Places to visit in Jackson, WY.
Jackson is an excellent destination if you’re planning a trip to Wyoming. It’s a small town full of exciting attractions for visitors of all ages. From a fun-filled rodeo to cultural activities, you can find something for everyone in this picturesque town.
If you’re planning a vacation to Jackson, Wyoming, there are several things to do. You may want to try some of the town’s famous local cuisine, or you may want to take in some of the wildlife in nearby national parks. The city is also home to three ski areas.
Jackson Town Square
If you’re planning a trip to Jackson, Wyoming, you might want to spend some time at the famous Jackson Town Square. Located at the center of downtown Jackson, this park is surrounded by dozens of shops and restaurants. In the winter, a skating rink opens in the square.
The Town Square is an excellent spot for people watching and enjoying the festive atmosphere. You can book a horse-drawn carriage ride from the square in the summer. You can also visit the Museum and Historical Society to learn about the town’s rich history.
The Jackson Hole Playhouse, located near the town square, features family-friendly theater performances. You can even take a free walking tour of the town to get a feel for the town’s past.
Snow King Mountain in Jackson
Snow King Mountain is a family ski resort near Jackson, Wyoming. It offers a variety of activities, including night skiing, mountain roller coaster rides, and a ropes course. This mountain is an excellent addition to your Jackson Hole trip.
There are two areas to explore on the mountain: the summit and the lower half. The upper part of the mountain features a variety of runs, including a few steep ones.
Another exciting feature of the mountain is the ice rink. This is located in the slopeside hotel and is available to the Snow King Hotel guests.
If you’re looking for more fun, try the gondola or the king’s tube. Both provide excellent views of the Grand Tetons and the Elk Refuge.
National Elk Refuge in Jackson
National Elk Refuge is a sanctuary for many animals. Visitors can get a chance to see elk, wolves, bison, trumpeter swans, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and more during their visit. The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is located just north of Jackson, Wyoming.
The refuge is open to the public from December 1 to April 30. The refuge also offers sleigh rides during winter. You must arrive at least thirty minutes before the scheduled ride time. During holiday times, reservations are recommended.
Eight-foot-high fences protect the elk. Historically, the elk used to migrate to the southern part of Wyoming. They would then follow the growing grasses back to the Yellowstone National Park region. These days, the elk do not leave the refuge during summer.
National Museum of Wildlife Art
The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming, is an internationally recognized art museum that houses one of the world’s largest collections of wildlife art. With a collection of more than 5,000 works, it represents animals from around the world, including animals native to the United States and Europe.
Visitors can browse a wide selection of art by American and European artists. Its permanent collection features work by artists such as Albert Bierstadt and Georgia O’Keeffe, N.C. Wyeth, Simon Gudgeon, and Bruno Liljefors.
The wildlife art museum is at 2820 Rungius Rd, Jackson, WY. Visitors can enjoy free admission. There are also several unique programs that visitors can participate in.
The National Museum of Wildlife Art hosts First Sunday activities on the first Sunday of each month. This series of programming is geared towards families. These programs are offered for free and include a gallery scavenger hunt and a wolf print art activity. Sponsors for these events include the Bank of Jackson Hole, Lawrence Finch, and the National Geographic Society.
Jackson Hole Rodeo
The Jackson Hole Rodeo has been a part of the cowboy culture in Jackson, Wyoming, for more than 100 years. The event is held in the Teton County Fairgrounds Arena. There, you’ll find real Wyoming cowboys competing in various events.
The rodeo is a fun and exciting family activity. You’ll see bull riding, bronco riding, calf roping, and team roping, and there’s also breakaway roping, barrel racing, and more. Kids will love this fun night out in the town of Jackson.
Guests can choose to buy a ticket online or at the fairgrounds. For a great seat, arriving early is recommended.
The Jackson Hole Rodeo features traditional cowboy competitions as well as modern-day humor. It draws top young talents to the rodeo.
The Jackson Hole Rodeo is held in an arena with a seating capacity of 2,400 people. Most of the seats are bleacher-style metal seating. A small section of covered seating is available.
Best Things to Do in Jackson, Wyoming
Places to visit in Jackson, WY:
- Jackson Town Square
- Snow King Mountain in Jackson
- National Elk Refuge in Jackson
- National Museum of Wildlife Art
- Jackson Hole Rodeo