Spotlight on Jackson Hole Town Square

Then and Now

The square's iconic elk antler arches date back to 1953 when local Boy Scouts teamed with the Jackson chapter of Rotary International and a number of community members to erect the very first arch. Three more followed over the next 13 years. The arches feature prominently in untold numbers of vacation photos and even a few Hollywood Westerns.

The town of Jackson turned 100 in 2014. In typical Wild West fashion, the motivation to incorporate the town in 1914 had a little something to do with a saloon.

Interested in learning more? History Jackson Hole Museum hosts fascinating historical walking tours around downtown Jackson during the summer months. Call 307-733-2414 for more information.

Pictured: Maurice Williams and Joe Clark playing baseball in front of the Clubhouse in downtown Jackson. Photo courtesy of the History Jackson Hole.

Shopping and Dining

From Western to contemporary, homewares to hats, jewelry to bronze sculptures—whatever your taste, you'll find an incredible selection of shops and boutiques on Town Square to satisfy your needs and desires. There are also numerous eateries and live music venues lining the square, including the world-famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and the Silver Dollar Grill in the Wort Hotel.

The square also features one other shopping "district"—Gaslight Alley.

Gaslight Alley is a quaint shopping area nestled just off the square. The stores lining the alley feature handcrafted jewelry, artworks, mouth-watering chocolates (Mursell's Pottery & Chocolate) and more, including Made which features locally-crafted and unique items.

Just a block off the square is a gem of a bookstore brimming with all manner of titles (Valley Bookstore).

During the summer, you'll also find the popular Saturday Farmer's Market with its organic produce, local foods, flowers, and entertainment. The market begins on the first Saturday in July and ends on the last Saturday in September.

Elk Antler Auction and Stagecoach Rides

In May, the Elk Antler Auction fittingly benefits the local chapter of Boy Scouts of America. The scouts hold a special roundup on the National Elk Refuge to collect antlers shed by the elk, then auction their bounty off to bidders from far and wide. The square is also the contact point for the stagecoach ride around town, with two handsome, yoked Clydesdale horses leading the way.

Jackson Hole ShootOut Gang

From Memorial Day to Labor Day each year, the streets are cleared at 6 p.m. to accommodate the Jackson Hole Shootout Gang. With characters as dastardly or virtuous as you’ll find in any tumbleweed saloon, the gang puts on a show that culminates with an authentic shoot-out, the longest-running of its kind in the country. No telling if the white hat or black Stetson wins.

Winter on the Square

The best time to see the square is at Christmas. The many tall trees and the arches provide the perfect structures for twinkling lights, and there’s a special lighting celebration the day after Thanksgiving, complete with Santa Claus, seasonal carols and lots of good cheer. Santa holds visits every night from December 15th through Christmas Eve in the Stage Stop building.

Winter on Town Square also features an outdoor skating rink, with skate rentals available at a nominal cost in the Stage Stop building.