Jackson Hole is one of the richest areas in the U.S. Located in Wyoming next to Grand Teton National Park, which is next to Yellowstone National Park, this is a popular skiing spot. But its town, Jackson, is also a place that many visitors to the two national parks I named go to after they're finished with their outdoor explorations.
But not all those visitors are filthy rich or want to spend a lot of money on their vacation. So for those of you that fall into that category (no worries, I'm also in there!), I want to offer you some free activities in Jackson, Wyoming, that you can enjoy.
Of course, they're not going to be as epic as skiing down a mountain, white water rafting on the river or horseback riding through the Grand Teton, but they'll help you pass a fun and relaxing day in Jackson Hole. And after walking so much in the national parks, this might be a really welcoming list.
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Take a photo at the Town Square.
Before everyone loses their willingness to take even more photos after visiting the national parks nearby, check this activity off your things-to-do list first. The Town Square is the heart of Jackson and was dedicated in 1934. You'll find a large archway made from elk antler sheds at each corner of the hub. This is a great spot to snap a group photo as it will frame the subjects perfectly! You can also view the memorials at the center of the square.
Check out the shops on Jackson's main streets.
While this activity can lead to spending money, it can also just be fun to browse the variety of shops in Jackson. Yes, there are many touristy stores and clothing stores, but you'll also find some unique spots. For example, there's a creator there who sells all types of décor made out of shed antlers. The knife shop was also entertaining not only because of the cool knives but also because they sell a real bison coat that weighs more than I could ever carry.
Another store some people might be into is Burns. This company makes the clothing and accessories for the show Yellowstone. You never know what you'll find as you shop in Jackson!
Peruse the local art galleries.
There is a popular wildlife art museum in Jackson, but if you'd rather not spend any money, there are also more than two dozen art galleries in town. Inside them, you'll find all types of pieces, from sculptures to paintings. Many of them share "local" images like the national park wildlife, historical scenes and outdoor views. And you'll find local artists' works included in these collections as well.
Visit the National Elk Refuge.
You can have fun at the National Elk Refuge in several ways. The first is visiting the visitor center where you'll find some small museums and can talk with workers about the area. They'll give you a map of the refuge and share how you can go about seeing the animals.
This is the second activity at the National Elk Refuge, and basically, there are two routes: you can drive inside the park and/or drive the road outside of the park. We actually used the outer road on our way into Jackson and saw bison, so we went ahead and drove inside the park, where we did manage to see a lot of bighorn sheep (but nothing else that day).
Walk or bike the paved trail.
If you'd rather get some exercise in Jackson Hole than drive around, you can also view some of the National Elk Refuge from the miles and miles of the paved trail that leaves from the town. (You likely would have seen it on your way in from Grand Teton National Park.) This is a great route to do some biking or walking, and there will be some beautiful sights along the way as you travel next to the refuge and near the Teton Range.
Tour the Jackson National Fish Hatchery.
Although the Jackson National Fish Hatchery isn't very big (especially compared to other hatcheries I've been to), you can still enjoy learning about its conservation efforts and how it helps the local environment. You'll get to go on a free tour with a volunteer tour guide who will show you what types of fish they raise and where they go after they're grown.
Also, if you're into fishing, there's a small pond on the property where visitors can cast their lines for free.
Check Jackson's website for any free events.
Most towns put on events throughout the year, and Jackson is no exception. So check the Jackson Hole website to see if you're interested in anything exciting going on. We tried the Mountain Man Rendezvous, which was a small festival where "mountain men" sell their wares.
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