Jackson Town Square

Dedicated in 1934 as George Washington Memorial Park, Jackson Town Square has evolved from a simple grassy lot into the beating heart of Jackson Hole. The square's most defining features—the four massive elk antler arches at each corner—were built between 1953 and 1969. These arches are constructed from thousands of antlers naturally shed by the elk herd that winters on the nearby National Elk Refuge. Today, the square is a bustling hub surrounded by wooden boardwalks that evoke the spirit of the Old West, lined with high-end boutiques, art galleries showcasing Western and contemporary art, and some of the region's best dining establishments.

Reasons to Visit

• The Antler Arches: Snap a photo under one of the four world-famous arches made of thousands of elk antlers.
• Western Heritage: Experience the wooden boardwalks and the historic Jackson Hole Town Square Shootout in the summer.
• Shopping & Art: Browse high-end Western wear, custom cowboy boots, and world-class art galleries.
• Winter Magic: See the square transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights wrapping the arches.

Things to Avoid

• Climbing the Arches: It is illegal and dangerous to climb on the antler arches.
• Peak Traffic Parking: Avoid trying to park directly on the square during busy summer afternoons; use the nearby parking garage instead.
• Feeding Wildlife: If you see any wildlife near the town, maintain a safe distance and never feed them.

Local Transportation Tips

Jackson Town Square is highly walkable, and exploring the immediate downtown area on foot is the best approach. For traveling beyond the square to nearby areas like Teton Village or the airport, the START Bus (Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit) provides an affordable and reliable public transportation option. Taxis and rideshare services are also available but can be expensive during peak seasons.

Travel Etiquette

• Pedestrian Right of Way: Always use designated crosswalks, and if driving, strictly yield to pedestrians.
• Tipping: Tipping 15-20% at restaurants and bars around the square is standard practice.
• Respect the Boardwalks: Keep to the right on the wooden boardwalks to allow smooth foot traffic flow.

Recommended Age Group

Jackson Town Square is a welcoming, accessible, and highly engaging destination for visitors of all ages.

• Babies (0-2 years): Recommended. The park is flat, paved, and easily navigable with a stroller.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children will love the open space, the impressive antler arches, and the summer shootout reenactments.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Teens will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, boutique shopping, and highly Instagrammable photo spots.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Adults can fully appreciate the surrounding art galleries, fine dining, and local bars.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. The square offers plenty of shaded benches, flat walking surfaces, and easy access to nearby amenities.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Flat Terrain: The interior of the square features flat, paved pathways that are easily navigable for wheelchairs and walkers.
• Curb Cuts: All four corners of the square have proper curb cuts for seamless transition from the street to the park.
• Accessible Parking: Designated accessible parking spaces are available on the streets immediately surrounding the square.
• Seating: Numerous benches are located throughout the park for resting.

Did You Know?

The local Rotary Club built the first antler arch in 1953. Every year, the local Boy Scout troop assists in collecting newly shed antlers from the National Elk Refuge to auction off, with a portion of the proceeds going back to the refuge and some antlers used to repair and maintain the arches.

Cool Statistics

• Number of Arches: 4 (one at each corner of the square).
• Antlers per Arch: Approximately 2,000 antlers make up each arch.
• Weight: Each arch weighs roughly 10,000 to 12,000 pounds.
• First Arch Built: 1953 (the southwest corner).