then donated it to the community of Soda Springs. It is proudly displayed in the city park. This real locomotive and its story served as a model for the story of "Half Pint'.