Things to do in Jackson

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is in northwest Wyoming. It encompasses the Teton mountain range, the 4,000-meter Grand Teton peak, and the valley known as Jackson Hole. It’s a popular destination in summer for mountaineering, hiking, backcountry camping, and fishing, linked to nearby Yellowstone National Park by the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.

Jackson Hole is technically located in/around the park, so it’s an easy day trip to explore the area.

Park Information: https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm

If you plan to rent a car and explore, stop by the National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center located right in downtown Jackson for information and recommended driving tours.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone, one of the best national parks in the US, is only 1hr drive from Jackson through the scenic Grand Teton National Park.

If you are planning to make a trip of the wedding weekend, we highly recommend tagging on a few days before or after to take advantage of Yellowstone.

If you’re short on time, there are day tours available that will pick you up and drop you off from downtown Jackson and will still hit some of the park highlights.

Park Information: https://www.jacksonholewy.com/national-parks/yellowstone-national-park/

Day tours, many available online: https://www.viator.com/Jackson-tours/Full-day-Tours/d51006-g12-c94?sortType=external

Hiking and/or Sightseeing

There’s incredible hiking and sightseeing all around the Jackson Hole area. A premier ski location in the winter, Jackson Hole transforms into a green mountain paradise in the summer (September included) with trails and viewpoints leading up to and on the mountain.

You can easily take an uber from downtown Jackson to Teton Village, where you can explore the trails around the base of the mountain and/or at higher elevation by taking the Tram or gondolas.

Not into hiking? No problem, you can also ride the Tram to get to the top and simply enjoy the views.

Hiking: https://www.jacksonhole.com/summer-activities/hiking

Sightseeing: https://www.jacksonhole.com/summer-activities/summer-tram

Mountain Biking and Rock Climbing

Some say there is nothing more thrilling in the world than watching two people you love dearly commit themselves to each other for eternity. If you want to experience a slightly less enthralling rush as a warm-up to the main event, try downhill mountain biking at the Jackson Hole mountain resort.

Lift-assisted downhill mountain biking allows you the unique opportunity to ride much of the ski terrain you know and love, but in a beautiful and warm summer setting. Hurl your carcass down the steep terrain of Wyoming on a rental bike and experience this first-hand.

Remember that only the bride can wear white. If you show up in a cast, Arianna will break your other collar bone.

Rock climbing is, apparently, very good in these parts. The Jackson Hole mountain site has information on bike rentals, mountain bike guided tours, and rock climbing. https://www.jacksonhole.com/summer-activities

Horseback Riding

Spending your precious PTO atop a horsey isn't something I would personally condone. If you must, try to avoid the sickly one named 'gluestick.' He deserves some peace before the cat food factory. Now who's hungry?

National Museum of Wildlife Art

If you've ever wanted to see a majestic bison in oil paint or a bronze sculpture of a bear pondering its life choices, the National Museum of Wildlife Art is your place. Perched on a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge, this museum houses over 5,000 pieces of art that celebrate wildlife from around the world. From ancient cave paintings to contemporary works, it’s an inspiring blend of nature and creativity.

You’ll find pieces from the likes of Georgia O’Keeffe and Andy Warhol, but remember, it’s best to resist the temptation to touch the art—it’s not a petting zoo.

As a bonus, there’s a great restaurant open for lunch, Palate, with incredible views at the museum.

Check out the website for hours, tickets, and restaurant info

Downtown Jackson

Jackson is often familiarly or mistakenly called Jackson Hole, deriving its name from the valley in which it is located. Jackson is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the ski resorts Jackson Hole Mountain, Snow King Mountain, and Grand Targhee, as well as Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

A strong local economy, primarily due to tourism, has allowed Jackson to develop a large shopping and eating district characterized by a large number of art galleries, custom jewelers, and designer clothing retailers centered on the Town Square.

We’ve included some of our favorite restaurants in the restaurant section below. Here are some more great spots in town:

Photo op: Don’t miss the iconic Antler Arches. The four elk antler arches guarding the corners of Jackson Hole’s George Washington Memorial Park, more commonly called the Town Square, have become well-known icons to the town’s many visitors. Elks lose their antlers naturally—the arches are made from antlers collected by the local Boy Scouts and replaced every ~30 years.

Discover the best spots in town for unique items and Western flair!

Where to buy a bolo tie: Boyer Indian Art & Jewelry and Crazy Horse Inc. have traditional native and western pieces, Native Jackson Hole has both traditional and luxury options.

Where to buy a cowboy hat: You can buy a cowboy hat almost anywhere in town. If you’re looking for something special that will last you for years to come, we recommend Kemo Sabe and JW Bennett

Art Galleries: There are art galleries all over town. One of our favorites for wildlife photography is Medicine Bird Gallery, they have small prints and postcards that are easy to take home.

Western Decor: Arianna should not be left alone at Twenty Two Home or Belle Shops or Bella Fine Goods

Restaurants

There are many great spots to grab a bite or drink in Jackson. We’ve included a few recommendations below and starred some of our favorites. We recommend making reservations in advance for any sit-down meals.