Grand Teton National Park is located in Teton County, Wyoming. But the landscapes and mountains aren’t the only things to discover on your trip to Teton: historic sites, art, wildlife watching, and trails by the water offer different perspectives. Which ones you focus on depends on your interests; each can also be explored independently.
Historic Sites Along the River and in Mormon Row
The Menor’s Ferry Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. The Menor’s Ferry Trail, which is less than half a mile long, leads to Bill Menor’s historic cabin and general store, as well as a replica of the ferry. The ferry it replicates crossed the Snake River around the turn of the 20th century. The trail highlights the buildings and an earlier river crossing. Access may vary depending on seasonal conditions.
The Mormon Row Historic District, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, offers another historical perspective. T. A. Moulton’s barn is a frequently photographed subject with the Teton Range in the background. Unlike the Menor’s Ferry Trail, which recalls the crossing of the Snake River, the familiar image here is shaped by the combination of historic buildings and mountain scenery.
The Murie Ranch also connects history with a specific trail: It was once home to Olaus and Mardy Murie, two influential figures in the American conservation movement. An easy, one-mile loop trail leads from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center to the historic ranch. Trail conditions may vary. Those interested in conservation history will find a different perspective here than at the historic buildings and ferry replica on the Snake River.
Culture, Language, and Art
The Indigenous Arts and Cultural Demonstration Program presents Indigenous culture through demonstrations of painting, weaving, pottery, beadwork, and musical instruments. The program includes public performances and talks at the Colter Bay Amphitheater. Times are seasonal and depend on the program. The focus is on both artistic practices and exchange and performances; check the schedule when planning a specific visit.
The History Jackson Hole campus includes two exhibition galleries, an archive center, historic cabins, and an outdoor program area. The Museum Mural introduces the Shoshone language, Newe Daygwap. The campus also includes a historic log cabin associated with the film Shane, a classic Western filmed in Jackson Hole. These topics span language and regional history as well as film history.
The National Museum of Wildlife Art was founded in 1987 and houses more than 5,000 works of art depicting wildlife from around the world. The museum’s Sculpture Trail is three-quarters of a mile long and climbs a sagebrush-covered hillside. The collection and trail offer different formats: one focuses on the art collection, the other on a hillside trail. You can consider art and a route as separate aspects of your trip rather than combining them into a single activity.
Wildlife and Trails
Wildlife watching is the main activity at the National Elk Refuge. Refuge Road is the official entrance to the refuge. A five-mile section of the multi-use trail also runs there: it extends from the area north of the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center on Flat Creek to the Gros Ventre River. Check for connections and possible closures locally.
In the broader context of Jackson Hole, the network of paved trails covers more than 56 miles and connects the town of Jackson, Teton Village, and Grand Teton National Park. A single route description, by contrast, refers to a specific trail: a 20.5-mile paved multi-use trail runs one way from the town of Jackson to South Jenny Lake. The distance is for one direction; seasonal closures affect individual sections.
At Jenny Lake, hikers can walk around the lake and hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. A shuttle boat service is also available; visitors can bring their own boat or rent a canoe or kayak. These services are seasonal and may change. At the lake, trails to specific viewpoints and options for getting out on the water are available side by side. For planning, it’s a good idea to check seasonal boat operations and trail conditions.
Hiking Trails and Winter Sports
In summer, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort provides access to hiking trails from the base of Teton Village or by gondola. Summer operations and lift access are seasonal. In winter, the resort is a ski and snowboard area with more than 2,500 acres of skiable terrain; operations may change over time.
In the context of the host community of Jackson, Snow King is a ski area in winter, with skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and night skiing. The descriptions of the two areas emphasize different things: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is described in terms of skiing and snowboarding and the size of its terrain, while several winter activities are named for Snow King. Check seasonal operating information when making specific plans.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Jackson, Teton Village, Wilson, Alta, Moran, Sweetwater County, Sublette, Campbell.
Back to the main travel overview: Wyoming.
