Are You Ready to Explore? Here are Fun Things to Do in Jackson, WY!

Home to three ski resorts, many parks, shops, stellar restaurants, and more is Jackson, Wyoming. Famous for being an “Old West town” and home to Grand Teton National Park, Jackson has a ton of activities for both vacationers and people who live there! And figuring out all of the things to do and where exactly to go is what we’re here to talk about today. And the best part? You can pick and choose activities for different times a day so you can plan out where you’d like to go depending on the day. So sit back, relax, and let us break down the best and most fun things to do in Jackson, WY!

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1. Jackson Town Square

The heart of Jackson, known for its “elk-antler” arches at the corners of the park!

📍 10 E Broadway Ave | Jackson | jacksonwy.gov

Amongst the people of Jackson, George Washington Memorial Park, aka “Jackson Town Square'' is the cultural heart of Jackson. At each entrance of the square are large arches made of elk antler sheds and they are known as the elk-antler arches, (pictured above). They are a nice place to take a picture before you take a stroll into the main part of the square. 

Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and more, Town Square is a “gateway” to the very best of Jackson. And depending on what time of year you choose to visit Jackson you might find different activities, for example, in the summer months you can enjoy a horse carriage ride or plays performed by the Jackson Hole Playhouse. While the winter months have an ice skating rink and Christmas decor shining bright all around the square. So no matter when you go, you’re sure to have a great bit of fun at Town Square!

“A nice small town in Wyoming. With the background of nature, the beauty of town enhances further. It has small shops, breweries, cafes. The town sqaure is beautiful park in the heart of town. We can spend quality time here. The night time is very beautiful.” -Google Review

2. Grand Teton National Park

A National Park with beautiful views and plenty of things to do!

📍 Grand Teton National Park | Teton Country | nps.gov

Grand Teton National Park, possibly one of America’s prettiest National Parks, is the place for all those who adore the outdoors and want to come and bask in its beauty. There’s hiking, boating, biking, fishing, climbing, wildlife viewing, camping, and more. If any of that sounds intriguing to you, then pack your bags cause you’re in for an adventure! 

And since Grand Teton National Park is so vast you get a full range of things to see. They have mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers, forests, and fields of flowers to see and gaze in wonder at, (plus you can take some rockin’ pictures if the one above is an indicator of just how gorgeous this park is). 

There’s a little something for everyone at Grand Teton National Park, so make sure to check out events and where to go so you can make the most of your time here!

“Absolutely love this place. We saw so many animals and birds. Beautiful landscapes, lakes and rivers with clear water , starry sky , and fields of flowers. Just be aware it is was cold at night 37 F at the end of June and hot during the day” -Google Review

3. National Elk Refuge

Protecting the habitat and providing safety to one of the largest elk herds in the world!

📍 675 E Broadway Ave | Jackson | fws.gov

The National Elk Refuge is a big part of what makes Jackson unique. This wildlife conservation center creates a space in order to keep the native species and their habitat happy, healthy, and safe- and since 1912, it’s been doing exactly that! Protecting the habitats of bison, wolves, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, bighorn sheep, cutthroat trout, and of course elk, makes this spot something to behold. 

Being surrounded by the peaks of Teton and Gros Ventre Mountain Ranges make this refuge pretty to look at and cool to experience. With more than 24,700 acres of different lands with plants and animals all around, the National Elk Refuge is a top tier location for photography and spotting. And if you’re here specifically for the elk, then make sure to stop by in the middle of December to April. And during the winter you can go on the Winter Sleigh Ride.

“My husband and I were from out of town and to our surprise we saw some wildlife. It was a beautiful experience, just be careful and respect the animals when driving just in case they get in the middle of the road.” -Google Review

4. National Museum of Wildlife Art

Preserving and displaying wildlife art for all to seek out and enjoy!

