Jackson Town Square (George Washington Memorial Park)
Bordered by four giant elk antler arches, Jackson’s Town Square is the picture-perfect centerpiece for this wild western town. The majority of Jackson’s restaurants, boutiques, and outdoor gear shops are centered around Town Square and the park itself features a nightly “shootout” during the summer months and a monument dedicated to John Colter, one of the region’s most famous mountain explorers.
The basics
Officially known as George Washington Memorial Park, Town Square is one of Jackson’s top tourist attractions. During the summer, the Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum offers free historic walking tours from the Town Square and this is also where you can catch a ride in the horse-drawn carriage. During the winter months, the Town Square turns into an ice skating rink and Santa makes his annual visit the day after Thanksgiving.
Things to know before you go
- The Jackson Town Park antler arches are a must-see for first-time visitors.
- There’s a webcam on the southwest corner of the park and you can view the activity in the park anytime online.
- The boardwalk paths in the park are uneven in places, but can be navigable with a wheelchair.
How to get there
The Jackson Town Park is located in the center of downtown Jackson at the corner of Broadway and Cache. The park is within walking distance of downtown restaurants and shops and street parking is available adjacent to the park. The nightly shootout show begins in the northeast corner of the park.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The Jackson Town Park is a public park so it is always open. Free downtown walking tours leave the Town Square every morning from Tuesday through Friday, from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September. The Jackson Hole Shootout takes place in the Town Park Monday through Saturday evenings from Memorial Day until Labor Day.
The Elk Antler Arches and Elkfest
The park’s four antler arches are made entirely of local elk antlers and each arch contains around 2,000 antlers. Each year local boy scouts assist the National Elk Refuge, which is home to over 10,000 elk, with collecting antler sheds. The antlers are then auctioned off during Elkfest, held yearly each May. Proceeds from the auction benefit the refuge and the event also features live music, a chili cook-off, a parade, and more.