🕶️ Things to Do in Jackson, Wyoming

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Wyoming

If you're planning a road trip through Wyoming and Montana, you'll probably end up going through Jackson, one of Wyoming's most charming towns. Surrounded by mountains, wilderness, and spectacular scenery, Jackson perfectly blends the atmosphere of the authentic Wild West with a prime location near Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

Although many travelers use Jackson solely as a base for visiting the national parks, the truth is that it deserves much more time. Its streets lined with galleries, restaurants, and country bars, the famous elk antler arches in Town Square, and the chance to see wildlife right near the town make it an essential stop on any road trip through this part of the United States.

In this guide, you’ll discover the things to do in Jackson, Wyoming, which spots are must-sees, the best nearby excursions, and several tips for planning your visit. Plus, you’ll find recommendations on where to eat, where to stay, and what to do depending on the time of year you’re traveling.

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Things to Do in Jackson

Grand Teton National Park

Without a doubt, the most beautiful and spectacular place in Jackson is Grand Teton National Park, established around the Teton Range to protect its incredible beauty, wildlife, and history. There are plenty of things to do there, from visiting overlooks and spotting wildlife to hiking and enjoying its large lakes. In our guide on how to visit Grand Teton National Park, we provide all the information you need to plan your trip.

Strolling through downtown Jackson

The best way to explore the town of Jackson is to stroll through its streets, check out the local shops, historic buildings, restaurants, and more. Your best bet is to head to Jackson Town Square and start exploring the surrounding streets from there. Keep in mind that parking is paid; if you want to save a few dollars, head to streets farther from downtown, where parking is free. That’s what we did! 😉

Jackson Town Square

This is the town’s central square and the perfect place to start exploring. The first thing that will catch your eye are the four arches made of elk antlers that flank the square’s entrances. But don’t worry—these animals weren’t hunted to create these arches; rather, the antlers fall off naturally between February and April, when testosterone levels in their blood drop. These antlers are collected by the town’s Boy Scouts and auctioned off during Elkfest.

In the center of the square, you'll find a small metal monument shaped like a hexagonal pyramid with a statue of a cowboy on top; this isn't the monument to cowboys, but rather the monument to the town's war veterans. You'll also have a view of Snow King Mountain from the square.

But the most interesting part is along its side streets, where you’ll find some of the town’s most charming shops, which we’ll tell you more about below.

Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

Without a doubt, this is the most charismatic spot in town—and the one of the things to do in Jackson. In addition to the iconic neon lights illuminating its entrance, the interior is spectacular, decorated in true cowboy style with plenty of ranch-life artifacts, taxidermied animals 😔, country music posters, and paintings depicting the discovery of the Teton Range. But the most interesting detail is the stools made from horse saddles, where you can enjoy your favorite drink while sitting like a true cowboy. 🤠

Open every day from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., you can grab a bite to eat or have a drink while enjoying the atmosphere, playing a game of pool, or listening to a country music concert. Please note that admission is restricted to those 21 and older.

Mountain Trails Gallery

As you stroll around the main square, you'll notice that at the intersection of Center Street and Deloney Avenue there are several sculptures of animals and people from a bygone era.

This is the Mountain Trails Gallery, one of the town’s many art galleries, specializing in art inspired by the American West—including its animals, landscapes, and people. Some of its sculptures are displayed outside the gallery, but most are on display inside.

National Museum of Wildlife Art

Located between the town of Jackson and the national park, and right across from the National Elk Refuge, this art museum—inspired by nature and wildlife and founded in 1987—features a collection of over 5,000 works, some of which are displayed in the surrounding area, such as statues of elk, moose, and bison.

ℹ️ It is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is $18 per adult.

National Elk Refuge

Created in 1912 by the U.S. government to protect the migration of elk, this nature reserve serves as a winter refuge for herds of elk, bison, and pronghorn. They migrate here from other parts of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, where they find a milder climate to spend the harshest months of the year.

Strategically located between the town of Jackson and Grand Teton National Park, wildlife can be easily spotted at any time of year, but it is in winter when large numbers of them gather. Keep in mind that during this season, special measures are in place to protect them, as they should not be disturbed.

You can see them right from the road, so we encourage you to stop at one of the overlooks along US Highway 191, which leads to Grand Teton and Yellowstone from Jackson.

National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center

This visitor center is located in Jackson and is the only one in the area that is open year-round, since the national park visitor centers close for the winter. It is a great place to learn about the local flora and fauna, the migrations of the elk, and the ecological importance of what is known as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, comprising Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests, and the National Elk Refuge.

ℹ️ Admission is free, and it is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Elk Festival

From February through April, male elk that spend the winter at the National Elk Refuge naturally shed their antlers due to a drop in testosterone levels. That’s when Boy Scout troops from Jackson take the opportunity to collect them. The antlers are auctioned off in mid-May at Town Square, and all proceeds go toward maintaining the refuge and supporting the town’s Boy Scout troops.

