I Took a Napoleon Dynamite-Themed Road Trip To Lesser-Known Filming Locations and This Is My Itinerary

"I see you're drinking 1 percent. Is that 'cause you think you're fat? 'Cause you're not. You could be drinking whole if you wanted to." - said by Napoleon

The physical location of Gossner Foods in Logan, Utah, is not in the movie, but during lunch, you’ll see Gossner milk on the cafeteria room tables and the movie’s characters drinking it. Gossner Foods is a family-owned cheese manufacturing company that in my opinion, makes the best cheese and milk in this corner of the state—I will find any excuse to stop here! I have visited dozens of times to pick up their shelf-stable milk (strawberry milk is my favorite but my family loves the root beer milk). You also will never see me leaving without a bag of cheese curds.  

"I like your sleeves ... they're real big." - said by Napoleon

Yes, I know a thrift store is a little strange for a road trip stop but this store has a cool claim to fame. Preston's Deseret Industries Thrift Store and Donation Center is where Napoleon buys his brown suit for prom. It is also where many costumes for the characters were bought.

Today, Deseret Industries Thrift Store (known as the DI to locals) is not only an incredible place to find unique and random items, but it also provides job training and employment opportunities for individuals in the community needing employment assistance. This means that when you donate or shop at the DI, you are helping to build up the workforce in this small Idaho town.

"Give me some of your tots." - said by Randy

Big J’s Burgers is the perfect place to stop and grab a bite. Now, the original Big J’s Burgers where the movie was filmed is no longer there but the restaurant at 196 N. State Street in Preston is just as good. Order one of their Big Burgers, but don’t forget the tots! No Napoleon Dynamite-themed road trip is complete without tater tots! And make sure to save room for ice cream as well. From shakes to banana splits, Big J Burgers has some of the best frozen treats in southern Idaho.

"Why do you love me? Why do you need me? Always and forever..." - sung by Kip

Lamont Reservoir, just outside of Preston, is the location of an extra scene that didn't make it into the actual movie, but became a favorite scene for many viewers and one with a gold mine of quotes. Here, Kip and Lafawnduh are married and Kip professes his love through song—it’s a must-see.

If you visit this 84.5-acre reservoir today, you can spend some time fishing, catching everything from bluegill and sunfish to largemouth bass and rainbow trout. Boats are only allowed on the reservoir for fishing, and no wakeboats are permitted.

"What the flip was Grandma doing at the sand dunes?" - said by Napoleon

The last stop on our road trip may seem a little out of the way since the majority of the movie is filmed in Preston, but this may be one of your favorite stops on this adventure. The St. Anthony Sand Dunes is where Napoleon’s grandma breaks her coccyx, and it’s the perfect place to end your trip, especially if you love a heart-racing activity. The 10,600-acre dune is a popular place for off-road vehicles with some dunes as high as 400 feet. There are several places to rent off road vehicles in the area, or if you'd prefer, just explore on foot.

And, if you want to spend even more time here or need a place to stay before you head back home, consider reserving a campsite at Egin Lakes Campground. This Idaho campground has both reservable and first-come, first-served campsites, making it a great option for both planners and those who thrive on spontaneity.