Jackson WY

Jackson, Wyoming – Tucked in the heart of the Teton Range, Jackson is where rugged outdoor adventure meets small-town charm. Known for its dramatic mountain views, lively arts scene, and access to national parks, this Western gem invites you to breathe in crisp alpine air and embrace the spirit of the Wild West. Whether you're skiing powdery slopes, admiring wildlife, or enjoying cozy mountain lodges, Jackson offers a getaway that's equal parts thrilling and peaceful.

• Population: ~10,700
• Weather: Cool summers (70-85°F), cold snowy winters (10-35°F); dry with low humidity.
• Places To Visit: Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, National Elk Refuge, Jackson Town Square, Snow King Mountain.
• Top Activities: Skiing at Jackson Hole, hiking in the Tetons, fly fishing, wildlife safaris, exploring art galleries.
• Famous Food: Elk burgers at Local, bison steak at The Gun Barrel, fresh trout at Snake River Grill, house-made pastries at Persephone Bakery.

Jackson, Wyoming is known for its stunning natural beauty and close proximity to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. As a thriving tourist destination and a community with deep roots in conservation and outdoor education, Jackson supports a diverse job market focused on hospitality, healthcare, and skilled trades. Below are some of the most in-demand careers in Jackson.

Top 5 Jobs in Jackson, WY

Jackson, WY, is a great spot for students to take a breather, unwind, and enjoy some down time. Whether you're into outdoor adventures, cozy cafes, or exploring the local scene, Jackson has plenty to offer.

Snow King Mountain – For those who crave adventure, Snow King Mountain is a must. Whether you enjoy skiing in the winter or hiking and zip-lining in the warmer months, it's perfect for students looking to mix fun with a bit of exercise.

Teton County Library – Need a quiet place to chill with a good book or catch up on a study session? The Teton County Library offers a peaceful escape with a friendly atmosphere, so you can de-stress and get focused.

Town Square & Antler Arches – It's a great spot for a lazy afternoon hangout. Stroll through the local shops, snap some photos with the iconic antler arches, and enjoy the vibe of this charming area.

Jackson Hole Rodeo – For a taste of local culture, the Jackson Hole Rodeo is a fun and lively spot. Grab some friends, head over for an exciting evening of entertainment, and soak up the western spirit.

Persephone Bakery – Need a coffee fix or a sweet treat? Persephone Bakery offers delicious pastries and a cozy atmosphere. It's a great place to relax, catch up with friends, or even get some work done.

Cache Creek Trailhead – If you're into nature, the Cache Creek Trailhead provides a serene escape with trails for hiking and biking. It's a perfect way to relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings.

Jackson, Wyoming is known for its stunning natural surroundings, outdoor lifestyle, and growing educational scene. While it is a small town, it serves as a gateway for academic access through community colleges and partnerships with nearby institutions. Jackson focuses on education tied closely to environmental science, outdoor recreation, and vocational training.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Jackson, WY

Central Wyoming College – Jackson Center – A satellite campus offering associate degrees and certificate programs. It is well-known for its outdoor education, nursing, and entrepreneurship programs.

Western Wyoming Community College (Outreach in Jackson) – Offers hybrid and online courses for local students. It provides excellent general education transfer programs and workforce training.

University of Wyoming Outreach School (Jackson Site) – Delivers bachelor's degree completion and graduate-level courses through partnerships with regional community colleges. The focus is on accessible education for residents in remote areas.

Teton County School District #1 Adult Education Programs – While not a college, this public program offers important GED and ESL classes and helps adults transition into higher education or new careers.

Wyoming Pathways from Prison (Remote Jackson Participants) – An initiative supported by public institutions in Wyoming, including Jackson area centers, that helps formerly incarcerated individuals continue their education.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Jackson, WY

Teton Science Schools – Graduate Program of Education – A private, nonprofit program combining field-based science with place-based education. It offers a Master of Arts in Teaching through partnerships with other universities.

Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools (formerly Journeys School) – Though mainly a K–12 independent school, it partners with regional private colleges on research and internships, fostering leadership in environmental education.

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS Headquarters) – Based in nearby Lander but influential in Jackson, NOLS is a private institution that offers wilderness education and outdoor leadership programs with college credit through partner universities.

Jackson Hole Classical Academy Partnerships – This private institution frequently collaborates with faith-based liberal arts colleges, offering high-achieving students opportunities for early college experiences.

The Sustainability Institute at Teton Science Schools – Offers certificate-level training and private workshops on sustainable practices and leadership, often drawing professionals from across the country.

Jackson, Wyoming, is known for its scenic beauty and close-knit community. It also offers excellent educational opportunities, preparing students for college and life beyond the classroom. Whether you're looking at public or private options, Jackson provides quality education backed by strong academics, dedicated teachers, and a range of extracurricular opportunities.

