Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Day 1: Admire art at The National Museum of Wildlife Art

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.

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

See an exhibit at the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum

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.

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

Go on a half-day Jackson Hole Eco Tour 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.

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

Go on a tour at the Jackson Hole Still Works

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.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

DAY 2: Visit the National Elk Refuge

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. 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

Drive to Grand Teton National Park

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.

Watch a show at the Jackson Hole Play House

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

DAY 3: Take the kids to the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum

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

Join a Tetons Science Schools Wildlife Discovery Expedition

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

Go wine tasting at the Jackson Hole Winery

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

Go on a Mad River Boat Trip

If you are looking to have some fun during your visit to Jackson Hole, Mad River Boat Trips are waiting to provide it. Depending on how adventurous you are, you can choose a pulse-racing whitewater rafting experience or opt for a scenic float along the river to see a variety of wildlife and some marvelous scenery. Mad River Boat Trips use boats that are smaller than usual for their whitewater rafting adventures, ensuring the ride of a lifetime for adventurous rafters, who will explore an exciting stretch of rapids on the Snake River under the guidance of an experienced whitewater expert. Families and more cautious visitors can enjoy a relaxing float along a very scenic 13-mile stretch of calm water.

Address: Mad River Boat Trips, 1255 South US Highway 89, Jackson Hole, WY 83001, Phone: 307-733-6203

More ideas: Book a stay at The Red Rock Ranch

Imagine spending your vacation on an authentic Jackson Hole dude ranch, surrounded by the amazing scenery of the Jackson Hole valley, the Teton Range, and the Yellowstone National Park. The Red Rock Ranch has been offering visitors a genuine dude ranch experience for over 40 years. You will never have a dull moment at the ranch and can try a variety of activities including exploring scenic hiking trails and horseback riding. Even if you have never been in the saddle before, the experienced wranglers will saddle you up with a suitable mount so that you can enjoy this activity to the full. Anglers will enjoy casting a line in Crystal Creek to catch a trout – fly-fishing lessons are available for beginners.

The Red Rock Ranch, 17760 Gros Ventre Rd, Kelly, WY 83011, Phone: 307-733-6288

Book a room at the Anvil Hotel

Located close to Jackson Town Square the Anvil Hotel offers comfortable accommodations. A charming Italian trattoria serves authentic fare and drinks, and there is a mercantile store close to the hotel. Complimentary perks for guests include ample parking and loaner bikes for exploring the area.

The Anvil Hotel is a short drive from Grand Teton National Park, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the area such as cycling, horseback riding, and skiing.

Address: 215 N Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001, Phone: 307-733-3668

Check out the Jackson Hole Rodeo

There are few attractions in Wyoming as historic or as legendary as the Jackson Hole Rodeo. Hosting several live rodeos shows a week, Jackson Hole is an integral part of the town’s cowboy culture with its beginnings traceable to over 100 years ago. Rain or shine, the rodeo does push through, which is a good thing as droves of people come to watch from near and far regularly. One of the best ways to experience Jackson Hole is to book its VIP Behind the Chutes Experience which will give you a close look at the rodeos behind the scenes action. See the cowboys and cowgirls go through rodeo preparations, get close to the animals and livestock, and more at Jackson Hole.

Address: 447 Snow King Avenue, Jackson, Wyoming 83001, Phone: 307-733-7927

Book a ranch vacation at Gros Ventre River Ranch

You can celebrate your inner cowboy at the authentic Gros Ventre River Ranch in scenic Jackson Hole, where a variety of dude ranch activities await you. A vacation at the ranch is perfect for all ages – children will enjoy the freedom to experience Mother Nature at her best while learning how to ride a horse, catch a trout, and enjoy a traditional cook-out. As befits a dude ranch, there is an emphasis on equestrian activities and the ranch has a horse to suit all levels of riding competence. For a change of pace, you can easily visit wonderful Yellowstone National Park on a day trip. A variety of accommodation options include log cabins, lodges, and family homesteads.

