Jackson Lake Lodge - Grand Teton National Park

Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming has recently been listed on the National Historic Register. Here's more info on this premier resort.

Nobody who's ever ascended the staircase to the upper lobby of Jackson Lake Lodge will ever forget the view of the Grand Tetons through the 60-foot windows that greet them.

Jackson Lake Lodge offers a variety of 385 rooms including view rooms, lodge rooms, and cabins. Amenities include a swimming pool, epic views of willow flats, modern design and comfort in the heart of Grand Teton National Park. 

The rooms are spread over the property including the Moose Pond Rooms which are housed in a 2-story building a five-minute walk from the main lodge. The walk through pine trees offers amazing views of the Teton range.

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Jackson Lake Lodge

Operated by the Grand Teton Lodge Company (GTLC), Jackson Lake Lodge sits on a bluff on the East side of Jackson Lake with perhaps the single best vantage point of the unforgettable Teton Range in the whole Jackson Hole valley.

GTLC also operates two other National Park System approved concessions in Grand Teton National Park. Jenny Lake Lodge, about 10 miles to the south is the company's high-end yet rustic offering nestled at the foot of the mountains, while Colter Bay Village, 5 miles to the north is its family-oriented, budget-friendly stopover. Jackson Lake Lodge fills in the gap between the extremes.

Jackson Lake Lodge Hosts Presidents, Diplomats

Opened in 1955, Jackson Lake Lodge has hosted numerous notables through the years, including Presidents Kennedy, Nixon, Reagan and Clinton, as well as Lady Bird Johnson.

It can also claim some historical political significance, as it played host to the 1989 U.S. / Soviet talks between Secretary of State James Baker and Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze. An agreement signed between the two at the lodge meetings ultimately contributed to the end of the Cold War.

In 2003, Jackson Lake Lodge was listed as a National Historic Landmark. Although it is architecturally unremarkable, it is considered a prime example of the "International Style," not uncommon in mid-century park structures.

The lodge blends well with its surroundings, and it is the placement of the structure, said to have been personally chosen by John D. Rockefeller himself, that makes it special. Rockefeller and his contributions of land, time and dedication were largely responsible for Grand Teton National Park's existence.

The lodge was also featured on the PBS series Great Lodges of the National Parks in July of 2008. Author, journalist and architectural historian Christine Barnes, who chose Jackson Lake Lodge for the series, call these park lodges "solid functioning examples of American history: museums with beds, restaurants, and places to look at and reflect on the grandeur of it all."

Lodge Offers Great Rooms, Restaurants and Activities

Jackson Lake Lodge features 385 guest rooms. Rooms with mountain views are in the $300 range, without views about $200, reasonable for the prime season in Grand Teton country. There are also guest cottage rooms on either side of the lodge for similar rates.

Two restaurants, the Mural Room and the Pioneer Grill, offer a wide variety of cuisine, and the Blue Heron Cocktail Lounge has live entertainment most nights during the summer season. The lodge also has several stores, both gift, and apparel, and operates numerous activities, from tours to horseback riding, river floats to swimming.

Located about 20 miles south of Yellowstone National Park and 30 miles north of the town of Jackson, Jackson Lake Lodge is centrally located to everything in the Jackson Hole Valley.

John D Rockefeller would often hike to the top of a small knoll and enjoy his lunch while gazing out at the Teton Range. These lunches influenced Mr. Rockefeller Jr. when he decided to build Jackson Lake Lodge in this area.

Construction of the lodge was done in 1955. The lodge was designed by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood and is often referred to as the "Grand Experiment".

The lodge was opened with the mission and goal of preserving and protecting the timeless view of the Grand Tetons for future generations.

                           Here, in this incomparable area, millions of visitors will find some measure of the peace and solitude which they require." John D. Rockefeller Jr.

 

Jackson Lake Lodge Cottages

We stayed in a 1 king bed cottage with a patio and it was fantastic. We were not sure what to expect but were so impressed with our cottage. There was a ton of room to stretch out and really relax in the room.

