With close proximity to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, Jackson Hole is often referred to as simply a tourist destination. However, the mountain town — which is home to 9,577 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau — is much more than that.
Gabriel Chapeton, a student at UW, moved to Jackson in 2005 from El Salvador. While in Jackson, Chapeton attended Journey’s School, a private high school located in Jackson Hole. At UW, Chapeton has not declared his major, but he plans on minoring in international business.
Most activities in Jackson Hole cater to the outdoorsy types, Chapeton said. Jackson Hole’s elevation of 6,237 feet makes it a prime location for winter activities.
Skiing and the outdoors are some of the main attractions that bring people to Jackson, Chapeton said. The Grand Tetons are beautiful and bring in lots of people, he said.
Teton Village is in close proximity and Snow King is practically in town. Some nights, Snow King lights up its trails and allows patrons to ski through the night, he said.
Summer activities include camping, fishing, whitewater kayaking, mountain biking and countless others. There is truly a lot to do, Chapeton said.
Town Square is one of the many landmarks in Jackson Hole. The square is a park-like area in downtown. Town Square is where people will find the four antler arches that are an entrance into town, he said. The arches are a popular place for tourists to take photos.
Another notable building is the Center for the Arts, which host concerts, plays and art events in Jackson, Chapeton said.
The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is not just a tourist landmark but a historical one, Chapeton said. Originally established in 1890s as a doctor’s office, the bar has undergone renovations to make it the iconic location it is today.
Bagelstreet and Pica’s Mexican Restaurant are some of the places the locals go for a night out to avoid the tourists, Chapeton said.
As for any town in Wyoming, Jackson has some friendly people. It also has some famous ones. Harrison Ford owns a house in Jackson, as does John Walton, Sam Walton’s son. Jackson suffers from a “rich person” town stigma, Chapeton said. Not everyone in Jackson is wealthy; there are people of other classes, just like anywhere else, he said.
