Jackson is a great small town in the Jackson Hole valley of Wyoming. Outdoor adventure is a way of life here, with the close proximity to two national parks, a ski resort, and the Snake River. You should also make a point to explore the downtown and its variety of galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Don’t forget to check out the four antler arches on each corner of the park in the town square—they are real! The local Boy Scouts collected 1,000 pounds of antlers from the National Elk Refuge.
Things to Do
Grand Teton National Park is a showstopping attraction located just outside of Jackson. With its snow-covered mountaintops, historic Mormon barns, and wildlife spotting, it is a magical place. There are many scenic drives and tours offered to catch all the highlights, as well as 230 miles of hiking trails. Tip: If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of wildlife, just look for a mass of cars stopped on the side of the road.
During the winter, thousands of elk migrate down the mountains to the meadows of the National Elk Refuge. You can take an hour-long sleigh ride through the refuge to see them up close.
If you are a skier, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the place for you. If you’re more interested in après-ski, you can take the Aerial Tram up the mountain to Corbet’s Cabin for world-famous waffles and awe-inspiring views.
During the summer months, you can go whitewater rafting on the Snake River. Barker-Ewing’s experienced guides will take you on the ultimate ride to enjoy the scenery and get an adrenaline rush! If you’re looking for something more relaxing, you can choose a scenic float trip down the river.
Another summer must-see is the Jackson Hole Rodeo, running on select days Memorial Day through Labor Day. The rodeo is an authentic western event featuring barrel racing, bull riding, and bronc riding.
At the National Museum of Wildlife Art, there are 14 galleries with works by notable artists like Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keefe. Another museum to visit is the Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum— it’s been around since 1958 and tells you the history of the area.
Shopping
Jackson is a great spot to do some vacation shopping. The square is full of jewelry, apparel, and Western home goods shops. A few stores we enjoyed are MADE, Mountain Dandy, Roam, and Wild West Designs.
Food & Drink
The Kitchen is a modern American restaurant and the perfect place to unwind after a long day of play with artisan cocktails, thoughtfully selected wines, and a menu ranging from light bites to fresh fish and game entrées
Glorietta Trattoria is a rustic Italian restaurant with a modern feel. The menu focuses on handmade pasta and wood-fired cooking.
Persephone Bakery is a cute coffee shop and bakery just steps from the town square. Order the hot chocolate topped with a giant house-made marshmallow and sample some of the delicious pastries.
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is the place to go after dinner for western dancing and country music. This cowboy-themed bar even has saddles on their bar stools!
Silver Dollar Bar & Grill, located in the Wort Hotel, got its name from the over 2,000 silver dollars inlaid in the surface of the bar.
Stay
Hotel Jackson is a contemporary luxury hotel with a rustic-chic theme to reflect its Old West surroundings.
The Wort Hotel is full of Western charm and has been named the Best Small Historic Hotel in the U.S. Built in 1941, the hotel is located just off the town square.