The room has a Keurig with coffee pods and tea bags, a sink, full bathroom, dresser, 2 chairs, and a table and closet space. There is a fan in the closet if the room gets warm. We left the windows open at night and it was cool in the morning.

The bed was really comfortable! Soft but comfortable enough for a great night's sleep. We could hear people heading to their rooms since we had the windows open but it was quiet the rest of the night.

We would definitely stay in a cottage room again. The room had everything we needed for the night.

Jackson Lake Lodge Dining

Mural Dining Room

The Mural Dining Room is the fine dining restaurant in the lodge. It is open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with reservations being recommended for dinner.

The restaurant offers epic views of the Teton Range and amazing fresh innovative Rocky Mountain cuisine.

Open daily from 7 to 9 am, 11:30 am to 1 pm, and 5:30 to 9:30 pm.

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Don't miss the huckleberry pancakes during breakfast! They are beyond delicious and they have such an amazing heap of huckleberries on top of them.

The eggs benedict was also quite delicious.

The Pioneer Grill

The Pioneer Grill is a 50's themed diner that offers counter service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The counter winds around like a snake through the restaurant with diner stools set around it. We found the restaurant to be amazing.

The food tasted amazing and was really fast. Our server was super cheerful and so fun to talk with. We would definitely eat at this restaurant again.

The taco salad in the Pioneer Grill was amazing! Romaine, Sliced Brisket, Cumin Black Beans, Roasted Corn, Red Onion, Roma Tomato, Queso Fresco, Sour Cream, Salsa, Crispy Flour Tortilla covered in  Catalina Dressing.

The Blue Heron Lounge

This is the place to go for outdoor seating with a view of the Tetons. You can dine outside on the deck while enjoying locally brewed organic beer, huckleberry margaritas, and delicious food.

Pool Barbecue

During the summer from late June through late August, you can enjoy a pool barbecue under the Wyoming sky. The barbecue features all you can eat Western BBQ and live music in a relaxed setting. Kids are free to play outdoors and enjoy the moment.

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Things to know when planning a visit to Jackson Lodge, Grand Teton National Park

Check-in time - 4 pm

Check out time - 11 am

Wifi - Free Wifi is available in the lodge and cottages. It is pretty strong and connected easily. It does get bogged down and slow down during busy times.

Pets - Pet-friendly rooms are available. Pets must be on a leash 6 feet or less.

Smoking - All facilities within Jackson Lake Lodge are non-smoking

Hotel Gym - The hotel gym is the outdoor setting surrounding the hotel. The activities desk has a list of hiking or walking trails for guests to enjoy.

Medical Clinic - There is a medical clinic located near the Jackson Lake Lodge Service Station. They are open from 9 am to 5 pm

Jackson Lake Lodge History

Jackson Lake Lodge is located near the village of Moran, Wyoming within Grand Teton National Park.  The Lodge is located just east of Jackson Lake.

Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929, at this time the park only protected the high peaks and some valleys in the area.

In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established additional protected land and named it Jackson Hole National Monument.

In 1949, American financier and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. donated land in the area that he owned to the National Park.  Rockefeller was especially interested in conservation and bought and donated many acres of land to create National Parks.

In 1950, Congress combined the original Grand Teton Valley, the monument land, and Rockefeller's land and called it Grand Teton National Park.

In 1972, Congress created John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway.  The road connects two beautiful parks, Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

It was Rockefeller who played a large role in building the current Jackson Lake Lodge.  But before Rockefeller, Ben Sheffield came to the Teton area at the start of the 1900s.

He had a hunting lodge on his mind and thought the area was perfect.  He bought the homesteads of two couples, the Smiths and the Lovells and created his Teton Lodge in 1903.

Sheffield married in 1906 and he and his wife ran the Teton Lodge.  The Sheffields purchased more land and buildings in the nearby town of Moran including the post office and mercantile.

