Wyoming Inn - Discover Summer's Wild Heart in Jackson Hole
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Before the plane even touches down, you slide up the window shade and the natural beauty of Jackson Hole leaves you awe-struck. The Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the only commercial airport in the United States located within a national park, welcoming travelers with a grand welcome unlike any other. The region’s sweeping peaks await, wild and untouched. It’s raw. It’s powerful. It’s grand. It’s unmistakably Jackson Hole.
A town shaped in style and design by Western winds and cowboy culture, Jackson Hole is the ultimate summer destination for outdoor adventure. As the season arrives, trails, rivers, and mountain vistas come alive under sunny skies, creating endless opportunities for hiking, rafting, biking, and exploring. Warmer weather beckons the region’s true residents - elk, moose, bears and others - for iconic and unforgettable wildlife sightings.
Early mornings offer the best chance to spot wildlife as the sun rises over the valley. Expert naturalists from JH EcoTours lead birding excursions and wildlife safaris in specially designed tour vans with rooftop viewing openings, allowing guests to observe animals comfortably and up close. Premium Swarovski Optik binoculars enhance the experience with crystal-clear views. Guided adventures to Yellowstone National Park, visits to Old Faithful, and photography-focused tours offer even more ways to experience the region’s remarkable landscapes.
For those craving a dose of altitude-fueled adrenaline, there’s no shortage of options. Opt for a private hot air balloon ride for a birdseye view of the region, where bald eagles soar and moose and mule deer roam below. For summer fun on the water, nothing beats a scenic float along the Snake River. Flowing from Yellowstone National Park past the towering Tetons, the river offers peaceful views of wildlife roaming the shoreline and endless mountain scenery. For a more active adventure, kayaking and paddleboarding on Jenny Lake deliver unforgettable views of the iconic Tetons shimmering across the water.
Summer evenings come alive at the rodeo, where Jackson Hole’s Western spirit shines. A longtime Wyoming tradition, the Jackson Hole Rodeo celebrates more than 120 years and six generations of cowboy heritage. As the sun sets over the arena, cowboys and cowgirls thrill the crowd with everything from fast-paced bareback bronc riding to adrenaline-filled bull riding. With dust flying and music playing, visitors get a front-row seat to authentic Western culture and unforgettable summer excitement.
Neighboring the Town Square, Snow King Observatory & Planetarium holds the proud distinction as the only mountaintop observatory and planetarium in the United States. Embark on a scenic gondola ride to the observatory, situated 8,000 feet high, where science, education, and awe-inspiring discovery converge. View the grandeur and beauty of the universe with the impressive Planewave telescope, settle in for a planetarium show, or stick around for night stargazing. Dinner at Aurora completes the ascent, pairing sweeping views of the Tetons with elevated regional cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients, refined techniques, and a curated wine, beer and cocktail selection. From June through August, the mountain-top King Concert Series returns with an iconic 2026 lineup, from Gregory Alan Isakov to Of Monsters and Men to Alabama Shakes and more.
From June 25–27, 2026, Jackson Hole Food & Wine Summer Festival returns for its annual Summer Festival, with this year marking the celebratory 10th anniversary. The three-day event brings together the best flavors of the season with unforgettable tastings, lively gatherings, and mountain-town charm. Guests can sip, savor, and celebrate alongside acclaimed chefs, renowned winemakers, and top culinary talent from Jackson Hole and across the country, all set against the stunning backdrop of summer in the Tetons.
Town Square is easily the cultural heartbeat of the area. This buzzy locale is lined with authentic leather and cowboy hat artisan shops, boutique coffee crafters, and the iconic antler arches that set the stage for a distinctive photo moment. From grabbing an old-fashioned milkshake at Jackson Drug to enjoying a chic Italian dinner at Orsetto where the wine selection rivals the pasta variety, the square transitions from day to night with an abundance of one-of-a-kind moments. Not to be missed is a nightcap at the unmistakable Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where live country music pairs perfectly with a line dancing floor. Grab a cold one and pull up a seat - here, bar stools have been swapped for western saddles for an iconic photo moment.
Just beyond the bustle of the Square, Wyoming Inn embraces warm elegance and offers a refined retreat rooted in natural beauty. The spirit of the West embraces every corner of this 69-room property, where cowhide armchairs, a dramatic antler chandelier, and warm wood accents create a wholly Wyoming escape that instantly feels like home.
Art lovers will appreciate that the hotel houses the largest collection of wildlife photography by Thomas D Mangelsen, with captivating photos displayed throughout the hallways, lobby and dining spaces. Guest rooms and suites continue the Western narrative with cozy nooks, mountain views, picturesque fireplaces, and warm wooden furnishings that create an authentic Wyoming ambiance. The standout Grizzly Suite elevates the experience with a charming library with a dedicated seating area, and thoughtfully curated wildlife artwork and lighting.
Among the hotel’s most adored amenities is its intimate indoor hot tub, complete with an enchanting fireplace. Grab some champagne and unwind in this boutique sanctuary, ideal for a late-night soak after a day of Jackson Hole exploration.
Taking center stage is The Whistling Grizzly, where fine dining takes a turn for the wild with innovative wild game dishes, thoughtful wine selection and an inviting ambiance. Signature dishes include the braised beef short rib Wyoming Cowboy Pops, Rocky Mountain Elk Tenderloin, Local Wyoming Prime Bison and Seared Idaho Trout. Insider’s tip - save room for the Whistling Grizzly Carrot Cake, and for a playful toast to the kitchen crew, add in an order of Beers For the Kitchen.
With complimentary shuttles to the Town Square and bike rentals that further spark wonder and discovery, Wyoming Inn adds ease and convenience to summer adventure and tranquility. Just minutes from Grand Teton National Park and Downtown Jackson, it’s the ideal launch point for a summer adventure filled with mountain exploration, unforgettable experiences, and moments to recharge between every thrill. In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the resort’s National Park Pass offer invites guests to extend their adventure with up to 20% off stays of two nights or more, making it even easier to explore the beauty of the national parks this year. www.wyominginn.com.
Written by Dawn Wilson
