Jackson Hole is full of Western charm, and you can experience it all year long. Pull up a saddle at a cowboy bar, browse shops filled with boots and hats or step into a museum where the stories of ranchers and homesteaders come to life. You don’t have to look far to find a piece of the Old West here, and these spots are some of the best ways to soak up Jackson Hole’s Western spirit.

Where Western Meets Art

Jackson Hole has become known as the “Western Art Capital of the World," and you can experience the art scene in Jackson Hole inside local art galleries and at local festivals.

The Jackson Hole Gallery Association includes 26 art galleries. You can visit most of these galleries on a stroll through the town of Jackson. Centered around Town Square, a visit to these galleries will give you a sense of how Western culture has shaped local artists.

Highlights include Native, which focuses on Western culture and lifestyle pieces; Gallery Wild, featuring fine art inspired by wildlife and wild places; and Mountain Trails Gallery, showcasing modern and classical Western Art.

Featuring both traditional and contemporary art galleries, West Lives On Gallery showcases the art scene in Jackson Hole. With sculptures, photography, paintings and mixed media by local and regional artists, West Lives On Gallery offers the unique opportunity to take home a piece of Western art to commemorate your visit.

The Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival is not to be missed! The festival takes place annually in September, and it features the nation's top Western, wildlife and landscape artists. Local galleries and venues host art-focused events, exhibits and auctions. 

Explore Jackson Hole's Cowboy Heritage

Jackson Hole offers many ways to immerse yourself in its Western Heritage. Learning the history of the area begins at the Jackson Hole History Museum. The Main Gallery in the museum showcases over 11,000 years of Jackson Hole history with interactive exhibits, historical artifacts and pull-out drawers with touchable items. Downtown walking tours are also available. 

For a first-hand observance of Cowboy culture, make plans to see the Town Square Shootout. This nightly event is the longest-running shootout in the country. Visitors can experience a reenactment of cowboys, outlaws and saloon girls singing, dancing and engaged in gunfights. The shootout is free to watch and it takes place nightly (except for Sunday) at 6:00 PM during the summer months at the northeast corner of Jackson's Town Square. 

Take some time to visit public works of art that depict the cowboy heritage of Jackson Hole. The Battle of Wills at the entrance to the Jackson Hole Airport depicts a bronc rider and their horse. Keep an eye out for WildWalls, a mural project that can be found around Jackson Hole, featuring temporary murals that combine conservation and local culture. 

Drink & Two-Step at Iconic Cowboy Bars

You can’t plan a trip to Jackson Hole without a visit to Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, a true Jackson cowboy experience. Known for its saddle bar stools and live music scene, this cowboy bar features local acts and big-name performers alongside cowboy-themed cocktails and local beers. The bar offers country-western dance lessons every Thursday night and live music nightly.

Located inside the historic Wort Hotel, the Silver Dollar Bar (named for the silver dollars literally embedded into the bar) is a popular spot for live music, handcrafted cocktails and dancing. Check out Bluegrass Tuesdays for live music and western swing dancing.

The Virginian Saloon is a laid-back locals’ hangout near the town square where you’ll find karaoke nights, and classic western drinks. It’s the perfect spot to experience Jackson Hole’s cowboy culture without the crowds of the downtown bars.

The Stagecoach Bar in nearby Wilson has been a Western fixture since 1942, known for its huge dance floor and disco night. Don’t miss the legendary Sunday “Church” tradition, when the Stagecoach Band packs the dance floor with their live country music.

Shop Like a Local Cowboy

Whether you’re ready to suit up head-to-toe in cowboy gear or simply want a keepsake from your trip, Jackson Hole’s local shops are packed with boots, hats, and authentic Western style.

Handmade hats can be found at JW Bennet's flagship shop in Jackson. Inspired by the mountains, rivers and culture of the area and created by women, these felt hats feature hand-branding and feather accents.

Kemo Sabe offers glamorous cowboy gear and hat personalization. The shop in Jackson is filled with belts, buckles, cufflinks, bolo ties, felt hats, turquoise jewelry and all the accessories you need to complete the cowboy look.

Shop from a curated selection of handcrafted cowboy hats, leather belts, and premium leather goods at Beaver Creek Hat & Leather Company, located in the heart of Jackson.

Boot Barn in Jackson offers affordable Western wear, including Wrangler jeans, Ariat boots, and cowboy shirts. They also provide in-person boot fitting, hat shaping and cleaning for new and pre-owned cowboy hats.