Grand Teton National Park lies in the northwestern tip of Wyoming, just outside of the town of Jackson. This magnificent national park will fill any visitor with wonder, awe, and admiration for Earth’s natural beauty. I’ve been fortunate to travel across a large portion of the US and Europe, seeing many sights that have taken my breath away. I honestly don’t think I have ever been in more awe (or squealed at a sight in such delight) than when I glimpsed the Grand Tetons for the first time.
The incredible Grand Teton National Park should be added to every traveler’s bucket list. I could have easily brought my family along and spent a week in the park experiencing the many activities it has to offer. (Which is why I plan to head back as soon as possible!) But during my recent trip to Jackson, I only had one day to get away to the Grand Tetons. Naturally, we made the most of it! I’m sharing three things to do in Grand Teton National Park if you only have one day to spend below! This is the perfect guide for someone who may not have time to hit the trail and climb a mountain but still wants to experience as much of the park as possible in a short amount of time.
Top 3 Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park:
1. Visit the Historic Properties on Mormon Row
Stroll along a Mormon Row, a settlement of historic homes that stand testament to the American dream and early days of pioneer settlements. This national historic landmark in the heart of Grand Teton National Park is one of the most photographed sites in all of Wyoming. And rightly so! Homesteaders established this community under the shadows of the Grand Tetons in 1896. Can you imagine waking up each morning to that view?!
Visitors are able to explore the sights, getting up close and personal too. I couldn’t resist taking a few snaps on that beautiful day. I totally was imagining what it would have been like to live here in the photo above!
While it may have been a beautiful sunny day during our visit, the climate conditions here can get extremely harsh come wintertime. I’m so curious what the family living in this pink stucco house might have been like back in the early 1900s. Strongwilled people that’s for sure! But it’s so amazing to me that this family chose to build a bright pink house against the dramatic Teton range looming in the distance. An amazing and colorful juxtaposition that you have got to see for yourself!
On a totally unrelated note, the group that I was with had all purchased Pendleton blankets in Jackson that morning. Not knowing what the weather would be like, we brought them along on our day trip with us. Had to pull it out to cozy up for a snap or too obviously!
2. Cruise on Jackson Lake
Our cruise along Jackson Lake was one of the most awe-inspiring experiences I’ve ever had. Boats depart from Colter Bay Village Marina and take guests out along the lake right under the shadow of Mount Moran. The boats are enclosed with plenty of windows that can open up for e better view and breeze. My favorite part of the experience was heading to the open air seating at the back of the boat for an uninterrupted vista of the Tetons. Tour guides treat adventurers with local history, trivia on the Tetons and more as they take in the stunning sights.
For a more intimate experience, visitors can also rent canoes and kayaks or even charter a private boat on Jackson Lake.
3. Spend Happy Hour at Jackson Lake Lodge
Stepping inside Jackson Lake Lodge’s grand lobby will have you questioning whether what you’re looking at through the 60-foot floor to ceiling windows is in fact … real. Spectacular is a word that doesn’t even do the view justice! The lodge hosts visitors from May to October with many guest rooms offering this same wondrous view pictured here. If you’re staying nearby in Jackson, you can still experience the vista from Jackson Lake Lodge by dining at one of the restaurants on site.
We opted for happy hour on the Blue Heron Lounge’s large outdoor patio. While sipping on prosecco and huckleberry mojitos, our group tried to spot wildlife on the grassy plain below the mountain peaks. There were several times where I would find myself sipping on a drink while simultaneously pinching myself because the view in front of us just seemed almost too incredible to be true!
The next time I make it back to Wyoming, I definitely plan to spend more time in Grand Teton National Park. But with only one day allotted to explore on my recent visit, I felt we fit in the perfect amount of activities, making the day seem truly like a dream! There was something for everyone in the group – history, exploring, adventure, education, and cocktails too!
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If you’re in the area and visiting Jackson too, be sure to check out my travel guide on the town. I’ve rounded up the best places to eat, shop, sip, stay & adventure in this post. Big thank you again to Travel Wyoming for arranging that wonderful experience. I can’t wait to return with my family in tow one day!
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xo, alice
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