Jackson Hole: National Parks, Wildlife & Outdoor Adventures

The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson is a must-see attraction for both nature lovers and art enthusiasts. The museum is spread across 14 galleries and includes a sculpture trail, a library, the Children’s Discovery Gallery, and a museum shop. Besides the museum’s permanent collection, which numbers over 5,000 individual items by more than 100 artists, the museum also presents a succession of temporary visiting exhibitions. In addition, the museum hosts a series of art events aimed at educating the public about wildlife art and getting people to participate in hands-on workshops. Young visitors can have hours of fun in the Children’s Discovery Gallery, where they can enjoy the reading nook, animal costumes, puppet show, and more.

Address: The National Museum of Wildlife Art, 2820 Rungius Rd, Jackson, WY, Phone: 307-733-5771

The Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museumwas started in 1958 by an avid archaeologist and historian, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn all about the history of the valley and the surrounding Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

The interesting little museum features a changing program of exhibits that showcase the early days in the valley during the homesteading, fur trade, and dude ranch eras. The historical society not only offers a glimpse into the old days in Jackson Hole, but also offers a variety of educational programs and walking tours of historic downtown Jackson three times a week during the summer.

Address: Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum, 224 N. Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001, Phone: 307-733-2414

For an Adventure

If you would like to explore the natural bounty of the Jackson Hole valley and the surrounding National Parks in an eco-friendly way, Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures has the answer. The company offers a variety of wildlife viewing adventures (where you can concentrate of the wildlife instead of the driving) in both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

You can choose from half-day to multi-day adventures led by guides who know the area intimately and can take you far from the tourist crowds for exceptional wildlife viewing and photography. Tours operate all year round and can be customized to suit you and your family.

Address: Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures, 1585 Berger Lane, Jackson, WY 83001, Phone: 307-690-9533

While you are vacationing in Jackson Hole, you are invited to visit the area’s only craft distillery, the Jackson Hole Still Works. The distillery is proud to produce their signature vodka, gin and whiskey on site, using only locally sourced ingredients and the superb mountain water, which has originated at high altitude in the Teton Range and Yellowstone National Parks.

The distillery is privately owned and managed and every step of the “grain-to-glass” production process is controlled by the owners/distillers, who strive to produce a superior product. The spirits are then bottled on site in uniquely decorated bottles that feature work by local artists. Visitors are welcome to come on a tour or have a tasting.

Address: Jackson Hole Still Works, 3940 South Eagle View Dr, Jackson, WY 83001, Phone: 307-699-8998

The National Elk Refuge provides a sanctuary for the Jackson Elk Herd, while protecting their habitat and providing a home for other endangered species including bison, bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and wolves.

The significant Jackson Elk Herd is thought to number approximately 11,000 animals, which migrate across a substantial swathe of land in Jackson Hole and the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.

To get an overview of the refuge, you can start your visit at the interagency visitors center, where the enthusiastic staff will inform you about seasonal activities. In winter you can get up close to the elk on a sleigh ride, while in summer you can follow a trail on foot or by bicycle.

Address: National Elk Refuge, 675 E Broadway, Jackson, WY 83001, Phone: 307-733-9212

Grand Teton National Park is the ideal getaway destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here, you can choose from over 230 miles of hiking trails, get moving on two wheels along the multi-use paved trails, or simply enjoy the remarkable mountain scenery on a scenic drive through the park.

In summer you can take to the waters of the Snake River or one of several lakes for a canoeing or kayaking adventure, go mountaineering and backcountry camping, or enjoy casting a line to catch a fish or two. In winter the emphasis changes to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park offers several ranger-led activities and you can spend an hour or two getting your bearings at one of the visitors centers, which offer orientation videos.

After a busy day enjoying all the outdoor activities in Jackson Hole, you can round off your day with dinner and some great Western entertainment at the Jackson Hole Play House. As you enjoy your dinner, you may be surprised to hear your waiter break into song – all the waitstaff are part of the professional theater group who will be presenting the after-dinner show and they provide live entertainment while you dine. The show is great fun for all ages and the playhouse is located in the oldest building in Jackson. If you happen to be in town around 6:00pm, you can catch the same actors as they perform the Town Square Shoot-Out. The season runs from June to September each year.

Address: Jackson Hole Play House, 145 W Deloney Ave, Jackson, WY 83001, Phone: 307-733-6994

Recommended Activities for Families

If you are visiting Jackson Hole with the family, the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum is a must-see attraction. The museum is committed to providing a safe and stimulating environment for children (and adults) to learn through role-play and interactive exhibits showcasing science and the arts.

Your little one can be a pilot or air-hostess, drive a truck, learn about the origins of food at the Mountain Market exhibit, or have hours of fun at the magnet wall. In addition, there are lots of opportunities to just play – The Climber and Imagination Playground are great for active children, while the Tot Spot is ideal for the youngest adventurers.

Address: Jackson Hole Children’s Museum, 155 N Jean St, Jackson, WY 83001, Phone: 307-733-3996

Joining a Wildlife Discovery Expedition with Tetons Science Schools is the ideal way to broaden your knowledge of the unique flora and fauna of Grand Teton National Park. You can choose how long you would like to spend on your wildlife expedition – TSS offers half-day, full-day, and even multi-day adventures throughout the year. Your expedition will be led by an expert nature guide who knows just where to take you to find even the most elusive wildlife in the park. You can reasonably expect to get some good sightings of bison, elk, moose, big-horn sheep, bears, eagles, and a host of other interesting Teton Range wildlife.

Address: Tetons Science Schools Wildlife Discovery Expedition, 700 Coyote Rd, Jackson, WY 83001, Phone: 307-733-1313

For Couples and Singles

The Jackson Hole Winery is family owned and run and is located alongside Spring Creek in one of the most scenic parts of Jackson Hole. Offering sweeping views of Grand Teton, the winery offers wine tastings throughout the year. In summer you can sit outside on the patio or in the old barn, while in winter the tastings are held in the barrel room. Most of the grapes used to make the award-winning wines produced on the estate are sourced in the Sonoma Valley and then crafted to perfection by the experienced winemaker at the winery. Book your wine tasting in advance by visiting the website.

Address: Jackson Hole Winery, 2800 Boyles Hill Rd, Jackson, WY 83002, Phone: 307-201-1057