11 Fun Things to Do in Jackson, Wyoming
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When it comes to fun things to do in Jackson, Wyoming, the list is almost endless. I got to experience Jackson as part of my 10-day Wyoming and Montana road trip, and the three days we spent here were nowhere near enough. Between exploring the mountain town itself and trying to soak in as much of Grand Teton National Park as possible, I instantly understood why so many people fall in love with this area.
Jackson is often confused with “Jackson Hole,” but here’s the scoop—Jackson is the actual town, while Jackson Hole refers to the entire valley surrounded by the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges. That valley is what gives the area its dramatic landscapes and big open skies that make you feel like you’re living inside a postcard.
The town of Jackson itself is known for its rustic charm, lively town square with the iconic elk antler arches, world-class skiing in the winter, and a buzzing mix of art galleries, western saloons, and great restaurants year-round.
It’s the kind of place that manages to feel both adventurous and cozy, and no matter what season you visit, you’ll find something special to do here!
Jackson, Wyoming Vibes + When to Visit
Naturally, Jackson is going to feel like a totally different experience depending on when you visit. In the winter, it’s all about skiing and snowboarding—this area is home to some of the best slopes in the country, with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort drawing people from all over the world. Come summer, the mountains transform into a hub for hiking, rafting, climbing, and just soaking in the gorgeous scenery. Spring and fall tend to be a little quieter, but that’s when you’ll often find better deals on hotels and fewer crowds in town.
We went at the end of August and honestly got so lucky. A few locals mentioned this was considered an “off week” for them—it still felt busy, but not nearly as packed as I imagined it would be. I’m guessing kids being back in school was a big factor.
We were there the week before Labor Day, when crowds typically pick back up again. Not only was the slightly thinner crowd situation a huge perk, but the weather was amazing. Warm enough to swim and hang in tank tops during the day, but never so hot that it felt uncomfortable. Basically, it was perfect adventure weather.
Things to Do in Jackson, Wyoming
1. Stroll Around Jackson Town Square
Jackson Town Square is basically the heart of the town, and it’s iconic for a reason. It’s is easily one of the most classic things to do in Jackson! The famous elk antler arches at each corner are a must-see photo spot, and honestly, just walking under them feels like a little Jackson tradition.
The square is surrounded by cute shops, art galleries, and local boutiques, so it’s easy to spend a couple of hours just wandering, popping in and out of stores, or grabbing a quick snack. Even if you’re not shopping, soaking in the vibe of this mountain town is a highlight in itself.
2. Check Out the Jackson Hole Rodeo
If your trip lines up with the Jackson Hole Rodeo, this is a can’t-miss experience. It’s a classic Western tradition with bull riding, barrel racing, and rope tricks, giving you a real taste of cowboy life. I can’t stress enough to book tickets in advance, this is one of the most popular things to do in Jackson. When we went to book our tickets a week in advance they were sold out on their website and being sold for triple on other sites.
The rodeos begin at 8 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day with additional rodeos on Fridays during July and August.
3. Grab a Drink at Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
You absolutely cannot skip the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar—it’s iconic for a reason. The saddle barstools are legendary and the atmosphere is lively! When we went on a Wednesday night, Brandi Cyrus (Miley Cyrus’s sister) was DJing, which just added to the fun vibes.
Don’t skip heading downstairs to the Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse either—the food is phenomenal. Make a reservation in advance because it fills up fast. Honestly, the steakhouse alone is worth a night out, and then you can pop upstairs to check out the bar scene afterward.
4. Ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram
The Jackson Hole Aerial Tram gives you stunning views of the Teton Mountains without spending all day hiking. The tram whisks you up to 12,000 feet, and once at the top, expect insane views.
There are some shorter hikes from the summit if you’re feeling adventurous, and the little waffle spot at the top, that I’m sure you’ve seen all over social media, is perfect for a mid-adventure treat!
Keeping it real—we skipped this on our trip because it felt a little pricey to me. I’m still including it since it’s one of the most popular things to do in Jackson, but if you’re deciding where to splurge, I think the rodeo, horseback riding, or even an ATV tour might give you more bang for your buck.
5. Grand Teton National Park
We spent a little bit of each day exploring Grand Teton National Park during our trip and honestly, we fell in love. Even just driving through the park feels magical—the mountains, the wildlife, the views around every bend.
Some of our favorite places included Jenny Lake (the boat shuttle shortens the hike if you want to tackle Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, and the Cascade Canyon Trail which we LOVED) and Phelps Lake Trail.
We also loved driving to scenic viewpoints like Oxbow Bend, Mormon Row, and Schwabacher Landing, especially for sunrise—it was such a serene way to start the day and the lighting for photos is unreal!
6. Snow King Mountain
If you’re looking for adventure without leaving town, hitting Snow King Mountain is one of the most exciting things to do in Jackson, thanks to the alpine coaster, chairlift views, and fun hiking trails. It’s a great family friendly spot in Jackson! Along with that, they also have mini golf, an observatory and planetarium, zip line, and so much more!
If you haven’t done an alpine coaster before, you’re in for a treat! It was one of our favorite activities when we visited Helen, Georgia, so I was excited to see another one here in Jackson!
