Jackson Hole Facts
Fact 1: Talk about your tourist towns. Jackson Hole is almost totally dependent upon outsiders for its survival. Only some 5,500 residents reside within the city limits and only around 3% of the land is privately owned. Yet the town is home to literally thousands of hotel rooms. The two nearby National Parks – Yellowstone and Grand Teton – attract nearly 6 million people each year.
Fact 2: "Is Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the same as Jackson, Wyoming?" The answer to this frequently asked question is both "yes" and "no." Jackson refers to the town itself. Jackson Hole refers to the entire valley in which the town is located.
Fact 3: Jackson Hole derives its name from the mountain man and fur trader, David Jackson, who lived in the area in the early 1800's. However, it was another mountain man who actually discovered the land. John Colter, who was part of the Lewis and Clark expedition, happened upon the Great Valley in 1807. At that time, it was occupied only by Native Americans.
Fact 4: One of the most attractive aspects of Jackson Hole is its close proximity to Grand Teton National Park. The vast Teton Wilderness – which is comprised of nearly 600,000 acres – is only about a mile from the town of Jackson. Blessed with pristine forests, sparkling lakes, and expansive meadows, the area is an absolute haven for outdoor recreation and adventure.
Fact 5: Golf anyone? 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.
Fact 6: 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. For the occasional fisherman, several good outfitters and outdoor shops provide everything you need: rods, tackle, even guides.
Fact 7: Not every attraction in Jackson Hole is outdoors. 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.
Fact 8: If you're visiting Jackson Hole during the winter months, you 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. The best time to visit is probably late December to early January.
Fact 9: How 'bout a drink pard'ner? 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." Hop on one of the saddle barstools and order up your favorite whiskey or, if you prefer, a soft drink.
Fact 10: If you want to get a birds-eye view of the magnificent expanse of land that comprises the Great Valley, take the Bridger Gondola. Lifting visitors up from Teton Village, the tram lets you 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 – so remember to bring a jacket.