📍 2820 Rungius Rd | Jackson | wildlifeart.org

You don’t have to go to a National Park in order to see wildlife in their natural habitats. At the National Museum of Wildlife Art you can experience life size sculptures of a variety of different animals and paintings that catch the eyes in fascinating ways. Featuring over 550 artists and 5,000 cataloged art pieces, this museum is gonna have something for everyone.

The National Museum of Wildlife Art is here to inspire and provide knowledge of wildlife through art in order for the connection of animals and humans to be better understood and appreciated. There’s plenty to see at the National Museum of Wildlife Art and many events that might catch your interest while you’re in town.

“We absolutely loved visiting this museum. We thought we would probably spend an hour & we're so impressed & enthralled, we strolled about for 3 hours!!! Wonderful, beautiful place. Very kind employees, too. We learned so much, too!! A must see!!” -Google Review

5. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

For those who love skiing, snowboarding, and all things snow, this is it!

📍 3395 Cody Ln | Teton Village | jacksonhole.com

Even if you’ve never tried skiing or snowboarding before, you couldn’t find a better place to climb up the slopes than Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. This spot is the place for all things winter fun, so if you’re visiting Jackson during their open season then let’s talk about what you can expect:

• Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is an incredible place, you’ll notice that as soon as you spot the mountains in the distance as you’re driving up and even more so when you step onto the tram and begin your journey. 
• Make sure to take your phone and snap some pics before you head up to, and then back down the ski slopes. 
• And if it’s your first time? Well don’t worry! They have an entire beginners guide on their website built for you to take a look through and feel comfortable before you make your way over. 
• They have lodging, lessons in how to ski/snowboard, rentals, and more all ready for you and your family so you can make the most of your Jackson Hole Mountain Resort experience! Snowboarding and skiing are one of the many fun things to do in Jackson, WY.

And just to note, you don’t have to wait for winter to have all the fun, there is a summer season, so be sure to check out what they have to offer there too.

“This is such a great resort. The check in process on day one was super easy and everyone is so friendly! Skiing and snowboarding is definitely some of the most challenging I have ever done in the world. So amazing and worth the challenge though.” -Google Review

6. Gather in Jackson Hole

Creative American fare in a “casual-upscale” atmosphere that will leave you wanting to come back!

📍 72 S Glenwood St | Jackson | gatherjh.com

Gather in Jackson Hole is here to be your new favorite place to eat in Jackson with its gorgeous plating and even better tasting foods. Featured in many different articles as one of the best places you can go to grab a bite in Jackson, Gather in Jackson Hole, or “Gather” is here to do exactly that, gather locals and vacationers under their roof for good times and good dines.

Gather has a good variety on their menu, if you’re in the mood for something small or large in portion, they got you covered. From Pork Buns and French Onion Dip, to Bison Brisket and Sweet Corn Curry- you’ll find something to enjoy. They also host Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve dinner(s).

“Steak tartar was fantastic and stood out. The rest of the meal was exemplary as well. Ordered large scallop plate- perfect combination of flavors; the fried chicken was also amazing. 10/10 would recommend.” -Yelp Review

7. Jackson Hole Playhouse

The longest running professional theater in all of Wyoming!

📍 145 W Deloney Ave | Jackson | jhplayhouse.com

There’s nothing quite like going to the theater and the Jackson Hole Playhouse will definitely be one of the most unique theater experiences you’ve ever had guaranteed. First built in 1915 as a stable, the Jackson Hole Playhouse is the longest running professional theater in Wyoming which is a huge feat. From the building outside to walking in the doors it’s like you’ve been transported back into the “Old West” times. 

They have shows running pretty much throughout the entire year so you’re always guaranteed to have something to look forward to. As well as the stellar performances put on by local theater professionals you can also visit their Saddle Rock Saloon Speakeasy which is their own in-house bar and eatery where you can get a good meal after the show!

