Things to Do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Address:Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson, Wyoming is a major gateway for millions of tourists visiting nearby Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the National Elk Refuge. The gorgeous town, sometimes mistakenly called Jackson Hole, which is actually the name of the entire valley, is located at the heart of pristine Wyoming mountains, rivers and meadows. A haven for many a weary backpacker, as well as posh part-time residence for the likes of Harrison Ford, Vice President Dick Cheney, Tiger Woods and Sandra Bullock, Jackson is the answer to any urge to be in the great outdoors.

Many people come to Jackson to hike and backpack both locally and in the nearby parks. White water rafting is also a popular rush, available through Lewis & Clark River Expeditions. Golf-lovers will enjoy T-ing off at Jackson Hole G&TC. You'll get a fabulous view of the Tetons along with a challenging course that features water all around.

In the winter, Jackson is heaven for skiers. Directly in the center of town is Snow King Resort. A "Racer's Mountain," Snow King is a small but challenging mountain with a near-perfect fall-line and one of the steepest verts. It is also one of the few night-lit resorts in the nation. Snow King is a favorite of both national and international ski teams. Summer visitors can enjoy chairlift rides up the 7751-ft Snow King Mountain and descend by hiking, cycling or taking the thrilling 2500-ft Alpine Slide, a summer toboggan run. When you're done with Snow King, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, one of the biggest resorts in the country, is just 12 miles northwest. Also, Grand Targhee Resort, just about an hour away from Jackson, is world-renowned for its "Heavenly powder."

Jackson has a rich local history and several famous landmarks. It is home to the world's largest ball of barbed wire and large arches of shed elk antlers. The Jackson Hole Museum specializes in Yellowstone and Wyoming history and history of the American West. It has a collection of more than 12,000 artifacts, including Native American pottery, weapons and stone tools. The museum has educational programs and storytelling for kids, who enter for free. History lovers should stop by the research collections at the Historical Society. There are exhibits, archival and biographical files, maps, oral histories, videos, a library and a 7,000-item photograph collection for your perusal. The log cabin located on the northwest corner of Mercill Avenue and Glenwood is also open year round to visitors.

The National museum of Wildlife Art sits on a butte, overlooking the 20,000-acre National Elk Refuge and is on route to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Stroll through the twelve galleries where you will see paintings, sculptures, photographs and special exhibits. This is a good place to stop for lunch on a terrace looking out over the National Elk Refuge. Winter is the best time to visit the refuge, because you can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride among a 10,000-strong herd of elk.

Kids will love Amaze'n Jackson Hole, Jackson's giant maze where you can race against the clock through a wild and crazy labyrinth for fun and prizes. There's a very popular squirt gun game that you should bring towels and swimsuits for if you visit during the summer.

Eating out in Jackson centers around meat—foods like steak, BBQ, fish, lamb, veal, and elk, though vegetarian dishes are usually available. For a unique western dining experience, check out Bar T-5 Covered Wagon Cookout and Show. Before your meal, you ride a covered wagon to an outdoor dining room for barbecue. After dinner the Bar-T Five will entertain you with western songs. For lighter fare, visit Betty Rock Coffee House & Café.

Jackson has developed a large shopping and eating district around the town square. The Old West-style boardwalks front designer boutiques, craft shops and over thirty galleries. Every summer evening, except Sundays, a shoot-out is staged in the town square.

Jackson, Wyoming is located in the Jackson Hole Valley of Teton County, Wyoming. It is in the northwest corner of the State of Wyoming approximately 15 miles from the Idaho border. The Town is approximately 12 miles south of Grand Teton National Park and 60 miles south of Yellowstone National Park. The airport is just minutes from town and is serviced by Delta, United, American, Northwest, and Continental.