Nestled within Wyoming's Jackson Hole Valley, the town of Jackson beckons with an array of captivating experiences set against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. This locale boasts three ski areas: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort, ensuring an adventure for every winter enthusiast.
The unique allure of the Town Square lies in its arches, crafted from shed antlers sourced from the nearby National Elk Refuge. The National Museum of Wildlife Art also showcases masterpieces by luminaries like Andy Warhol and Georgia O'Keeffe. To the north, the soaring peaks of Grand Teton National Park and the boundless expanse of Yellowstone National Park run for miles, offering an invitation to explore nature's grandeur. With many places to stay around Jackson Hole, this trip should be fun for the whole group!
Things To Do
With the Jackson Hole area being so vast and beautiful, seeing it in the fall is the perfect time to enjoy the scenery and make new memories. Discover all the best things to do in Jackson, Wyoming, here.
1 Check Out The National Museum Of Wildlife Art
- Address: 2820 Rungius Rd, Jackson, WY 83001
- Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM
- Tickets: $18 per guest
Something to see while in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Here lies the 51,000-square-foot building boasting wildlife art and preserves.
Most guests spend about two hours touring the various exhibits.
2 Hike In Yellowstone National Park
- National Park in the United States of America.
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Tickets: $35 per vehicle
One of the more notable stops in Jackson Hole is Yellowstone National Park. Here lies the famous park boasting 3,500 square miles of wilderness recreation atop a volcanic hot spot.
Although mainly in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park also spans Montana and Idaho. This is a massive park system, so many people might want to camp here or come back over the course of multiple days.
Hiking in Yellowstone is a top-rated thing to do in Jackson Hole, but keep an eye out for wildlife.
The amazing caves around Yellowstone are also worth exploring.
3 Walk Through Jackson Town Square
- This is the downtown area of Jackson, Wyoming.
- Known for its Western theming.
The next thing to do while in Jackson, Wyoming, is a stroll through Jackson Town Square. Most shops, restaurants, and photo-ops will be here in the city, giving tourists a Western charm. George Washington Memorial Park is also located here and is worth a visit.
4 Get Wild At The National Elk Refuge
- Address: 675 E Broadway Ave, Jackson, WY 83001
The next stop in Jackson Hole is the National Elk Refuge, a Wildlife Refuge located in Jackson Hole created in 1912. Here is where one of the largest elk herds lives and is protected.
Most people spend about an hour here.
5 Giddy Up At The Jackson Hole Rodeo
- Address: 447 W Snow King Ave, Jackson, WY 83001
- Hours: Dependent on the event
Another fun thing to experience in Jackson Hole is the local rodeo. Here is where guests can attend roping events, bronco riding, and other rodeo activities star at this outdoor arena featuring a concession stand.
This is a quintessential Jackson Hole specialty, so if the rodeo's in town, don't skip it!
6 Check Out The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
- Address: Jackson, WY 83001
- Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM
Next, guests of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, can head over to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, where a 1,106-acre refuge within Grand Teton National Park on the southern end of Phelps Lake, Wyoming, lies. This is another great untouched plot of land to witness while here, especially for animal lovers.
7 Hit The Slopes At Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Address: Teton Village, WY 83025
- Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM
As one of the more popular destinations in Jackson Hole, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers unparalleled skiing, hiking, and lodging for this Wyoming town.
Notably, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort boasts a ski resort in the western United States, at Teton Village, with lifts. In the fall or winter, this is a must-see place in town.
8 Go For A Tasting At The Jackson Hole Winery
- Address: 2800 W Boyles Hill Rd, Jackson, WY 83001
- Hours: Open Tuesday - Sunday from 12-5 PM
For adults in Jackson Hole wanting some wine, the Jackson Hole Winery is the perfect stop. Here, guests can experience local pairing and tastings throughout the week in a rustic setting.
Jackson Hole Winery sits at the base of the Grand Teton Range at 6,229 feet, which is one of the highest points to sip wine in the country.
9 See A Show At The Jackson Hole Playhouse
- Address: 145 W Deloney Ave, Jackson, WY 83001
- Hours: Dependent on the show
For anyone after a culturally-enriching experience in Jackson Hole, heading over to the town's Playhouse is a great idea. Here is where the Jackson Hole Playhouse welcomes performers from across the country, showcasing a variety of plays plus offering dinner prior to the show. This could be the perfect date night while on vacation!