7. Snake River Roasting Co
Coffee was a big part of our mornings in Jackson, and Snake River Roasting Co quickly became our go-to spot. We basically grabbed coffee here every day and loved it. They also have amazing breakfast and lunch options if you’re looking for a sit-down meal (or something on the go).
I know a lot of people rave about Cowboy Coffee, but I went twice and honestly didn’t enjoy it. That said, it’s kind of a “try it for yourself” thing, and I did just to see what the hype was all about!
8. Astoria Hot Springs
If you have some long hiking days, Astoria Hot Springs is the perfect way to unwind. The hot springs are naturally heated and set against a gorgeous mountain backdrop, making it feel totally peaceful and remote even though it’s not far from town.
The pools vary in temperature, so you can find one that’s perfect for you. It’s about a 30–40 minute drive from Jackson, but if you have time to squeeze it in it’s well worth it for a little self-care and downtime. Just make sure to check their hours before you go—they can vary seasonally.
9. Try All the Huckleberry Things
If you’ve never had huckleberries, Jackson is the place to change that. These wild berries are related to both blueberries and cranberries. They’re smaller than a blueberry and a little sweeter than a cranberry and grow all over the mountain regions of the Northwest. Locals are obsessed with them, and honestly—I get it.
I had huckleberry coffee, huckleberry mules, glazes, and basically said “yes” anytime something huckleberry popped up on a menu. There’s something so fun about trying this little local specialty in all its different forms. Whether it’s in cocktails, jams, ice cream, or even BBQ sauces, it’s a flavor you’ll start craving the second you leave Jackson.
10. Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is such an iconic Jackson experience, and it’s high on my list for the next trip. There are options for both beginners and experienced riders, with guided tours that wind through forests, meadows, and along rivers.
Some tours even take you into the Grand Teton backcountry for epic mountain views. The pace can be relaxed and scenic, or a little more adventurous with trotting and cantering. Beyond just the amazing scenery, it’s such a fun way to connect with the landscape and feel like a true cowboy—or cowgirl! I’ve read that morning rides are ideal for catching wildlife like moose, deer, and even bison from a safe distance, which makes the experience even more memorable. Book your tour here!
Another couple of fun adventure activities in Jackson are taking out UTVs or going white water rafting!
11. Enjoy the Local Restaurants
The food scene in Jackson is pretty diverse, but not every spot lived up to the hype for me. That said, there were a few standouts I’d go back to in a heartbeat. Glorietta Trattoria absolutely stole the show—the pasta and Caesar salad were so good I’m still thinking about them. Definitely try to make a reservation, but if you can’t, you might get lucky snagging seats at the bar like we did.
Other favorites:
- Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse (right under the bar) had incredible steaks and sides—just make sure you book in advance because it fills up quickly.
- Snake River Roasting Co. became our daily go-to for coffee, but their breakfast and lunch are just as solid.
- Snake River Brewing is a fun, casual spot for beer and bites.
- Persephone Bakery is worth the hype! Expect a long line, but it moves quickly, and the breakfast is absolutely worth the wait.
And if you’re heading into Grand Teton National Park, don’t skip Dornan’s. Their pizza spot comes with epic mountain views, Dornan’s Chuckwagon serves up hearty options like pulled pork sandwiches outdoors, and their deli is perfect for grabbing a sandwich before a day of hiking—I had a BLT that totally hit the spot.
Where to Stay in Jackson, Wyoming
First of all, let me just say—the earlier you book, the better! Because this trip was part of a bigger Wyoming–Montana road trip, I pushed planning off a bit and didn’t start booking hotels until about a month out. And wow… let me tell you, Jackson books up fast. No matter when you book, staying here isn’t going to be cheap, so just go in prepared for that. But the earlier you book, the better chance you’ll have at snagging a place you really want and getting a better deal.
We ended up staying at Elk Country Inn and 49’er Inn & Suites. Honestly, I didn’t mind them at all! They were definitely dated, but the locations were great, the rooms were super spacious, and both included breakfast. Plus, they had hot tubs and pools, and that post-hike jacuzzi soak felt sooo good. For context though—these were literally the cheapest options we could find for our dates, and they still came in at about $450 per night.
If you want something a little more updated and cozy with that cabin vibe, check out Rustic Inn Creekside Resort and Spa at Jackson Hole. It’s a little pricier, but from what I’ve seen it’s beautiful and has more of that “Jackson feel.”
Outside of that, my biggest tip is to hop on Booking.com to plug in your dates, set your preferences, and see what’s available. If you’re traveling with a group, VRBO might be the way to go. But if it’s just you (or a couple people), I really recommend staying right in town. Being able to walk everywhere is such a perk, especially since parking in Jackson can be kind of a nightmare.
Which of these iconic things to do in Jackson, Wyoming are you checking out first?!
Jackson, Wyoming is such a fun mix of small-town charm and big mountain adventure. Whether you’re wandering through downtown, hitting the trails, or soaking up those unreal views of the Tetons, there’s so much to love about this spot! I hope this guide helped you plan your trip—let me know in the comments which part of Jackson you’re most excited to check out!
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