Jackson & Jackson Hole, Wyoming
As the main town for Jackson Hole, the western mountain town of Jackson is home to dude ranches, national parks, big game and various vacation attractions.
The Jackson Hole area is made up of the Grand Teton National Forest, the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the town of Jackson. As one of the country’s most renowned ski resorts, Jackson Hole has three Alpine ski areas, five Nordic ski areas, and many miles of snowmobile trails.
You can spend your day(s) at the spas found in the Rusty Parrot Lodge, the Spring Creek Ranch or the Alpine House Country Inn and Spa; enjoy the entrees at Off Broadway, Vista Grande or the Sweetwater, or you can find adventure as you raft the Snake River. There is also mountain biking in the Grand Tetons, skiing at Snow King, or  horseback riding the scenic trails.
Jackson offers special western fun during the summer months. At Town Square, you can see the western melodrama, The Shootout, cheer on the cowboys and cowgirls at the Jackson Hole Rodeo and from July to August you can hear world class musicians perform at the Grand Teton Music Festival. From September to October, you will find special art exhibits, over 30 art galleries, demonstrations, theatre, dance and culinary arts.
When you visit Jackson, be sure to bring your walking shoes so you can become better acquainted with the region's surroundings. Start your day with a 2 ½ mile ride on the Arial  Tramway to the top of Rendezvous Mountain where you will get a sensational view of the area. While on the mountain, you can take a nature hike. At the Bridger-Teton National Forest, you can enjoy a picturesque drive along Hoback Canyon, Snake River Canyon and Star Valley. Its back country areas are only accessible by foot or horseback, but the unspoiled sights and sounds make it well worth the effort. Also in the Tetons, you can enjoy swimming, fishing, rafting, camping, and mountain biking. In the Bridger Wilderness, there is fishing, boating, and big game hunting.
To learn more about the Old West, visit the Jackson Hole Museum or the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum where you will find information and exhibits on fur trade,  archeology, and the early West. The National Museum of Wildlife Art displays works by impressionist Carl Rungius, ornithologist and artist John James Audubon, Rembrandt, and cowboy artist Charles M. Russell. Also at the Museum is an interactive children’s program, a restaurant and a gift shop. During the winter months, the Museum is the starting point for the National Elk Refuge. The Refuge is 25,000 acres and is the winter home to thousands of elk and winter fowl.
To experience the pioneers life while travelling by wagon, arrange a trek (2, 4, or 6 days) with Wagon’s West (800-447-4711) and take a covered wagon journey through the foothills of the Tetons. Wagon’s West will provide gentle riding horses, chuck wagon meals and campfire entertainment. For even more adventure, you can take guided horseback trails and hiking trips.
Jackson Population: 9,215 as of 2007
Climate: Jackson gets 16 inches of rain per year. The number of days with any measurable precipitation is 99. On average, there are 215 sunny days per year in Jackson, WY. The July high is around 82 degrees. The January low is 5.
Cost of Living / Economy: The unemployment rate is 2.80%, with job growth of 4.09%. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 33.59%. Sales tax rate is 6.00%. Income tax is 0.00%. The income per capita is $28,996, which includes all adults and children. The median household income is $53,421. Compared to the rest of the country, Jackson's cost of living is 177.95% Higher than the U.S. average.
Education: Schools spend $6,462 per student. There are 13 pupils per teacher, 277 students per librarian, and 299 children per counselor.
Real Estate / Housing: The median home value is $1,929,000. Home appreciation is 1.57% over the last year. Renters make up 54.49% of the population. 5.78% of houses and apartments are unoccupied.
Photo Credits: Jackson Hole Banner by Greg Westfall; Jackson Hole Rodeo by Quazie Foto; Jackson Hole Arial Tramway by Jedstr; Cowboy by Alvi |