10 See The Famous Antler Arches Of Jackson
- Address: 15 E Broadway Ave, Jackson, WY 83001
- Hours: Open 24 hours
Lastly, guests of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, can head to the famed Antler Arches, located in the middle of the town square with a total of 4 arches. This is a super fun photo-op in town and brings people from across the state each year.
11 Best Time To Visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Best Time To Come: September through October
For those wanting to visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming, some of the best times to come here include fall and spring. With prime months being September through October, Jackson Hole makes for a perfect autumn getaway.
Not only will the leaves change colors, but the town will get incredibly into the holiday spirit with spooky decorations for Halloween.
Spring is when plants and trees will come back to life, and animals will be most active. That is also prime weather for hiking in the various parks and preserves, so keep that in mind.
Winter is nice for skiing, but snow falls heavily here, which can cause delays for flights and close roads.
12 Best Way To Get Around Jackson Hole
- Best Way Around: Cars, taxis, or shuttles
When coming to Jackson Hole, it's worth mentioning the town lacks great public transport. Walkability is also limited to the downtown area, as many of the attractions here require a car or bus.
However, in recent years, the city has invested in its 'Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit,' which shuttles people from out to Teton Village, south to Star Valley, or west to Teton Valley, Idaho.
Therefore, getting between the hotel and various attractions will require a vehicle of some kind.
13 Where To Eat In Jackson Hole, Wyoming
When it comes to food options in Jackson Hole, there will be many. Here are some places to try for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks in the area.
Breakfast: The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant
- Address: 130 N Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001
- Hours: Open daily from 7 AM to 2 PM
- Serving: Traditional American breakfast plus sandwiches, baked goods & desserts such as pie.
Lunch: The Merry Piglets Mexican Grill
- Address: 160 N Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001
- Hours: Open daily from 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Serving: Traditional Tex-Mex plates come in a bright, family-friendly dining room with cheery decor.
Dinner: The Blue Lion
- Address: 160 N Millward St, Jackson, WY 83001
- Hours: Open daily from 5:30-10 PM
- Serving: Charming older house dishes up inventive American fare, including lamb, fish & wild-game specialties.
Drinks: Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
- Address: 25 N Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001
- Hours: Open daily from 11 AM to 1 AM
- Serving: American chow & drinks come in a rustic space with memorabilia, plus dancing & live entertainment.
14 Where To Stay In Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Regarding hotel options in Jackson Hole, there will also be many to choose from. Here are some budget, mid-tier, and luxury stays to consider the next time you're in Wyoming.
Budget: Mountain Modern Motel
- Address: 380 West Broadway, Jackson, WY 83001
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, Indoor pool, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee shop, Free parking
Budget: The Jackson SouthTown Motel
- Address: 600 South Highway 89, Jackson, WY 83001
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, Free Wi-Fi, Free parking, Flat-screen TV, Free toiletries, Laundry facilities, 24-hour front desk
Mid-Tier: Cowboy Village Resort
- Address: 120 South Flat Creek Dr, Jackson, WY 83001
- Amenities: Indoor pool, Fitness center, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Free Parking, Business center
Mid-Tier: The Virginian Lodge
- Address: 750 West Broadway, Jackson, WY 83001
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Free parking
Luxury: The White Buffalo Club
- Address: 160 West Gill Avenue, Jackson, WY 83001
- Amenities: Spa and wellness center, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Valet parking
Luxury: The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection
- Address: 112 Center Street, Jackson, WY 83001
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Valet parking
Moreover, there are plenty of affordable hostels surrounding Jackson Hole, which are worth checking out the next time someone wants to come here.
15 Tips For Visiting Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- This is a rustic, 'out west' type of destination.
- Roads can be dangerous in inclement weather.
For future visitors to Jackson Hole, there are some things to keep in mind. First, this is a mountainous, rugged area of the US, meaning there won't be much glitz or glam. Many people are surprised by the Western and rustic charm of the town, so this is a recurring theme. It's not Los Angeles!
Moreover, the bus network between Grand Teton and Yellowstone is worth considering, especially if people don't want to pay $35+ for parking. Jackson Hole is stunning but can have winding and steep roadways. In snow, ice, or rain, driving around the city and attractions can be intimidating.
16 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Spending the perfect day in Jackson Hole shouldn't be hard. To start the day, head into town and grab a bite at one of the local cafés or restaurants. From there, check out the stores and galleries, even heading to an animal sanctuary or preserve down the road.
From there, we recommend hiking in Yellowstone National Park, as this is an amazing way to experience the best of the Americas. After that, head back into the town, grab some dinner, and head to the hotel for s'mores. Have fun and be safe!