Address: Gros Ventre River Ranch, 18 Gros Ventre Rd, Kelly, WY 83011, Phone: 307-733-4138

Ski or hike at the Snow King Mountain Resort

Enjoy year-round recreational activities at the Snow King Mountain Resort! In the summer, visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as full or half-day guided hikes, adrenaline-pumping rides down the steepest zip line in North America, and challenges in the resort’s Treetop Adventure which has obstacles ladders, tricky suspension bridges, and more. Additionally, Snow King Mountain is also home to the only alpine slide in Jackson, the Cowboy Coaster, and relaxing Gondola Rides. In the winter, guests can enjoy a winter wonderland through snow tubing, night skiing, snowboarding, and skiing trips on over 500 acres of skiable space, across 41 named runs, and 3 magic carpets.

Address: 402 E. Snow King Avenue, Jackson, Wyoming 38001, Phone: 307-201-5464

Go on a Jackson Hole Iditarod Dog Sled Tour

For an unforgettable experience, you can try your hand at driving an energetic team of Alaskan racing sled dogs as you travel across the snow-covered valley of Jackson Hole to Granite Hot Springs. Of course, if you would rather just sit back and enjoy the ride, you can leave it all to your experienced musher/guide, who will point out places of interest and wildlife along the way. The company offers both full-day and half-day adventures from around the end of November to early April and places are extremely limited, so you need to book well in advance. Full day excursions include lunch and the chance to swim in the warm waters of Granite Hot Springs.

Address: Jackson Hole Iditarod Dog Sled Tours, P.O. Box 1940, Jackson, WY 83001, Phone: 307-733-7388

Go horseback riding at the Mill Iron Ranch

Since 1921, four generations of the Wheeldon family have been showing visitors how to hunt, fish, horse-ride, and camp at the Mill Iron Ranch. The ranch is proud to offer some excellent horseback riding trails on horses that have been born and bred on the ranch – there are mounts suitable for all levels of riding expertise and even beginners will soon be enjoying their time in the saddle. You can go on short 2-hour rides, longer 4-hour rides, or full-day excursions into the beautiful Jackson Hole scenery. After a busy day of huntin’, fishin’, and ridin’, you can round off your dude ranch experience with a lively barn dance and dinner.

Address: 3495 Horse Creek Rd, Jackson, WY 83001, Phone: 307-733-6390

Go fly fishing at the Moosehead Ranch

Surrounded by Grand Teton National Park about 26 miles north of Jackson, the Moosehead Ranch offers idyllic back-to-nature family vacations. As is the case with most Jackson Hole dude ranches, the emphasis is on horseback riding, and you can choose to spend a couple of hours or a full day in the saddle accompanied by a wrangler who will allow you to enjoy the magnificent scenery at a comfortable pace. If you don’t feel like riding, you can cast a line in one of the stocked fishing ponds – the ranch has all the equipment you need and will also be happy to teach novices. More experienced anglers can try fly-fishing on the nearby Snake River. You can easily visit Yellowstone National Park or Jackson town on a day trip before returning to Moosehead Ranch for a gourmet meal.

Address: Moosehead Ranch, 21255 US-59, Moran, WY 83013, Phone: 307-733-3141

Watch a performance at the Center for the Arts

In the early ’90s in Jackson, Wyoming, increasing rent and deficient facilities threatened the flourishing of the local art community. With the help of the city’s Community Foundation, a shared facility and art center were planned and later completed in 2007. That center, which is a busy hub for arts, culture, and creative activity, is called the Center for the Arts. With over 78,000 square feet of space, the Center for the Arts houses an art gallery, a performance theater, numerous dance studios, classrooms, and offices. The Center of the Arts also has a fantastic Creatives Initiative program that aims to support, contribute to, and inspire the local arts community through various campus exhibitions and a series of performances and showcases known as the Center Presents Series.

