Unearth The Voyage
Nestled in the heart of Wyoming’s stunning Jackson Hole valley, the charming town of Jackson has become one of America’s hottest travel destinations. With its prime location between two of the country’s most iconic national parks, this western gem is attracting visitors from around the globe who want to experience authentic mountain culture alongside breathtaking natural beauty.
Whether you’re drawn to world-class skiing, abundant wildlife, or the allure of the Wild West, Jackson offers an unforgettable adventure that keeps travelers coming back for more.
<p>Geography doesn’t get much better than this. Jackson sits right in the sweet spot between Yellowstone National Park to the north and Grand Teton National Park just minutes away, making it the ultimate base camp for exploring both natural wonders.</p><p>Visitors can wake up in a comfortable hotel, grab breakfast at a local café, and be standing in front of Old Faithful or Jenny Lake before lunch.
This convenience means you’re not wasting precious vacation time driving for hours between destinations. Instead, you’re maximizing your adventure while still enjoying the comforts of a vibrant town.</p><p>The strategic location also means you can experience completely different ecosystems in a single day.
Morning might find you watching geysers erupt in Yellowstone’s thermal basins, while afternoon could have you hiking beneath the jagged peaks of the Tetons. Evening brings you back to Jackson for dinner and live music.</p><p>This positioning has transformed Jackson from a quiet mountain town into a must-visit destination.
Travelers appreciate having a home base with restaurants, shops, and entertainment while maintaining easy access to wilderness adventures that would otherwise require multiple hotel stays across different regions.</p>
<p>Four massive arches made entirely from naturally shed elk antlers mark the corners of Jackson’s Town Square, creating one of the most photographed landmarks in Wyoming. Each arch contains thousands of antlers, weighing several tons and standing tall enough to walk beneath comfortably.</p><p>Boy Scouts collect these antlers each spring from the nearby National Elk Refuge, where thousands of elk winter together.
The antlers naturally fall off every year, and volunteers gather them during an organized event that’s become a local tradition. This sustainable practice doesn’t harm any animals while creating these stunning structures.</p><p>Tourists flock to these arches year-round, snapping selfies and marveling at their unique construction.
The intertwined antlers create intricate patterns that look different from every angle, with sunlight filtering through the gaps in beautiful ways. Kids especially love running through them and counting how many antlers they can spot.</p><p>Beyond their visual appeal, the arches symbolize Jackson’s deep connection to wildlife and Western heritage.
They remind visitors that this isn’t just another resort town—it’s a place where nature and community traditions remain central to daily life.
The arches have become so iconic that they appear on postcards, magnets, and souvenirs throughout town.</p>
<p>Snow enthusiasts hit the jackpot here with three distinct ski areas offering everything from gentle learning slopes to heart-pounding expert terrain. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort stands out as one of North America’s most challenging destinations, featuring the famous Corbet’s Couloir and over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain that attracts daredevils worldwide.</p><p>Snow King Mountain Resort sits right in town, earning its nickname as “Town Hill” because you can literally ski down to Main Street.
This convenient location makes it perfect for quick afternoon runs or evening skiing under the lights. Families appreciate its more manageable slopes and affordable lift tickets compared to bigger resorts.</p><p>Grand Targhee Resort on the western side of the Tetons delivers legendary powder snow thanks to its location that catches moisture from Pacific storms.
Skiers often find fresh tracks days after a storm because crowds are smaller than at Jackson Hole. The resort’s laid-back vibe appeals to those seeking quality runs without the scene.</p><p>Having three options means groups with different skill levels can all find their perfect mountain.
Beginners aren’t stuck watching from the lodge while experts get bored on easy runs.
Everyone leaves satisfied after experiencing Wyoming’s famous champagne powder and stunning mountain views.</p>
<p>Perched on a bluff overlooking the National Elk Refuge, this remarkable museum houses over 5,000 works celebrating wildlife from around the globe. The building itself mimics ancient cliff dwellings, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape while offering panoramic views of the refuge below where real elk roam.</p><p>Inside, visitors discover pieces by famous artists including Andy Warhol’s endangered species series and Georgia O’Keeffe’s distinctive interpretations of animal skulls and Western landscapes.
The collection spans centuries, from ancient artifacts to contemporary installations, showing how humans have depicted wildlife throughout history. Each gallery tells a different story about our relationship with the natural world.</p><p>Interactive exhibits engage younger visitors who might otherwise find art museums boring.
Kids can try their hand at wildlife sketching, learn about animal tracking, or explore digital displays that bring paintings to life. The museum successfully bridges education and entertainment without talking down to any age group.</p><p>Seasonal programs include artist demonstrations, photography workshops, and guided tours that connect the artwork to the actual wildlife visible through the museum’s windows.
Watching a herd of elk graze below while studying paintings of similar scenes creates a powerful connection between art and reality that few museums can offer.</p>
<p>Every winter, up to 7,500 elk migrate down from the mountains to spend the cold months on this 25,000-acre refuge just outside Jackson. This gathering represents one of the largest concentrations of elk anywhere in North America, creating an unforgettable wildlife spectacle that draws photographers and nature lovers from everywhere.</p><p>Horse-drawn sleigh rides take visitors right into the middle of the herd for up-close encounters that feel like stepping into a nature documentary.
