Rexburg

Rexburg is a university town in Madison County in southeastern Idaho, located at an elevation of 1483 meters (4865 feet). The town spreads along several parallel streets with residential neighborhoods, shops, and a large campus occupying much of the built area.

Settlers from the Church of Latter-day Saints founded the settlement in 1883 and named it after Thomas Ricks, an early pioneer in the region. Ricks Academy, later expanded into a university, opened its doors in 1888 and transformed the small settlement into an educational center.

The university campus shapes daily life with students walking between classes and attending weekend cultural events. Several churches and religious centers offer regular services and community gatherings for residents and visitors.

Most shops and restaurants line the main street, where walking or driving around is straightforward. Hiking trails and recreation areas lie outside the town center and require a vehicle to reach them.

The Teton Dam collapse in 1976 flooded much of the town and left high-water marks still visible on some buildings today. This event led to a major rebuilding effort and new safety standards for water infrastructure across the region.

Location: Madison County

Inception: 1883

Elevation above the sea: 1,483 m

Website: https://rexburg.org

GPS coordinates: 43.82611,-111.78389

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:30