Top Public High Schools in Jackson, WY

• Jackson Hole High School – The main public high school in Teton County School District #1, JHHS is highly rated for academics and offers a wide range of AP courses, strong college-prep programs, and award-winning extracurriculars.
• Teton Science Schools – Mountain Academy (Public Charter Option) – Though primarily private, Teton Science Schools also run a charter option. Mountain Academy focuses on place-based learning and environmental awareness with a strong outdoor curriculum tied into core subjects.
• Summit Innovations School – An alternative high school within the public system, Summit Innovations offers students personalized learning and flexible schedules, ideal for those needing a non-traditional academic setting.
• Star Valley High School (Alpine, Nearby Community) – Located about 45 minutes away, it serves some students from Jackson's outskirts. It offers respected academic programs, athletics, and career-tech education.
• Pinedale High School (Pinedale, Nearby Community) – Though located outside Jackson, some families in western Wyoming consider this high school. The school offers solid academics and smaller class sizes for individual attention.

Top Private High Schools in Jackson, WY

• Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools – A highly respected independent school with a focus on experiential and place-based learning. It emphasizes leadership, environmental stewardship, and academic excellence.
• Jackson Hole Classical Academy – A private Christian school offering a rigorous classical education rooted in the liberal arts and sciences. Its small class sizes foster strong student-teacher relationships.
• Jackson Hole Community School – A selective private high school offering a strong college-preparatory curriculum in a supportive environment. Students benefit from small classes and individualized instruction.
• Heritage Academy – A private Christian school with a holistic approach to education, focusing not only on academics but also on spiritual and character development in a family-like atmosphere.
• Carrig Montessori School (Upper Grades in Development) – Although currently focused on early education, this school is expanding into higher grade levels. Known for its student-centered learning and Montessori principles.

Jackson, Wyoming is a picturesque mountain town known for its outdoor recreational activities, wildlife, and natural beauty. While it does not host any major professional sports teams like those in larger metropolitan areas, Jackson has a thriving local sports scene and serves as a hub for extreme and adventure sports.

🏂 Winter Sports – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Athletes

• Freestyle and Alpine Skiing – Jackson Hole is home to several professional skiers and snowboarders who compete globally. Athletes like Travis Rice, a professional snowboarder known for his backcountry riding, train on the challenging terrain of the local mountains.
• Freeride Competitions – Jackson produces world-class talent in freeride skiing and snowboarding. These local athletes regularly compete in the Freeride World Tour and represent Jackson on the international stage.

🚴 Adventure & Endurance Sports – Local and Regional Recognition

• Mountain Biking – Jackson’s technical mountain biking trails have helped foster elite mountain bikers who compete professionally in downhill and enduro racing tours throughout North America.
• Ultra Running and Trail Events – The area hosts high-level endurance events and trail races where local runners compete on a national and international level.

🏇 Rodeo – Jackson Hole Rodeo

• Jackson Hole Rodeo Team – While not linked to a national league, the town hosts the Jackson Hole Rodeo during the summer, featuring professional-level bull riding, bronc riding, and barrel racing. The riders are seasoned competitors, many of whom tour nationally under the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

⚽ Local Sports Clubs & Youth Development

• Jackson Hole Youth Soccer – Though not professional, Jackson fosters future talent through competitive youth soccer programs. These teams often compete in state and regional tournaments and serve as a foundation for student-athletes moving into collegiate and semi-professional sports.

🎿 Olympic Athletes from the Region

• While Jackson does not have franchise sports teams, it has produced several Olympic-level skiers and snowboarders. These athletes train in the area's challenging terrain and represent the United States in international competitions, often becoming local legends.

Although Jackson, Wyoming lacks major league teams, its commitment to outdoor sports and its role in developing elite athletes stand out. From rodeo rings to snowy peaks, Jackson is a playground for professionals in some of the world's most challenging and thrilling sports.

Jackson, Wyoming is known for its stunning natural beauty, Old West charm, and outdoor adventures. From breathtaking landscapes to fascinating quirks, here are 10 fun facts about this unique mountain town:

1. Home to the Elk – Every winter, thousands of elk migrate to the National Elk Refuge just outside town.
2. Town Square Antler Arches – Jackson’s iconic town square is famously surrounded by arches made from elk antlers. The antlers are naturally shed, and no animals are harmed.
3. Gateway to the Tetons – Jackson is the main gateway to Grand Teton National Park, one of the most picturesque parks in the U.S.
4. No Billboards Allowed – To protect its scenic views, billboards are banned in all of Teton County.
5. Million Dollar Cowboy Bar – This famous local bar has saddle bar stools and draws visitors from all over the world.
6. Snow King Mountain – Known as the “town hill,” Snow King is a ski resort right in the heart of Jackson, open for skiing, hiking, and biking.
7. Wild West Roots – Jackson still hosts live shoot-out reenactments in the summer, keeping its Old West vibes alive.
8. No Sales Tax! – Wyoming is one of the few states with no state income tax, and Jackson also has no local sales tax on many items.
9. A Billionaire Favorite – Jackson has one of the highest concentrations of wealth in the U.S., with celebrities and entrepreneurs owning second homes here.
10. JHMR is World-Class – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a top-rated ski destination known for its steep terrain and deep powder.