The elk tolerate the sleighs because they’ve grown accustomed to them over decades, allowing people to observe their behavior without causing stress. Hearing thousands of hooves crunching through snow while surrounded by these majestic animals creates memories that last forever.</p><p>The refuge exists because natural winter range disappeared as the valley developed, threatening elk populations with starvation.
Supplemental feeding programs help them survive harsh winters when deep snow buries natural food sources. This management allows both wildlife and human communities to thrive in the same space.</p><p>Spring brings a different kind of excitement when bull elk shed their antlers, transforming the refuge into a treasure hunt.
The Boy Scout auction of collected antlers funds conservation efforts while giving people a chance to own a piece of Wyoming’s wild heritage.</p>
<p>Real cowboys still work ranches surrounding Jackson, and their heritage permeates every corner of town. This isn’t a manufactured theme park version of the West—it’s the genuine article where people wear boots and hats because they actually need them, not just for show.</p><p>Summer evenings bring rodeos to the fairgrounds where professional cowboys compete in bull riding, barrel racing, and roping events that test skills developed over generations.
Locals fill the stands alongside tourists, cheering for their favorites and explaining the finer points of each competition. The smell of popcorn and dust, the sound of hooves and announcer commentary, and the sight of bucking broncos create an authentically Western experience.</p><p>Downtown shops sell quality Western wear that locals actually purchase, not just tourist trinkets.
You’ll find hand-tooled leather saddles, custom-made cowboy boots, and functional ranch clothing alongside art galleries and boutiques. This blend of working-class practicality and upscale sophistication defines modern Jackson.</p><p>Saloons with wooden floors and live country music host both ranch hands unwinding after work and visitors seeking authentic atmosphere.
The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar features saddle-shaped barstools and silver dollar-inlaid bar tops, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome regardless of whether they arrived on horseback or in a rental car.</p>
<p>When the snow melts, Jackson transforms into an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise offering activities that take full advantage of the spectacular landscape. Mountain biking trails wind through forests and meadows, ranging from gentle paths suitable for families to technical single-track that challenges experienced riders.</p><p>The Snake River provides world-class fly fishing where anglers cast for cutthroat trout in waters that flow right past the Teton peaks.
Guided float trips combine fishing with wildlife viewing as eagles, moose, and otters make appearances along the banks. Even non-fishers enjoy these peaceful river journeys through some of America’s most beautiful scenery.</p><p>Hiking trails accessible from town lead to alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and mountain summits offering 360-degree views.
Cache Creek Trail starts right at the edge of Jackson and climbs into wilderness within minutes, proving you don’t need to drive far to find solitude. Families with young children can manage shorter walks while serious hikers tackle all-day adventures.</p><p>Fall brings hunters and photographers seeking elk during the dramatic rut season when bulls bugle challenges that echo across valleys.
Rock climbing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and paragliding round out the options.
Whatever your preferred way of experiencing nature, Jackson provides the access and infrastructure to make it happen safely and memorably.</p>
<p>Over thirty galleries line the streets of Jackson, showcasing everything from traditional Western art to contemporary installations that challenge conventional ideas about mountain culture. This concentration of artistic talent rivals much larger cities, making Jackson a serious destination for collectors and casual browsers alike.</p><p>Bronze sculptures of wildlife and cowboys populate sidewalks and parks throughout town, creating an outdoor museum that’s free for everyone to enjoy.
These pieces range from lifelike representations to abstract interpretations, showing the diversity of artistic vision inspired by this landscape. Kids love climbing on the appropriate ones while adults appreciate the craftsmanship.</p><p>Monthly art walks during summer bring galleries alive with openings, artist meet-and-greets, and wine receptions that spill onto the sidewalks.
Even people who never visit galleries back home find themselves drawn into these events by the welcoming atmosphere and stunning artwork. Many pieces depict local scenes visitors just experienced on the trail or slopes, creating immediate connections.</p><p>The Center for the Arts hosts performances, classes, and exhibitions year-round, ensuring cultural opportunities don’t disappear when tourist season ends.
Local artists teach workshops where visitors can try painting, pottery, or photography while learning from professionals who draw daily inspiration from their surroundings.
Taking home something you created yourself makes a better souvenir than anything bought in stores.</p>
<p>Moose wander through neighborhoods munching on willows, bears occasionally raid trash cans, and eagles soar overhead hunting for fish—wildlife sightings aren’t rare events requiring luck in Jackson. The town exists within ecosystems that support diverse animal populations, creating regular opportunities to observe creatures in their natural habitat.</p><p>Grand Teton National Park’s proximity means animals frequently cross into areas surrounding Jackson.
Early morning drives often reveal deer, elk, or pronghorn grazing beside roads. Patient observers spot beavers working on dams in streams, otters playing in rivers, and countless bird species from tiny hummingbirds to massive sandhill cranes.</p><p>Responsible wildlife viewing requires maintaining safe distances and never feeding animals, lessons that local guides emphasize during tours.
