Curator’s statement
From the minute your plane touches down at Jackson Hole airport and you take in the Great Tetons, you know you've arrived in a special place. You'll never hear me turn down international travel, but there are so many places in the US worth exploring and the great American West is one of them. Even if you're short on vacation days, you can cover a lot of ground across Wyoming and Montana in just one week. If the scenery and wildlife in Jackson, Yellowstone National Park and Bozeman aren't enough to make you want to buy a ranch and start a new life, the emerging food scene might be just the hook.
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Where to stay in Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, & Bozeman
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Things to do in Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, & Bozeman
Jackson Hole:
Shop and eat throughout Jackson's quaint downtown. Take in the views from Jackson's Town Square. Favorites to check out are J.D High Country Outfitters, Gallery Wild, MADE and Altitude.
Spot wildlife on your way to and from Grand Teton National Park. It's pretty common to see deer but not entirely uncommon to spot moose and bears or be stuck in traffic for animal crossings. You can also take a scenic drive on Moose-Wilson Road for a chance at spotting moose along the way.
Hike to Jenny Lake. The walk brings you to a gorgeous turquoise and stone panoramic backdrop and the trail is easy to navigate.
Take an ATV tour. If you prefer vehicles over hiking, an ATV tour is a fun way to explore the mountainous landscape. There are several adventures posts you can book tours through, and the guides are super knowledgeable about the land and the wildlife that inhabits it.
Mormon Row — For a little taste of history and to snap your own iconic pic of the T.A. Moulton Barn with the Tetons in the background, Mormon Row is just a short detour off the main highway.
Yellowstone National Park:
If you're trying to enjoy the park in one day, get an early start. Bonus: Watching the sunrise over Yellowstone is a great way to make a core memory.
Old Faithful — located not far inside the park. Great first stop with a walking path around several other geysers. Warning: Strong sulfur smell is evident so if you're sensitive, bring a face covering.
Grand Prismatic — a multicolor marvel. There's a scenic walking path you can take, but for better pictures, I recommend the one-mile hike up the Fairy Falls trail.
Madison River Bend — While it's not guaranteed, we were able to catch an entire herd of bison unexpectedly at the river bend off I-191. Follow park rules and keep your distance, but enjoy these giant beauties as they graze in the fields next to the river.
Gibbon Falls and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone — that's right! There's more than one Grand Canyon, and you can get close enough to see the river that cuts through the rock without hiking three miles down to the bottom.
Mammoth Hot Springs — last but not least, stop by these hot springs on your way out of the park. You may even spot herds of grazing elk nearby before exiting the North Entrance of the park and making your way into Montana.
Bozeman, Montana:
If you get an early start in Yellowstone, you'll make it to Bozeman by dinner time. Once seen as just a quaint college town, the city is really blowing up and constantly adding new restaurants, shopping and things to do.
Fly Fishing — Booking a fly fishing tour is a must here. The Yellowstone River flows just east of the city, and you can book a tour through most outfitters or fly fishing shops. I had only fished as a kid and with the help of our guide, caught four fish during our 4-hour excursion!
Hiking - There is no shortage of great hikes and beautiful views in the area. For a moderately strenuous hike but a huge payoff, I recommend Lava Lake.
Exploring downtown - no need to wander far. Main Street has plenty of options end-to-end. Check out Heyday, Meridian and Cello.
Places to eat & drink in Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, & Bozeman
Jackson Hole:
Persephone Bakery: Chic French bakery with artisanal breads, pastries & coffee.
Orsetto: Fashionable Italian eatery with classic fare and great wine list.
Million Dollar Cowboy: A true staple, you'll have to stalk the bar to grab a seat in a saddle but is great for a drink, live music and dancing.
Cafe Genevieve: Rustic, American food with outdoor seating.
Snake River Grill: upscale American in refined log-cabin setting with a fireplace & a cozy bar.
Il Villagio Osteria: You'll have to venture into Teton Village but great Italian and Mediterranean dishes at the base of the mountain.
Yellowstone:
Pro Tip: Order and pick up provisions before entering the park. Meal options are limited and pretty mediocre for what you end up paying.
Bozeman:
Dave's Sushi: Don't let the land-locked location fool you. This sushi was some of the best we've had.
Arore French Bakery: comfy, cozy bakery known for its croissants and baguettes.
La Brasserie: French cuisine and wine bar.
Open Range: Casual, elevated steakhouse with craft cocktails.
Feast: upscale American & seafood dishes, raw bar and cocktails.
Cafe Zydeco: Unassuming Cajun spot with great brunch.
Plonk: Sophisticated tapas, a quiet respite.
Whistle Pig: Casual, modern spot for Korean rice bowls & classic entrees.
Travel Advisor
Kaitlyn Knause
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