Welcome to Jackson Hole Attractions!
There are so many attractions to see
in Jackson Hole. Travel back in time to pioneer fur-trading days at Cunningham
Cabin. Take in the majesty of an untouched environment at Elk Island and
Jackson Lake Dam. View the area surrounding Signal Mountain from its peak.
Develop a bond with nature at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Hike
Cascade Canyon with its breath-taking views as it sweeps down to the falls
at Inspiration Point. Drive less than 60 miles to beautiful Yellowstone
National Park, the first national park in the United States. See unparalleled
beauty in one of the world's most amazing wonders when you visit Old Faithful.
Whatever you choose to do in the Jackson Hole area, it is sure to give you
an experience you won’t soon forget. Let hotelsonline.com show you some
of our favorite places to stay and to play.
COLTER
BAY/MORAN AREA
Cunningham Cabin
As the earliest existing settlement in the park, Cunningham Cabin outshines
its grimy, weathered wood exterior. The cabin, a long and flat structure
dating to the pioneer days, serves as a historical landmark of the fur-trading
times of the late 19th century. Often used as a foreground for pictures
of the Teton Range, this unattractive homestead seems all the more minute
because of its grand surroundings. Highly recommended for families, this
cabin strives to educate visitors about the history of the region from
the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1806 through the modern era. The cabin
is easily accessed via U.S. 89, about six miles south of Moran.
Elk Island and Jackson Lake
Dam
A myriad of bird species (over 300) make Elk Island and the area surrounding
Jackson Lake Dam their home. Naturalists and bird-watchers alike will
enjoy taking in the splendor of this untouched environment. Elk Island,
accessible only by boat, lies less than a mile off the coast of Hermitage
Point. Its secluded nature keeps this island unpopulated by tourists and
overstocked with wildlife. Both Colter Bay Village and Leeks Marina rent
boats within easy reach of the island. The wetlands created by the construction
of Jackson Lake Dam also protect wildlife from visitors and development.
Located just north of Signal Mountain on Grand Teton Road, the Dam offers
panoramic views of Jackson Lake and the surrounding flora and fauna.
Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake, the largest of over 100 lakes in the Grand Teton National
Park, spreads out over 25,540 acres and reaches a maximum depth of 438
feet. It collects the vast majority of its water from the melting snow
of the Teton Mountains and the streams and tributaries that flow down
the mountainsides. The lake drains southward through the Jackson Lake
Dam into the Snake River, providing the huge volume of water needed to
propel whitewater rafters farther down stream. All manner of water sports
(including boating, fishing, water skiing, and snowmobiling) are available
at or through the many visitor centers that line Grand Teton Road as it
wraps around the east bank of the lake.
Mount Moran
Mount Moran, often considered the quintessential mountain in the Teton
Range, soars to 12,605 feet - making it the fourth-largest mountain
in the chain. The mountain is best viewed from the Leigh Lake Trail, which
is accessible from the String Lake Trail (within walking distance of the
Jenny Lake Lodge). For an easier view of the mountain, visitors can pull
off Teton Park Road into the Mount Moran Turnout, about eight miles southwest
of Jackson Lake Junction.
Signal Mountain
Visitors find Signal Mountain the most accessible peak in the Grand Teton
National Park as Signal Mountain Road (four miles southwest of Jackson
Lake Junction off of Teton Park Road) soars nearly to the summit of the
mountain. This granite giant dwarfs its surroundings, as it is the only
peak on the eastside of Jackson Lake. On a clear day, no reachable observation
point in the park can beat the view from the climax of this peak. The
summit offers panoramic views of the entire park, including Jackson Lake
and the whole Teton Range. For the more adventurous visitor, steep hiking
paths descend from the observation point and lead down to Jackson Lake
Dam and the Snake River.
