John D Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway

John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway is located between Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

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John D Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway

The Rockefeller Memorial Parkway is small in comparison to its neighbors Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons and is a park that I had driven through several times before taking the time to stop and get familiar with it.

I was curious why it was just not part of one of the other two parks and to see what made this place special.

History

The Flagg Ranch is located just south of the South Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It was originally started as a United States Cavalry outpost in 1872.

The U.S. Army was the first people assigned to protect the resources of Yellowstone, America's first National Park which was created on March 1, 1872.

This would have made the Calvary part of the original thought of today's Park Ranger identity as they were assigned to protect the valuable herds and the valuable resources.

The Army continued to use this outpost until 1906 when the land was turned over to the U.S. Forest Service.

The Outpost was easily identifiable by the flags outside from the days of the Calvary and soon became a stopover for people traveling between Jackson, Wyoming, and Yellowstone.

Edward Sheffield established the Flagg Ranch in 1910 and named it after the Army Posts flags. The Original Log Ranch was destroyed by the 1981 fire but then rebuilt in 1995 and is the beautiful building that you see today.

How did it become a National Park Site?

John D. Rockefeller Jr. took after his incredible father and dedicated himself to a life of philanthropy. He was also a great conservationist.

He purchased thousands of acres of land then donated them to the National Parks! Land that he purchased went to Acadia, Shenandoah, and Grand Teton National Parks.

He donated 5 million dollars alone to buy lands in the Great Smoky Mountains "in the beautiful spirit of my mother".

His drive continued on to help with Yosemite, Mesa Verde, Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone National Parks leaving a tremendous legacy for the National Parks System.

For these reasons, Congress decided to dedicate 24,000 acres of land between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks as the John D Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway.

The road from the South Boundary of Grand Teton to the West Thumb of Yellowstone was also in honor of this great man.

Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch

Visit the Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch! I had a fantastic lunch at Sheffield's. The restaurant looks like an old game lodge with animal mounts and an inviting fireplace to keep you warm.

There is nothing like a cup of coffee and a bowl of Teddy Roosevelt's Western Chili made with braised Elk & Bison to warm you up on a cool day.

The Brinner Burger is one that I will not soon forget with its signature Huckleberry Jam. After a great meal, you can tour the gift shop, small grocery, or perhaps sit outside on a rocking chair.

There is also a trail near Flagg Ranch that is perfect for getting out and working off the Brinner Burger you just enjoyed.

Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch

This campground also has cabins and larger lodge rooms available between June to late September and makes for a great location for those wanting to explore both parks and have a little quiet time too.

Reservations can be made online or by calling (307)543-2861.

Old Stagecoach Road

You can still drive the old stagecoach road between Flagg Ranch and Ashton Idaho. Ashton was the nearest Union Pacific Railroad stop and the road is basically a 50-mile dirt road also referred to as Grassy Lake Road.

The road can be treacherous and heavily rutted but then again you may not see many people all day which is refreshing after fighting the crowds at the neighboring parks.

You will also find the Glade Creek Trailhead along this road and makes for a good stop along the way to get out and stretch your legs.

Remember me saying that I finally took the time to stop and to see what made this place so special? Well, I am sure that I got a lot more than I had bargained for!

I personally got caught up in the whole Rockefeller story of both John Rockefeller and his Son and their giving spirits.

They have left a tremendous legacy for everyone including future generations. I will think twice before passing another National Park site without stopping in first!

Additional Grand Teton National Park Information & Resources

Grand Teton National Park Lodging Options

Lodging 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.

Signal Mountain Lodge

🏨Ready to Book the Signal Mountain Lodge -> Click Here

Why Book here? How about rooms with jaw-dropping EPIC Views of Jackson Lake in the foreground and the Tetons in the background! There is nothing quite like sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee watching sunrise. The Signal Mountain Lodge is open from Early May to mid - October.

Jenny Lake Lodge

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Why stay here? This is by far, the closest accomodations to Jenny Lake and all of its wonders! Now you can get to the parking lot early and beat the insane crowds trying to get to this piece of heaven. The cabins are secluded and located east of Jenny Lake, this resort is a high-class destination for the well-pampered traveler. The dining room offers a prix fixe menu with a local and international flair. Open Early June to Early October.

Jackson Lake Lodge

🏨Ready to Book the Jackson Lake Lodge -> Click Here

Why stay here? The main lodge area is absolutely EPIC with sweeping panoramic views of the Teton Range and Signal Mountain from the full wall of windows! Don't forget to hang out by the fireplace and stop in a restaurant to enjoy the full lodge experience.

With spectacular dining in the world-renowned Mural Room, shopping opportunities in its three gift shops, guided activities, and a comprehensive conference facility. Its easy to see why this lodge draws thousands of guests from May through October each year.

Headwaters at Flagg Ranch

🏨Ready to Book the Headwaters at Flagg Ranch -> Click Here

Season - Early June to Late September

Why stay here? Location, Location, Location! The Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch is actually located on the Rockefeller Memorial Parkway just South of Grand Teton National Park, and just North of Yellowstone National Park. The cabins are very nice and makes it easy to explore both parks in one convient location.

Colter Bay Village Cabins

🏨Ready to Book the Colter Bay Village Cabins -> Click Here

Why stay here? these cabins are so cute and give the log cabin feel! They also provide easy access to the Colter Bay Marina and village. The historic cabins are over 90 years old and feel like you are stepping back in time but still have modern amenities. Open from Late May to Late September.

Lodging near Grand Teton National Park

Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole

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Do you want to stay in a hotel with 5-star old luxury charm, phenomonal spa treatments, concierge, and delicious dining? Consider a stay at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole and take advantage of the nightclub, and a terrace. Yoga classes are offered at the health club. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a hair salon and an arcade/game room.

Fireside Resort

🏨Ready to Book the Fireside Resort -> Click Here

Why Stay here? Super cute small cabins right off the Moose-Wilson Road! Cabins feature a spa tub, coffee/tea in a common area, and concierge services. Free Wi-Fi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, laundry facilities, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden are onsite. All 20 cabins boast fireplaces and offer free Wi-Fi and kitchens. Patios and living rooms are standard, as are flat-screen TVs with cable channels.

Click on 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.

2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

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 five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.