Heritage & the High Life Abundant culture and outdoor adventure mix well in Jackson Hole By Julie Fanselow
National Museum of Wildlife Art
It was the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, a time when most Southern California kids are relaxing at the beach or hanging out at the mall. But the L.A.-area family we met on our sleigh ride had just flown in for a few days of frosty fun in Jackson. They’d heard Jackson Hole offers everything from big-time skiing and snowboarding to world-class wildlife viewing, shopping and culture, and they weren’t disappointed.
In fact, it’s remarkably easy to blend the best of Jackson Hole’s indoor and outdoor attractions. From our cozy motel overlooking the National Elk Refuge, my family made the short drive to the National Museum of Wildlife Art, where we played with puppets in the children’s activity center, peeked inside the restored studio of noted artist John Clymer, and prowled through the gift shop. Then it was time to catch the shuttle bus to the elk refuge, where our horse-drawn sleigh waited (and where we met the vacationing Californians). Families huddled close together as our ranch-hand sleigh driver and guide explained how more than 7,000 elk migrate annually from the mountains to winter in Jackson Hole. The sleigh moved slowly through the herd – close enough for photos, but not so close to disturb the animals.
Great wildlife viewing is possible year 'round in the Jackson-Grand Teton National Park. One of the best and most accessible places to
National Museum of Wildlife Art
look is along the Moose-Wilson Road between Teton Village and the park gateway community of Moose. And “Moose” is no misnomer: You really do have a good chance of glimpsing the lumbering, spindly-legged beasts along this narrow road, and bear sightings are common, too. I’ll never forget the thrill of seeing a mama black bear with her cubs along this road one autumn day, nor my concern that many motorists who’d stopped were pressing too close to the animals. Remember that while they’re often accustomed to humans being nearby, Wyoming’s wild critters must not be crowded or harassed.
For an in-depth look at Jackson Hole’s resident fauna, consider a guided tour with a reputable outfitter. Teton Science School offers a variety of cool wildlife expeditions including spring trips to see bears and wolves in Yellowstone, summer river rafting excursions, fall elk bugling adventures, and winter snowmobile safaris. Other companies offering Jackson-area nature tours include the Hole Hiking Experience and Wild Things Unlimited.
But don’t despair if you don’t manage to spy many animals in the great outdoors, because you can’t miss them at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. A highlight is the collection of works by Carl Rungius, a German-born artist who came to the Rockies and learned to excel at painting its wild inhabitants. Ansel Adams, George Catlin and Charles M. Russell are among the other famous
National Museum of Wildlife Art
artists represented here.
For travelers eager to take home an artistic souvenir, Jackson offers more than 30 galleries with a wide selection of works inspired by the region’s wildlife and scenery. There’s truly something for every taste, from Molly Martin’s local plein-air landscapes to antique cowboy gear at Cayuse Western Americana to Thomas Mangelsen’s international wildlife photography. The Jackson Hole Gallery Association usually sponsors gallery walks on Thursday evenings in summer and a 10-day Fall Arts Festival in mid-September.
Although natural wonders abound, travelers interested in human history will enjoy Jackson Hole, too. Grand Teton National Park sights include a Snake River ferry built by homesteader William D. Menor; Cunningham Cabin, one of Jackson Hole’s earliest permanent dwellings; pretty Jenny Lake Lodge; and the Colter Bay Indian Arts Museum, where you’ll often find Native American artisans at work.
Back in town, stop in the Jackson Hole Museum for an entertaining and educational look at the area’s early settlers. In 1920, Jackson residents elected one of America’s first all-female city councils. The museum offers walking tours several times each week during the summer months. Call ahead to check the latest schedule, or to inquire about other special events. With luck, you might catch a special speaker or a classic movie filmed in Jackson Hole.
Julie Fanselow is a frequent visitor to Wyoming and has written about the state for magazines including American Heritage and Westways.
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