Getting too close endangers both people and wildlife, as habituated animals often end up euthanized when they become aggressive or problematic. Binoculars and telephoto lenses allow intimate viewing while respecting necessary boundaries.</p><p>The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation and other organizations work to educate residents and visitors about coexisting with wild neighbors.
Bear-proof trash cans, wildlife crossing structures, and habitat conservation efforts help reduce conflicts.
Experiencing animals living freely in their natural environment rather than behind zoo fences creates profound appreciation for wildness that still exists in modern America.</p>
<p>Something’s always happening in Jackson, from the famous Old West Days celebration to the Fall Arts Festival that draws collectors worldwide. These events transform the town into even more vibrant spaces where locals and visitors mingle while celebrating various aspects of mountain culture.</p><p>Music festivals bring nationally recognized performers to outdoor venues with the Tetons providing the ultimate stage backdrop.
The Grand Teton Music Festival features classical concerts in a stunning wooden hall that enhances acoustics while offering mountain views. Smaller venues host everything from bluegrass to indie rock, ensuring diverse musical tastes find satisfaction.</p><p>Winter kicks off with torchlight parades down ski slopes and continues with events like the Pole Pedal Paddle, a unique relay race combining skiing, cycling, and kayaking that tests athletes’ versatility.
Holiday celebrations include elaborate light displays and festive markets selling handcrafted goods perfect for gift shopping.</p><p>Food and wine events showcase the culinary scene through tastings, cooking demonstrations, and farm tours. The Taste of the Tetons lets attendees sample dishes from dozens of restaurants in one evening while supporting local charities.
These gatherings create opportunities to experience Jackson’s culture beyond outdoor recreation, revealing the sophisticated community that thrives here year-round regardless of tourist seasons.</p>
<p>Wooden boardwalks and historic buildings give downtown Jackson a frontier-town appearance that’s been carefully preserved even as businesses have modernized. Walking these streets feels like stepping into the past while enjoying contemporary amenities and services.</p><p>The town has resisted the urge to become another cookie-cutter resort destination, maintaining architectural standards that honor Western heritage.
New construction must fit established aesthetic guidelines, preventing jarring modern buildings from disrupting the cohesive character. This commitment means Jackson looks distinctly like itself rather than anywhere else.</p><p>Local businesses still dominate downtown rather than national chains, though a few familiar names have found ways to blend in.
Family-owned shops that have served the community for generations operate alongside newer boutiques and galleries. This mix creates authentic shopping experiences where proprietors often know customers by name and share stories about the items they sell.</p><p>Town Square remains the heart of community life, hosting concerts, markets, and gatherings throughout the year.
Kids play on the grass while parents relax on benches, locals meet friends for coffee, and tourists photograph the antler arches.
Despite growth and increased popularity, Jackson has maintained the welcoming small-town atmosphere that makes visitors feel like temporary residents rather than anonymous tourists passing through.</p>
<p>Dozens of professional outfitters operate in Jackson, offering guided experiences that help visitors safely explore terrain they might not tackle independently. These companies employ experts who know the landscape intimately, understand wildlife behavior, and can enhance any adventure with local knowledge and stories.</p><p>Guided trips remove the stress of planning logistics, finding trailheads, or worrying about getting lost in unfamiliar wilderness.
Leaders handle equipment, permits, and safety while participants simply enjoy the experience. First-time visitors especially benefit from this expertise, gaining confidence and knowledge they can apply to future independent adventures.</p><p>Options include everything from gentle wildlife watching tours perfect for families with young children to multi-day backcountry expeditions requiring serious fitness and commitment.
Fly fishing guides teach beginners how to cast while leading experts to productive waters. Photography tours position participants for optimal lighting and wildlife encounters that would take years of solo exploration to discover.</p><p>Many guides are passionate conservationists who share insights about ecology, geology, and environmental challenges facing the region.
Learning while adventuring adds depth to experiences, transforming simple recreation into educational journeys.
Supporting these local businesses also helps sustain the community’s economy, ensuring Jackson remains a vibrant place where outdoor professionals can make meaningful livings doing work they love.</p>
<p>Jackson Hole Airport sits inside Grand Teton National Park, making it the only commercial airport located within a national park in the United States. This unique situation means travelers can land and see the dramatic Teton peaks right outside the terminal windows—an arrival experience that immediately signals you’ve reached somewhere special.</p><p>Direct flights connect Jackson to major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas, eliminating the need for complicated connections to reach this mountain destination.
The airport’s small size means deplaning, collecting luggage, and picking up rental cars happens quickly without the stress of navigating massive terminals. Most visitors are downtown within thirty minutes of landing.</p><p>Highway access from surrounding states makes road trips feasible for those who enjoy scenic drives.
Routes through Yellowstone, across mountain passes, and along rivers provide journey experiences as memorable as the destination itself. Winter driving requires preparation and caution, but highways receive regular maintenance to keep them passable.</p><p>This accessibility despite Jackson’s remote setting contributes significantly to its surging popularity.
Families can visit without spending entire days traveling, making weekend trips realistic for people living within a few hours’ flight.
The ease of getting here means more time enjoying mountains and less time stuck in airports or cars—a winning combination for modern travelers.</p>
