TravelTips24 : North America : United States of America : Rocky Mountains : Wyoming : Northwest Wyoming : Jackson

Jackson (Wyoming)

Jackson [1] is in Northwest Wyoming, close to the south end of Grand Teton National Park. It is the gateway to two of the United States' best-known national parks, Grand Teton itself and nearby Yellowstone. Many famous people, including Vice President Dick Cheney, maintain vacation homes in and around this area. The combined elements of beautiful mountain scenery, Old West heritage and celebrity residents give this small town an atmosphere both cosmopolitan and frontier.

Culture and History

The terms "Jackson" and "Jackson Hole" are sometimes used interchangeably. The term "hole" was used by explorers to describe a type of valley. Strictly speaking, "Jackson" is the name of the town, while "Jackson Hole" refers to the whole valley area.

  • Jackson Hole Visitor Center Mostly a gift shop, but also very friendly staff with good maps and local knowledge, and some wildlife exhibits on the upper floor and outside. On your right on the way out of town on Hwy 89 north. (307) 739-3606

Travel to Jackson (Wyoming) & Visa Requirements

By air

Jackson Hole Airport (IATA: JAC) [2] lies within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park. The airport is regularly serviced by American, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Northwest, and United. Some airline service is seasonal.

By car

Jackson is a few miles south of Grand Teton National Park on U.S. Route 191. Wyoming State Highway 22 intersects US-191 in Jackson, connecting to Victor, Idaho.

Tours & Getting around Jackson (Wyoming)

The town is small enough to be explored by car, walking, or bicycle. Also, the town provides a bus service [3].

Jackson (Wyoming) attractions and sightseeing

  • Town Square On U.S. 26/89/191 (which become Cache Drive), with Deloney Avenue to its north and Broadway Avenue to its south. Jackson's town square has unique arches at each of its four corners. These arches were constructed from hundreds of elk antlers. In the center of the square is a memorial to area soldiers. Surrounding the square are many shops and art galleries. During the summer months, actors stage a shoot-out skit at one corner of the square, complete with bank robbers, showgirls, a stage coach, and a lovable drunk doc.
  • Jackson Hole Museum
  • National Elk Refuge
  • National Museum of Wildlife Art
  • Art galleries

Jackson (Wyoming) city tours

  • Skiing is a popular activity during the winter in Jackson.
  • Horseback Ride A-OK Corrals (10 miles south of town) offers morning and afternoon rides up to the top of a mesa for a spectacular view of a section of Lewis and Clark's trail, followed by a pretty good cowboy meal. Guides are helpful and friendly. Great family activity. Around $45 per rider for a 2-hour ride plus meal.
  • Ice skating is another popular activity. It's possible only during the winter, as there are no permanent indoor ice surfaces in Jackson.