Address: Center for the Arts, 240 S. Glenwood Street, Jackson, Wyoming 83001, Phone: 307-734-8956

Have lunch at Cafe Genevieve

Cafe Genevieve is one of Jackson Hole's top-ranked restaurants, named as a top neighborhood gem and foodie destination with excellent service by OpenTable's Diner's Choice awards. The restaurant, which is housed within a National Register of Historic Places-listed rustic log cabin that is one of the city's only remaining Town Square historic structures, serves up delicious seasonal fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Southern-influenced comfort fare options include elk sirloin, fried bologna sandwiches, and red curry baby-back ribs, with homestyle favorites such as eggs Benedict, eggs and grits, and fried chicken and waffles available at brunch. The restaurant's signature Pig Candy candied bacon is also available as an appetizer or topping several entrees.

Address: 135 East Broadway, Jackson, Wyoming 83001, Phone: 307-732-1910

Step back in time with Teton Wagon Trail and Horse Adventures

You can take a step back in time and find out what life was like for the pioneer American West settlers as you retrace their steps along the covered-wagon trail in the heart of the Targhee National Forest. Located between Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, you will be surrounded by some of the best scenery in the West. Your covered wagon is a more comfortable version of the old-time wagons, complete with padded seats and real tires, and you will spend your evenings singing around the campfire with your cowboy guides before retiring to your comfortable tent. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy at the campsites, including hiking, swimming, canoeing, and horseback trail rides. Find out more

Go wildlife watching with Wildland Llamas

Next time you are in Jackson Hole you should consider going on a unique and unforgettable experience as you head into Yellowstone National Park or Grand Teton National Park on a llama trekking adventure. Treks range from 3 to 6 days and you will be able to experience areas that are normally off-limits to other hikers as you set off on foot with a friendly llama to carry your equipment. Expect excellent wildlife sightings and backcountry thermal features including mud pots, hot springs, and geysers. Besides Yellowstone National Park, Wildland Llamas offer several other excursions in and around the valley.

Address: Wildland Llamas are based at 9038 E. Ririe Highway, Idaho Falls, ID 83401, Phone: 800-517-4453

Order a steak at Local Restaurant and Bar

Local Restaurant and Bar is a casual American-style steakhouse within Jackson, Wyoming's historic town square, originally opened by executive chefs Paul Wireman and Will Bradof, best known for their work at Trio: An American Bistro. The steakhouse, which was the recipient of six Best of Jackson Hole awards in 2018, serves up delicious locally-ranched steak and meat entrees alongside a variety of seafood plates and seasonally-inspired fare, with a focus on dry-aged steaks, housemade sausage, and house-ground burgers. Diners can choose from delicious dinner fare such as beef cheek pasta, buffalo Wellington, and dry-aged ribeye service for two, complemented by handcrafted charcuterie plates and elegant shareable plates such as oysters Rockefeller and Korean pork ribs. An extensive wine list is complemented by craft and reserve cocktails, 12 beers on tap, and a massive fine whiskey list.

Address: 55 N Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001, Phone: 307-201-1717

Go on a dude ranch vacation at the Goosewing Ranch

At the Goosewing Ranch you can experience a genuine Jackson Hole dude ranch vacation without giving up modern necessities like TV and internet access. Equestrians and aspirant horseback riders will have the time of their life exploring the beautiful landscape of Jackson Hole on horseback – there is a wide variety of wildlife to observe along the way and you will be surrounded by some of the best landscape in the area. In addition to horseback riding, you can go hiking and fishing, try your hand at archery, or go on a horse-drawn wagon to feed the horses. Most guests opt to spend their afternoons relaxing beside the heated outdoor swimming pool or enjoying the hot-tub before sunset drinks and a delicious dinner. From mid-June to September, the ranch also offers an action-packed children’s program.

Address: Goosewing Ranch, 24400 East Cottonwood Creek Road, Kelly, WY 83011, Phone: 307-733-5251