Jackson Hole Rodeo

If you want to experience the authentic American West, you should attend one of the rodeos held in Jackson during the summer. Every Wednesday and Saturday from late May through early September, and also on Fridays in July and August, you’ll have a unique opportunity to experience the most iconic event in the cowboy world up close.

Grand Teton Music Festival

This is the classical music and opera festival organized every summer by the town of Jackson. Over the course of seven weeks, there are all kinds of concerts, including chamber music, orchestral performances, children’s concerts, and high-quality screenings of concerts recorded elsewhere. Each year, the festival brings together more than 250 musicians from various orchestras and musical institutions in both the United States and Europe.

Center for the Arts

This is Jackson's art, exhibition, and concert venue. It hosts live music events, plays, film screenings, and lectures. Some of these events are part of the Grand Teton Music Festival, and the venue also features temporary photography and art exhibitions. It is located in the town itself.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

One of the most famous ski resorts in the United States and all of North America, and also one of the most expensive and exclusive. Located in the Teton Village community and adjacent to the national park, it offers a vast skiable area. Although 50% of the terrain is considered expert level, it also features an extensive backcountry skiing area and one of the world’s most famous descents, Corbet’s Couloir.

In the summer, several of the area’s cable cars are also open, providing access to the mountain peaks. From there, you can go hiking, visit the lookout points, tackle a via ferrata, or enjoy mountain bike rides. The cable cars operate from mid-May through early October, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Snow King Mountain

These ski slopes, located next to the town on Snow King Mountain—also known as The Town Hill—are the oldest in Wyoming, having been established in 1936. Today, they are a full-fledged vacation resort offering year-round activities.

In the summer, the cable car remains open, allowing visitors to ride to the summit to enjoy the views, go hiking or mountain biking, zip-line, ride the roller coaster, or stargaze through the magnificent telescope and planetarium. Additionally, a music festival called King Concerts is held there in the summer.

Things to Do in Jackson in the Summer

Summer is the best time to visit Jackson, since—with the exception of skiing—all other activities are in full swing. Here are our recommendations for things to do in Jackson during the summer:

Go hiking and enjoy the scenic overlooks in Grand Teton National Park 🥾
Spot wildlife such as elk, bison, or bears 🐻
Take a stroll through the town of Jackson and discover its best spots🚶🏻
Check out a rodeo at the Jackson Hole Rodeo 🤠
Enjoy live music at one of their festivals 🎸
Take the gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or Snow King Mountain 🚠

Things to Do in Jackson in Winter

Winter is a special time in Jackson, as the ski resorts open their doors, the streets are blanketed in snow, and large herds of elk migrate south. Here are our recommendations for things to do in Jackson during the winter:

Go skiing in Jackson Hole Mountain Resort o Snow King Mountain ⛷️
Spot elk, bison, and pronghorn on the snow-covered grounds of the National Elk Refuge 🦬
Enjoy winter sports like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in Grand Teton National Park ❄️
Take a look at the National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center 🏛️

Things to Do in Jackson in the Fall

Fall is a time of change in Jackson; as the days grow shorter and colder and most visitors leave, the national park gradually closes its facilities. However, this is when lodging is most affordable and the forests are ablaze with shades of ochre, orange, and yellow. Here are our recommendations for things to do in Jackson in the fall:

Enjoy the scenic overlooks and fall colors of Grand Teton National Park 🍂
Spot wildlife like elk, bison, and maybe even bears before they go into hibernation 🐻
Take a stroll through the town of Jackson and discover its best spots 🚶🏻
Take a look at the National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center 🏛️

Where to Eat in Jackson

Finding good and affordable places to eat in Jackson isn't easy, which is why we've selected a few restaurants in town that have really won us over. Here's our list:

🍔 Jackson Drug: Located in a historic stone building on a corner of Jackson Town Square, this restaurant—which first opened in 1919—reopened its doors in 2018 to serve American cuisine at reasonable prices. According to its website, the beef for its burgers comes from its own local ranch.
🥞 Virginian Restaurant: the perfect spot for breakfast or an early lunch, it’s famous for its huge pancakes, hearty breakfasts, and traditional American atmosphere. It’s located a bit outside the city center in a well-maintained restaurant decorated with Western-themed motifs.
🍝 Miazga’s: a restaurant serving Italian- and Polish-inspired home-style cuisine, featuring a terrace for dining in the summer and offering some of the best value in town. It’s a 10-minute walk from downtown.
🥩 Bubba's Breakfast & BBQ: an all-day dining restaurant, perfect for both a hearty breakfast and a delicious dinner. Their specialties include grilled meat and American cuisine. It's a 10-minute walk from downtown.
🥢 China Fun Restaurant: If you're tired of eating the same thing every day or are a vegetarian, this Chinese restaurant is a great option in Jackson. They serve Chinese-American cuisine and authentic Chinese dishes at reasonable prices. It's located a bit outside the city center.

