Jackson Town Square
4.7(4.0K)google
4.5(41)yelp
DowntownLocal LifePhoto SpotOld West
Overview
Jackson Town Square serves as the historic and cultural heart of the town of Jackson, instantly recognizable by its four massive arches made completely from shed elk antlers. Surrounded by western-style boardwalks, fine dining restaurants, and boutique shops, the square is a lively gathering place. In the winter, it turns into a magical ice rink illuminated by thousands of festive lights.
Practical Info
Every day6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Suggested DurationAbout 1-2 hours
Best TimeAn all-season attraction. Summer evenings feature the historic, live Western Shootout show. During winter, the square's four iconic giant elk antler arches are beautifully illuminated with holiday lights against the snow.
Getting ThereLocated dead center in downtown Jackson. Readily accessible by driving into town via US-191/89. Street parking is available around the plaza, or you can use the multi-story public free parking garage a few blocks away.
Travel Tips
- Street parking spaces around the square enforce a strict 2-hour limit; parking enforcement officers patrol heavily and issue costly tickets. For extended shopping or dining, utilize the fully free, un-timed multi-level public parking structures nearby.
- Every Monday through Saturday at 6:00 PM in summer, the historic, free Jackson Hole Shootout reenactment occurs at the town square's northeast corner. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to claim an unobstructed front-row spot on the sidewalk.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- The iconic Elk Antler Arches are prime photo spots but attract massive tourist lines all day. Since the arches are beautifully illuminated at night, shoot after 9:00 PM or before 7:00 AM to secure crowd-free photos with distinct lighting textures.
Reviews
Positive
- The iconic antler arches built from thousands of real elk antlers at the four corners of the square are uniquely spectacular for photos.
- It is surrounded by a dazzling array of boutiques, art galleries, and Western-style bars, offering a highly pleasant walking vibe.
- The downtown core is kept spotless; in summer, the central lawn is lush green, frequently hosting free street concerts and live shows.
- The surrounding blocks provide quite a few time-limited free public parking lots, a very thoughtful amenity for road-trippers.
Heads up
- As the core of a highly popular tourist town, the commercial vibe is too thick; store prices are generally inflated and style-over-substance.
- During peak seasons, heavy foot and car traffic intertwine; not only do you wait to cross, but downtown traffic often gets paralyzed.
- Most fine dining spots are completely booked for dinner; without reservations weeks ahead, walk-in waits frequently exceed two hours.
- Public restrooms are relatively scarce; during peak crowd hours, the few public facility doors always have long lines.