In 1910, a devastating fire and then flood nearly destroyed the Lodge.  The Sheffields rebuilt and eventually the Lodge garnered great business in the area.

The Sheffields managed the Lodge until 1929 when they sold the Lodge, and essentially the town of Moran, to the Snake River Land Company who sold it to the Teton Investment Company which was eventually called Grand Teton Lodge Company.  This is the company that owns it today.

This is where John D. Rockefeller comes in.  Rockefeller started the Snake River Land Company in order to buy pristine areas and hold them until they were able to be sold to the National Park Service for protection.

This company hid his intentions for saving land for National Parks.  After his purchase, Rockefeller spent much time in this area that he loved.  It is said that he would often pack a lunch, hike out to the peaks, and spend the day admiring the valley below.

Soon, thousands of visitors followed suit and wanted to enjoy this area for themselves.  The Lodge was not large enough to accommodate so many tourists and Rockefeller knew that he needed to build a much large Lodge/Hotel.

In 1950, Rockefeller hired famed architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood.  As World War II was finally over, tourists were ready to get back to traveling.

Rockefeller and Underwood began construction on a new type of National Park lodge.

The 1920s and 1930s lodges showed more of a rustic charm, resort type environment.  Rockefeller was going for a new modern building that was accessible by families of all classes to come and enjoy the Teton area.

The lobby, guest rooms and cabins were decorated with a good mix of "luxurious primitive" and 1950s modernism.

The Lodge officially opened in 1955 near what is now called "Lunch Tree Hill," a nod to the spot that started Rockefeller's love and appreciate for the area.

Mount Moran, the impressive mountain which dominates the northern view of the Tetons, can be seen from the hotel's front lobby.

A main draw for mountaineers to the area, many dream of climbing the mountain, but Grand Teton is a much more attractive option.

Trails to Mount Moran are not maintained and it takes a great deal of extremely remote hiking to even begin the ascent of the mountain.

In 1950, a plane transporting 21 people belonging to a Christian group, New Tribes Mission, crashed on Mount Moran during a snowstorm.

The wreckage was able to be seen 4 days later, but the extreme and dangerous location of the crash site made it impossible to recover the plane or bodies of the victims.  They were never recovered and remain on the mountain today.

One of the foundations of the Rockefeller Family - Jackson Hole Preserve, Incorporated - purchased numerous impressive artifacts from collector David T. Vernon.

The foundation was committed to preserving the history, stories, and legacies of Native Americans.  Portions of the collection are still displayed at the Lodge today.

Rockefeller knew the importance of recognizing the tribes that inhabited the land before them - The North Cheyenne, Shoshone, Blackfoot, and Crow, among others.  Their people and culture still play a big part in the region today.

Shortly after opening the Lodge, Rockefeller sponsored a competition for adding mural art to Jackson Lake Lodge.  "Fur Traders and Trappers of the Early West" was the theme.

American artist Carl Roters was the winner of the competition and his ten amazing panels of murals, nearly 8 feet long can be seen in the Mural Room of the Lodge.

Called the "Rendezvous Mural," the scene depict a famous yearly tradition of trappers in the region in the early 1800s.  Trappers from across the area would come to sell their beaver pelts and buy supplies to ready for the next year's hunting season.

Jackson Lake Lodge stands on its own as a gorgeous reminder of how the preservation of lands by both Congress and citizens benefit travelers for years to come.

Rather than expand the Teton land to be included into nearby Yellowstone, the nearby citizens and federal government agreed that Grand Teton, and later the Jackson Lake Lodge, deserved to generate visitors of its own.

Today tourists can stay in the 385 room Lodge or in one of the cabins built in the surrounding woods.

Additional Grand Teton National Park Information & Resources

National Park Lodges Available in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park has several National Park lodges, including Signal Mountain Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge, Headwaters at Flagg Ranch,  Triangle X Dude Ranch, and Colter Bay Village Cabins.

⭐️ 4.6 of 5 Stars - Signal Mountain Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability. 

