How to Make the Most of One Day in Jackson, Wyoming
- ChasingBuffaloesandBeyond
- May 14, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 20, 2022
JACKSON ANTLER ARCHES
While visiting Grand Teton National Park - make sure and stop by Jackson for a taste of the 'wild west'. Often called Jackson Hole - Jackson Hole is actually referring to the valley in which it is located. Jackson brings a bit of the 'Wild West' to life with daily shootouts in the center of town, horse drawn stagecoach rides and it's fantastic antler arches that welcome visitors to Jackson Town Square. Start off the morning by visiting the Jackson Town Square and take your iconic 'Jackson Hole' pictures standing along-side the famous Jackson Antler Arches. First built in the 1950's and 1960's, all four arches have recently been replaced since the antlers do start to decompose over time. Each antler arch is made up of about 2,000 antlers. Luckily, Jackson is also home to the National Elk Refuge which is located at the north entrance to town, so collecting replacement antlers wasn't too much of a problem. In fact, the local boy scouts actually pick up the elk sheds each year from the preserve and were able to assist with providing the needed antlers to replace the original arches. Today, these arches have become the symbol of Jackson Hole and taking a picture among these arches is a must do when visiting Jackson.
STROLLING & SHOPPING IN JACKSON
One of the best things to do in Jackson is just to stroll and enjoy the wonderful shops. Souvenir shops, art galleries, candy stores and lots of wonderful restaurants line the streets of downtown Jackson. Adding to the the 'wild-west' feel of the town are the sidewalks - they are actually wooden raised boardwalks! Also fun is the large amount of wildlife art throughout town - there was an abundance of elk, bear and moose around town that made for some fun photographs as we enjoyed this wonderful town! Hungry? We enjoyed an amazing lunch at Moe's Original Bar-B-Que. Brisket, ribs, cornbread, mac & cheese - it was absolutely delicious!
SADDLE ROCK FAMILY SALOON
For a break from shopping stop in at the Saddle Rock Family Saloon - housed in Jackson's oldest building (built in 1915) you can enjoy lunch or dinner while being entertained by the musical waitstaff. In the evening full plays are performed at the Jackson Hole Playhouse. We were able to enjoy an old fashioned huckleberry ice cream soda while our waitress sang to us! The atmosphere takes you back in time to a true western saloon - complete with saloon doors! If you are interested in the full dinner and show, reservations are recommended.
JACKSON STAGECOACH RIDE
Also while visiting Jackson, make sure to hop aboard a horse drawn Stagecoach ride. Departing from the Wooden Shack on Town Square, rides are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. At a cost of $6-10 per person, this 10 minute ride around downtown Jackson is a great activity for the whole family! Our son enjoyed hanging out the window and waving at everyone as we rode thru town.
JACKSON HOLE SHOOTOUT
Another highlight of Jackson takes place each evening, Monday thru Saturday at the corner of Town Square - the Jackson Hole Shootout. Starting at 6pm, (although I would recommend getting there around 5:30 for a front row view), the 'wild west' comes alive on the streets of Jackson. This free show is the longest, continuously running shootout in the country and has been experienced by over 4 million people! Actors/Actresses from the Jackson Hole Playhouse put on a wonderful 20 minute performance chocked full of cowboys and gunslingers that is sure to entertain the whole family! Luckily, the sun broke thru finally and give us some sunshine to end our day in Jackson, Wyoming.
Interested in planning your own trip to Jackson, Wyoming? Below is our summarized itinerary for you to follow or adjust to your own preferences. ENJOY!
Day 1: Explore Jackson: Town Square with Antler Arches, Jackson Stagecoach Rides (departs from corner of Town Square $6-10 per person), spend time exploring and shopping the many stores in downtown Jackson. 6pm Jackson Hole Shootout.
Looking to stop in Grand Teton National Park before or after visiting Jackson? Click Here to read about our wonderful six days in Grand Teton National Park.
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