10 Experiences that Feel More Authentic than the Jackson Hole Top 10

I’ve lived in Jackson for seven years, and one of the biggest joys in calling the Tetons home is sharing it with visiting family and friends. I recently had two college friends visit, so I planned a trip with all the best stops – Schwabacher’s Landing, the Cowboy Bar, Taggart Lake, and the Town Square Arches. But as we ventured out on our first hike, our conversation quickly made me realize that I had completely missed the point.

We started reminiscing about our experience studying abroad, which took place before social media lists took away the privilege of making travel mistakes, of seeking something for ourselves. As we reminisced, we didn’t look back on the beautiful overlooks or the top 10 experiences. We remembered the time we turned down a dingy alleyway, knocked on a boarded up shop window, ordered donuts in horrible Italian, and ate them curbside in the dirty rain.

There is one social media trend I’ve grown to love: the videos recently popping up on Instagram and TikTok of people living raw human experiences and the caption: Almost forgot this was the whole point.

So if you’re looking for a moment that makes you forget about the picture you wanted for your Instagram story and reminds you that you’re here to live, these are a few places you might find it.

Bridger-Teton National Forest

The 3.4 million acres of public land that make up the Bridger-Teton National Forest may not be the reason you came here, but the solitude you can find might be the reason you keep coming back. Entirely surrounding the town of Jackson Hole, this is where locals recreate every single day. Being out of breath on a hike up Sheep Mountain, the pang of fear while descending a mountain bike trail in Cache Creek, a quiet cup of coffee and a campfire in Curtis Canyon – these are the moments that make us feel alive.

The Banks of the Snake

Again, it might not provide the picturesque “alpine lake in front of the Tetons” view that influencers are going for, but the Snake River is one of the greatest forces in our Valley. It’s home to 35 species of fish and creates an ecosystem for land and sky animals to thrive. Not to mention, a place for humans to fish, float, and swim. But my favorite activity on the Snake is simply sitting on its shores and watching it float by.

Swing and Line Dancing

Perhaps this has become a part of the top 10 list, but if you sneak around the corner from the Cowboy Bar to the Silver Dollar, or drive down the highway to the Stage Coach in Wilson, western dancing to live music feels like it was always meant to. When the phones are put away, you realize it’s not at all about the show. It’s ranch hands and hard working locals cutting loose after a long day.

Thrift & Vintage Stores

I said it before – this list isn’t meant to take away from the top 10. Similarly, thrift and vintage stores shouldn’t take away from the world-class shopping that Jackson has to offer. But for those who like to hunt for their souvenirs and prefer their Western wear a little more worn, exploring Womenfolk (high-end vintage), Browse N’ Buy (traditional thrifting), and Eclectic (curated furniture and clothing) can be a rewarding experience.

The Jackson Hole History Museum

Hearing more than 600 stories from the people who have touched this Valley deepens your appreciation and understanding of Jackson Hole, and what makes it so special. Starting a vacation by orienting yourself with our history at the Jackson Hole History Museum will only enhance your visit to Mormon Row, your stop at a dude ranch, or even your walk around Town Square.

Native-Led Tours

The Greater Yellowstone ecosystem is native land for the Shoshone, Bannock, Crow, and Blackfeet tribes, and exploring the area with land recognition in mind can make for a more authentic experience. Indigenous cultural celebrations take place in the nearby Wind River Reservation year-round, some of which are open to visitors who genuinely want to learn about native cultures. Additionally, Brushbuck Wildlife Tours offers a Grand Teton and Native American Petroglyph Tour that combines wildlife viewing, scenic travel, and ancient petroglyphs sacred to the Eastern Shoshone.

The People’s Market

Run by Slow Food in the Tetons, the Jackson Hole People’s Market takes place every Wednesday in the summer on the Center for the Arts Lawn. The same nonprofit also hosts a fall festival, called Farm to Fork, all about locally-sourced ingredients and making good food an experience accessible for everyone. As their name suggests, they produce events and experiences that slow down the act of consuming food, make diners more thoughtful in their choices, and create connection among community members and food producers. My suggestion? Bring a blanket and take the entire afternoon to enjoy the event.

Jackson Hole Horse Rescue

Jackson Hole Horse Rescue is a nonprofit based just west of the Jackson Hole Airport on a ~260-acre ranch that adjoins Grand Teton National Park. Founded in 2008 by Maury “Jonesy” and Colleen, its mission is to save horses that are elderly, injured, neglected, or otherwise in need of a peaceful place to live out their years. A visit to the horse rescue, and even a trail ride if they currently have horses healthy enough to ride, gives back to the Western culture that so many travel here to see.

Volunteer

Voluntourism offers a way to dig in and leave a mark. The “Being Wild Jackson Hole” program, run by the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, is a good example: you can sign up to help with projects like removing old fences to make migrations safer for wildlife, pulling invasive weeds, collecting data through bird banding, or working on stream restoration. For a full list of current voluntourism opportunities, explore here.

Ask A Local At One Of Our “Watering Holes”

Thinking back to every transformative travel experience I’ve had, my phone has never been part of the equation. Even today, I would choose a local recommendation or a gut feeling over a Google Map route or a Yelp review. So pull up a bar stool, or a saddle, at one of our famous, or infamous, hole-in-the-wall spots, and ask the person next to you for their recommendation.

Don’t get me wrong, this has certainly led me astray in other locales. But travel experiences are made in the messy moments and the silly mistakes… and maybe THAT is the whole point.