On the doorstep of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, Jackson is nestled in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Valley. The town’s long history of elk hunting is on display at the Jackson Hole Museum, while its northern landscapes provide a vital refuge for migrating herds of wildlife.
Things to do in Jackson
Explore the boutiques and art galleries that line Jackson’s Town Square, where four corner arches are constructed from hundreds of elk antlers. A memorial to fallen soldiers stands at the heart of the square and a Western-style shootout performance is staged in one corner during the warmer months.
Delve into the cultural and natural heritage of Jackson and its surrounding national parks at the Jackson Hole Museum. Native American artefacts and items belonging to early settlers are on display, together with exhibits relating to Jackson’s fur trade history and mountaineering pioneers.
Get up close to migrating elk at the National Elk Refuge, which provides a sanctuary for these magnificent creatures in the mountainous foothills to the north of Jackson. Horse-drawn sleigh rides are offered during the winter months, where you can capture views of elk, bison, bighorn sheep and pronghorn deer.
Overlooking the National Elk Refuge is the National Museum of Wildlife Art, which boasts more than 5,000 works highlighting animals and nature. In addition to its extensive collections by renowned wildlife artists Carl Rungius and Bob Kuhn, the museum also features an animal-inspired Sculpture Trail and a Children’s Discovery Gallery.
Getting around Jackson
Jackson Hole Airport is located within Grand Teton National Park, around 10 minutes’ drive north of Jackson. Buses travel throughout the town and it’s small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle, although a car is best for accessing the National Elk Refuge.