Top Things to Do in Jackson Hole

By: Stephanie Keinz

Jackson Hole is a western town nestled in between the Teton Mountain Range and Gros Ventre Range. I’ve spent summers in Jackson for as long as I can remember, and always find fun new things each year. Here are some of my favorite classic Jackson Hole must-do’s in town.

Window shop on the Town Square

Dozens of tourist and specialty shops line the streets surrounding the Town Square, making it a perfect way to spend the afternoon. Some of our favorite touristy shops include Shirt Off My Back, Skinny Skis, and Jackson Trading Company. Most unique store on the square goes to By Nature Gallery which features fossils, meteorites, petrified wood, and gorgeous gems worked into jewelry pieces. Most recently, the store displayed a giant sloth foot and triceratops skull. It’s like walking into a museum with pieces you can take home…if you can afford it! For those daring to go off the beaten track and do some thrifting, there are some great hidden gems just off the square. Browse & Buy (associated with the Episcopal Church next door) offers an assortment of used clothes, books, and sports equipment. We’ve picked up a great hiking backpack there, and if you’re lucky, you can find great deals on skis and snowboards in the off season.

Western shoot out

The Jackson Hole Shootout has been a Wyoming tradition since 1957. Unaware spectators wandering the Square may be caught off guard by smoking gunfire, runaway horse-drawn wagons, and cowboys running along rooftops. The shoot out is put on by actors at the Jackson Hole Playhouse every summer evening, except Sundays. As the locals put it, there’s no shootin’ on Sundays!

*Fun fact: The Shootout is the longest, continuously running gunfight in the United States with an estimated 4 million spectators over the years.

Wander art galleries

Marvel at impressive western-inspired artwork, of which there’s no shortage. Jackson boasts over 25 art galleries, all with a unique flair. Many galleries join up for monthly Art Walks and other events to provide drinks and appetizers while you cruise the local art scene. My favorite gallery that I return to year after year is Altamira Fine Art (@altamirafineart). Altamira always has some gorgeous color-infused Nieto paintings (my absolute favorite) and other emerging and established artists. You can also drop by legendary nature photographer Thomas Mangelsen’s (@thomasdmangelsen) Images of Nature gallery to view his iconic work.