Things to do in Jackson Hole

Located in a picturesque valley in western Wyoming and surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges, Jackson Hole has been called "the last and best of the Old West." The town of Jackson (at the end of Jackson Hole) features a charming square complete with western boardwalks and elkhorn arches, plus a number of designer shops, cafés, restaurants, and art galleries. This frontier-town-turned-ski-resort has over two thousand hotel rooms to accommodate the droves of tourists that filter in throughout the year. With Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park nearby (which attract nearly 6 million people each year), visitors can enjoy terrific fishing, hiking, camping, rafting, climbing and, of course, skiing. Jackson Hole also puts on several great festivals, including a Summer Music Festival and Fall Arts Festival.

Blessed with pristine forests, sparkling lakes, and expansive meadows, the area is an absolute haven for outdoor recreation and adventure. Though Jackson Hole is better known for outdoor pursuits such as fishing and skiing, the town is blessed with one of the best eighteen holes in the country. The award-winning championship course at the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club has attracted the likes of Bill Clinton and George Bush. Best of all, it's open to the public.- One of the biggest draws in Jackson Hole is the wonderful fishing that can be found in the nearby rivers, lakes and streams.

The 1038-mile Snake River boasts some of the best fly-fishing anywhere and attracts thousands of eager anglers each year.- The terrain of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is generally regarded by skiing fanatics as the most varied, challenging and breathtaking of any ski resort in the United States.- The National Museum of Wildlife Art showcases perhaps the finest wildlife art exhibit in the country. Housed in a 50,000 square foot castle-like building, the museum features 14 galleries and over 2,000 paintings by many renowned artists, including John J. Audubon, Charles Russell, Albrecht Durer, George Catlin, Albert Bierstadt and many others.

- If one is visiting Jackson Hole during the winter months, one should take time to visit the National Elk Refuge, home to the largest gathering of elk in North America. Beginning in late autumn, thousands of elk make the long trek from the high country down to Jackson Hole.- If one wants to get a bird's eye view of the magnificent expanse of land that comprises the Great Valley, one must take a Jackson Hole Aerial Tram Ride.

Located at Jackson Hole Ski Resort, the tram lets one scan the mountains and surrounding area from a dizzying height of 10,000 feet. At that elevation, it can get quite chilly - even in the summer months.- In Jackson Hole, the shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall are hidden gems. In Spring, solitude and wildlife abound.

Great activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Viewing wildlife is more common as animals come down to the snow-free valley to feed.- Jackson Hole has several old Wild West watering holes, including the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar which was made famous in the Clint Eastwood film, "Any Which Way You Can." One can hop on one of the saddle barstools and order up one's favorite whiskey or, if one prefers, a soft drink.

By: Jim Hartley