“This place was awesome! Food was incredible and the whole atmosphere was amazing. We saw 7 Brides for 7 Brothers and enjoyed every moment of the dinner and show! What an amazing cast and production! KUDOS to all of them from start to finish what an experience!” -Yelp Review

8. Jackson Hole Rodeo

Watch professional athletes compete in authentic rodeo sports at this fun thing to do in Jackson, WY!

📍 447 W Snow King Ave | Jackson | jhrodeo.com

Jackson, Wyoming, specifically Jackson Hole has kept its rodeo culture alive and well for over 100 years. The Jackson Hole Rodeo is one of the main draws of this town as many spectators from out of towner to Jackson natives come down and watch professional athletes compete in a number of sports like “bareback riding, bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, saddle bronc riding, mini bull riding, and more.” You’ll be in awe of the charisma and sheer talent these people have on the track and you’ll definitely be talking about the show long after you’ve left the bleachers. There’s also plenty to do with kids here too!

“Everyone says to stop here when visiting and they are right! We got there plenty early to get our choice of seats. While we only had snacks, the food selection looked quite good! It was a fun event and everyone was welcoming and friendly.” -Yelp Review

9. Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

An authentic American Cowboy Bar experience with food and live entertainment!

📍 25 N Cache St | Jackson | milliondollarcowboybar.com

Just like Jackson Hole Playhouse, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is a piece of history on Cache Street. From the exterior, to the interior, you’ll be transported back in time to an Old Western movie. Since 1937 this iconic Jackson staple has served plenty of people a rootin’ tootin’ good time. Known best for their live entertainment like western dancing, Square Dancing, live music, pool, and more. 

And don’t worry there’s bar food, drinks, and a built-in steakhouse set downstairs! This venue is for ages 21 and up so the kids have to stay home for this one we’re afraid. Meet fellow cowboys and get your yeehaw on as you saddle on up to Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

“We love visiting the Million Dollar Bar whenever we come to town because it's such a unique place. They have good food and drinks. I love the burled wood throughout the restaurant. Fun place to visit.” -Yelp Review

10. Jackson Hole’s Old Time Photos

Get your photo taken in costume like it’s a real-like Western!

📍 36 E Broadway Ave | Jackson | jholdtimephotos.com

You’ll notice very quickly that Jackson has a lot of history and there have been businesses that have been around for a long time and Jackson Hole’s Old Time Photos is no different because it’s been providing dress-up photo services for over 45 years! Owner and Photographer Joe Tondro-Smith has been honing his craft for 35 years and he makes every portrait taken at the studio one worth hanging up on the wall. 

At Jackson Hole’s Old Time Photos you’ll get to dress up in whatever costume piques your interest and then pose in one of the studio's many backgrounds. You’ll look like you are from the 1800’s and when the photos come out you’ll have a great time posting them on social media for your friends to all see.

“Two grandchildren wanted to take a picture then we all ended up participating! Can't say enough about how helpful and patient Amber and Flynn were with us! These are my two favorites and each family took individual photos also! Highlight of our trip!” -Yelp Review

11. Bubba's Bar-B-Que Restaurant

Barbecue dishes and homemade pies make this a must-visit on your trip!

📍 100 Flat Creek Dr | Jackson | bubbasjh.com

If you’re a fan of barbeque and you want to taste some of Wyoming’s best then you’ll definitely have to make Bubba’s Bar-B-Que a stop to visit before you trip is done because they have been serving BBQ, hot breakfast plates, burgers, sandwiches, and more for over 40 years. Their prices won’t break your vacation budget and you can even sit outside should the weather permit. You definitely won’t be hungry anymore once you get a dish served from Bubba’s Bar-B-Que in Jackson that’s for sure!

“Our family of four ate here and had a great time. I ordered the ribs and pecan pie and they were perfect. The sauce on the ribs is particularly tasty. Good ol’ western vibes inside with fast and friendly service. Recommended.” -Google Review

This charming little town has plenty to do, whether you like exploring the outdoors, staying inside enjoying good company, or a little bit of both, you’re sure to find fun things to do in Jackson, WY.