One of only two lodges sitting directly on the shores of Jackson Lake inside Grand Teton National Park, and the only one where many rooms and cabins face the lake with unobstructed views of the Teton Mountain Range! Book a Lakefront Retreat and step onto your private balcony to watch the sunrise paint the jagged Teton peaks gold while Jackson Lake shimmers in the foreground. It is one of the most breathtaking views in all of America, and it is yours with your morning cup of coffee. The lodge offers a variety of accommodations including country rooms, lakefront retreat suites with kitchenettes, and cozy log cabins, some with gas fireplaces. . Free WiFi throughout the property.

• Open early May through mid-October only, so reservations go fast and advance booking is strongly recommended!

⭐️ 4.5 of 5 Stars - Jenny Lake Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability. 

The most luxurious place to stay inside Grand Teton National Park, a AAA Four-Diamond resort tucked beneath towering spruces at the foot of the Teton Range! The 37 historic log cabins blend Old West charm with modern comfort, and the Signature Stay package includes gourmet breakfast, a nightly five-course prix fixe dinner, horseback riding, cruiser bicycles, and daily complimentary activities. The Dining Room at Jenny Lake is housed in a 1930s-era log cabin and offers a culinary experience unlike any other found inside a national park. Jenny Lake, its famous hiking trails, and three glacial lakes are steps from your door.

• Open early June through early October, book up to a year in advance!

Jackson Lake Lodge

⭐️ 4.5 of 5 Stars - Jackson Lake Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability. 

Step inside the main lobby and be stopped in your tracks by the iconic 60-foot floor-to-ceiling windows framing a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the Teton Range! This full-service historic resort perched on a bluff above Jackson Lake offers 385 rooms, suites, and cottages, with pet-friendly options available. Amenities include four on-site dining options ranging from the famous Mural Room to the Poolside Cantina, a heated outdoor pool with summer BBQ nights and live music, free WiFi, three gift shops, plus a Native American artifacts and Western art exhibit in the lobby.

• Open mid-May through early October, book up to 12 months in advance!

⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Headwaters at Flagg Ranch - Click here for Rates and Availability. 

The ultimate two-park basecamp, sitting just 2 miles from the south entrance of Yellowstone and minutes from the north border of Grand Teton, all on the banks of the Snake River! Cozy log cabins sleep up to 5 guests, with some positioned right on the river, and premium cabins feature a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. On-site amenities include Sheffield's Restaurant and Saloon for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a gift shop, convenience store, gas station, free WiFi, and complimentary campfire s'mores and nature talks.

• Open early June through late September!

⭐️ 4.0 of 5 Stars - Colter Bay Village Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability. 

The most affordable way to sleep inside Grand Teton National Park, with charming historic log cabins sitting right on the northern shores of Jackson Lake! Colteb Bay village features two restaurants, a coffee bar, pizza cafe, grocery store, gift shops, full-service marina, laundry facilities, and a gas station. Free WiFi available at the lodge and cabins.

• Open late May through late September

Lodging near Grand Teton National Park

⭐️ 4.7 of 5 Stars - Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole - Click here for Rates and Availability. 

A Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond ski-in/ski-out luxury resort sitting at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort with direct access to 13 lifts and jaw-dropping Teton views! Rooms and suites feature gas fireplaces, private balconies, and dark wood and natural stone finishes, while the full-service alpine spa offers 16 treatment rooms, a heated outdoor pool, and three hot-spring style outdoor whirlpools. Dining includes the acclaimed Westbank Grill and The Handle Bar slopeside pub from the Michael Mina team. Additional amenities include free WiFi, valet parking, ski concierge, ski rentals, fitness center, Kids Club, game room, complimentary shuttle to Jackson, and over 2,000 pieces of museum-quality art throughout the property. Open year-round.

⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Fireside Resort - Click here for Rates and Availability. 