Snake River
The Snake River, the headwaters of the Columbia River system, runs approximately
1056 miles long with about 50 miles lying within the confines of Grand
Teton National Park. The north branch of the river flows down from Yellowstone
National Park and pours into the northernmost end of Jackson Lake, while
the south branch forms the lakes outlet to the south. It continues to
the Southwest, where the best whitewater rafting can be found, and then
eventually flows into the Columbia River. Visitors receive the best views
of the river and its surrounding valley from the overlook, located on
U.S. 89, about nine miles south of Moran. Just south of the overlook,
signs point visitors to the many raft launches that dot this stretch of
U.S. 89.
DOWNTOWN JACKSON AREA
National Museum of Wildlife
Art
Mankind has an opportunity to bond with nature at the National Museum
of Wildlife Art - a fine arts menagerie of more than 2,000 pieces
of art that immortalize wildlife. The 500-square-foot museum, located
about two miles north of downtown Jackson at 2820 Rungius Road, aims to
increase the public's appreciation for art and the wild through
its varied collections, films and exhibits. Ansel Adams and Ron Kingswood
are among a consortium of worldwide artists whose works are on display
there. The wildlife art museum not only enthralls guests with beautifully
painted and sculpted scenes and images of nature, but it offers a panoramic
view of the National Elk Refuge. The museum is open daily, but its operation
hours vary each season. Call the attraction at (800) 313-9553 for more
specific information about its business hours and admission fees.
MOOSE VILLAGE AREA
Cascade Canyon
This beautiful canyon, carved by glacial movements millions of years ago,
is the most popular hike in the park. Beginning near the summit of the
mountain range, this canyon sweeps down to the falls at Inspiration Point
that empty into Jenny Lake. Both its ease of access (a shuttle boat from
Jenny Lake Visitor's Center drops visitors off at its beginning
at Inspiration Point) and its proximity to the tallest mountains in the
park make this a must-see for all guests. The three highest peaks -
Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Middle Teton - can all be clearly seen
from any point in the valley.
Grand Teton
Grand Teton, the tallest point in the Grand Teton National Park, rises
to 13,770 feet. A violent earthquake created this mountain and its surrounding
range 9 million years ago, when a large section of the earth's crust
tilted upward to the west of the fault line and the land east slipped
down into the void that was created. Cascade Canyon offers the best views
of the mountain; however, the Mountain View Turnout - located just
north of Jenny Lake Lodge on Grand Teton Road - provides a panoramic
outlook of the entire mountain range.
Menor's Ferry
William D. Menor modernized this historic river ford in 1894 to become
the first dry crossing in Jackson Hole Valley, which could not have been
developed without the ferry. It was one of the last areas of the contiguous
United States to be settled because of its remote location and harsh environment.
Menor's ferryboat was a vital crossing for the early settlers -
without it, their ability to trade goods would have been seriously stunted.
Visitor's can find the Menor's Ferry Historic Area just north
of the Moose Entrance Station off of Teton Park Road.
Pfeiffer Homestead
The Pfeiffer Homestead, built in 1910 by Joe Pfeiffer, provides a spectacular
lowland view of the Teton Range. It is surrounded by Antelope Flats, a
level and mostly arid grassland. This historic landmark inspires awe in
many who visit, due to the stark contrast between the fragility of the
human development and the durability of the natural world - as seen
clearly in the 9-million-year-old Teton Range. The devotional bible verses,
which are nailed to the inside of the cabin, give it a lived-in feel that
instantly connects visitors to the past. Abundant wildlife - including
elk, bears, prairie dogs, and deer - are visible at this cabin and
in the surrounding prairie. Visitors will find the homestead on Antelope
Flats Road, which is located five miles northeast of Moose Village off
of U.S. 89.
NEARBY
Yellow Stone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is the host site of many family vacations. It
competes for attention with several other stately recreational areas under
the federal government's control; however, Yellowstone often takes
precedence as the world's and United State's first national
park. More than 3 million visitors stream into the park every year, usually
during the summer, to eyeball its rich wildlife, amazing geothermal features
and eye-catching historic structures. Families like to pitch their tents
in this geological wonder or hike its 1,200 miles of scenic trails. Jackson
Hole visitors are no exception; they too like to plan activities in Yellowstone
while vacationing in northwest Colorado. A day trip there from the town
of Jackson isn't taxing, considering that the park is only 56 miles
away.
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