Where to Stay in Jackson

Jackson has become an exclusive, high-end destination associated with the world of skiing. Furthermore, its immense popularity and proximity to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks make finding lodging in Jackson a difficult task, unless you’re willing to pay an exorbitant price. We’ve done the legwork to make it easier for you, and here are our recommendations:

The Hostel

Located in the Teton Village area, right next to the ski slopes and very close to the Granite Canyon entrance. It features a spacious lounge area with a microwave, refrigerator, plenty of games, a picnic area, barbecue, and washers and dryers. It’s ideal for visiting the park without breaking the bank or sharing a room, as it offers private rooms for 2 to 4 people with private bathrooms and Wi-Fi.

BOOK HERE AT THE HOSTEL

The Jackson SouthTown

A motel located in the southern part of town with a swimming pool, picnic area, and barbecue facilities. The rooms feature air conditioning and a private bathroom; some have a kitchen, and all are equipped with a double bed, except for a few that have two double beds arranged as bunk beds.

BOOK HERE AT THE JACKSON SOUTHTOWN

Cache House

Although it’s a hostel-style accommodation with shared rooms and capsule-style beds, it has excellent reviews, is clean, and is the most affordable option in downtown Jackson. The beds are available as doubles or singles, and the hostel features a restaurant and a lounge area.

BOOK HERE AT THE CACHE HOUSE

In addition to the ones we mentioned earlier—which we think are the best options in terms of value for money—here are a few more alternatives in this carousel:

AntlerInn ElkCountry Inn Cowboy VillageResort 49'er Inn& Suites

What to See in Jackson in One Day

If you're planning a trip through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (coming soon) and have a day to spare, here are our recommendations for what to see in Jackson in one day.

Start your day at Jackson Town Square and stroll through the surrounding streets, browse the shops, and be sure to snap some photos of the elk antler arches and sculptures at the Mountain Trail Gallery.
Next, head to the National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center and discover the area’s flora and fauna.
In the afternoon, you can take the chairlifts at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or Snow King Mountain and enjoy the views.
You can wrap up the day at the Jackson Hole Rodeo or by soaking up the atmosphere at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

Tips for Visiting Jackson

⛽ Be sure to fill up your car’s gas tank before entering Grand Teton. Although there are gas stations inside the park, prices are higher than in town. We always use the GasBuddy app or Google Maps to find the cheapest gas stations.
🏨 Book your accommodation well in advance if you're visiting during peak season. Accommodations are expensive and fill up quickly; check out our hotel recommendations in Jackson.
🌄 Try to get there early if you're visiting the national parks; there may be lines at the entrances and crowds at the most popular spots starting around mid-morning.
🧥 Remember to bring some warm clothes even in the summer; Jackson is located at an altitude of 6,200 feet (1,900 m), and although it can get hot during the day, the nights are cold.

Map of Jackson

On this map of things to do in Jackson, we've marked all the spots we've mentioned earlier, as well as hotels, restaurants, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jackson, Wyoming

Is Jackson worth visiting?

Yes, Jackson is one of the most interesting destinations in Wyoming. In addition to being the main gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone, it offers a charming Western atmosphere, great dining options, art galleries, and numerous outdoor activities.

How many days do you need to visit Jackson?

Ideally, you should set aside 1 to 2 days to explore the town and its surroundings. If you also want to explore Grand Teton National Park, we recommend spending at least 3 or 4 days in the area.

When is the best time to visit Jackson?

Jackson can be visited year-round. Summer is ideal for hiking and visiting national parks, while winter attracts ski enthusiasts and those who love snow-covered landscapes. Fall typically offers fewer tourists and spectacular colors.

Are Jackson and Jackson Hole the same thing?

Not exactly. Jackson is the town, while Jackson Hole is the valley where the town is located. However, many travelers use both names interchangeably.

Can you visit Yellowstone from Jackson?

Yes, Jackson is one of the most popular starting points for visiting Yellowstone National Park. The park’s south entrance is about an hour’s drive away. You’ll find all the information you need in our guide on how to visit Yellowstone.

Is it expensive to stay in Jackson?

Yes, Jackson is one of the most expensive destinations in the western United States. Prices tend to be particularly high during the summer and ski season. Booking in advance can help you find better rates.

We hope this article on things to do in Jackson helps you plan your visit!

Update date: 5 June 2026

Roger Domènech

Co-founder and writer

I’m software engineer and the one who keeps all the tech side of this travel blog running (or, as I like to call myself: the fixer of stuff). As you can imagine, one of my biggest passions is traveling: I backpacked for 6 months through Southeast Asia and Australia, and drove my own campervan from Ushuaia to Alaska. It took me more than 2 years and has been the most challenging (and amazing) travel experience of my life.

One of my strengths is navigation, and I’m the kind of person who plan trips using Excel, though I have to admit that once I accidentally added “September 31st” to an itinerary. I promise it won’t happen again!

I also love soccer, snowboarding, hiking, and Friday nights with pizza and beer.

I love traveling to the United States—there are few places in the world with such a variety of landscapes! I hope to share my passion for this country with you and you find my tips to travel to the USA useful.