Jackson Hole's most unique lodging, a collection of LEED-certified modern rustic cabins tucked in the Teton wilderness just off Moose-Wilson Road, only 15 minutes from Grand Teton National Park! All 20 cabins feature a fireplace, full kitchen, separate bedroom and living room, private furnished deck with grill, flat-screen TV, and free WiFi. The resort also offers a communal hot tub, laundry facilities, free parking, and on-site Jeep Grand Cherokee rentals for exploring the parks in style. Pet friendly with doggie beds provided by the fire. Open year-round!

Click on this link or the map below to see additional vacation rentals and lodging options near the park.

Grand Teton National Park Guided Tours

Tetons and Snake River Scenic Float Trip in Jackson Hole
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🛶Check Rates and Availability

This would be, without a doubt, the tour I would choose! Take a relaxing rafting trip from Jackson Hole, drift down a scenic section of Wyoming's wildlife-laden Snake River, where moose, deer, river otters, and eagles can be seen from your raft. Be sure to bring your camera to photograph any wildlife that appears on the banks, and also capture the stunning landscape extending out from the Tetons.

Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in an enclosed or Open-Air Vehicle
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours |  🚌Check Rates and Availability

Join a local naturalist and guide for a ride in an open-air safari vehicle (seasonal) on dirt roads and on paved highways within Grand Teton National Park, where you scour the landscape at dawn or dusk for wolves, moose and elk. Look for eagles soaring overhead or deer walking through the woods, and there's even a chance that you can spot a bear roaming near the road. The guides also discusses the areas ecology, history, geology, and culture, and also stops so that you can take photos.

Grand Teton Half-Day Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours |  🚌Check Rates and Availability

Explore the highlights of Grand Teton National Park from either Jackson or Teton Village. Travel along the Gros Ventre River to the Mormon Row Historic District, Moose Junction, and other places where wildlife roam. Use the provided spotting scope and field glasses to get a close look at the animals like moose, elk, and eagles.

Grand Teton National Park Entrance Fee

Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

$25.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats

$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats

$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.

Additional Grand Teton National Park Resources

Grand Teton Wildlife Guide - Check out all of the epic animals you can see in the park and the best places to see them.

Best things to do in Grand Teton - Information on all the best things to do and places to see while in the park.

Mormon Row - Find out more about one of the top sites to see in the park.

Jenny Lake - Complete Guide to exploring Jenny Lake at Grand Teton National Park.

Cunningham Cabin - Complete guide to exploring Cunningham Cabin

 Oxbow Bend - Complete Guide to the Oxbow Bend Area

Schwabacher Landing - Complete guide to exploring the Schwabacher Landing Area

Grand Teton Campgrounds

Grand Teton Campgrounds - This is the complete guide to camping in Grand Teton National Park with all the front country campgrounds, including Colter Bay Campground, Colter Bay RV Park Campground, Gros Ventre Campground, Headwaters Campground, Jenny Lake Campground, Lizard Creek Campground, and Signal Mountain Campground.

Grand Teton Lodges

Grand Teton National Park Lodging Guide - Complete guide to all of the National Park Lodges in Grand Teton National Park, including Colter Bay Cabins, Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, Signal Mountain Lodge, Triangle X Dude Ranch, and Headwaters Lodge Cabins at Flagg Ranch.

Parks near Grand Teton National Park

Yellowstone National Park

Complete guide to Yellowstone NP - Check out everything you need to know to plan a visit to this epic park.

Glacier National Park

Epic Guide to Glacier National Park - Complete guide to exploring Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park Camping Guide - Complete Guide to all of Glacier National Park front country campgrounds

Glacier National Park Lodging Guide - Complete Guide to Glacier National Park Lodges

Additional Wyoming National Parks

John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway - Complete guide to John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway

Devils Tower National Monument - Complete guide to Devils Tower National Monument

Fossil Butte National Monument - Complete guide to Fossil Butte National Monument

Check out all of the National Parks in Wyoming along with neighboring National Parks in Colorado, National Parks in Idaho, Montana National Parks, Nebraska National Parks, South Dakota National Parks, and Utah National Parks

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