Jackson Hole on a Budget: Free and Cheap Things to Do
How to experience the best of Jackson Hole without breaking the bank
National Elk Refuge Viewing (Free)
The National Elk Refuge just north of town hosts over 7,000 elk from November through May, creating one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in North America. Pull over at any of the viewing areas along the highway and you'll see enormous herds spread across the valley floor with the Tetons as a backdrop. Bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and coyotes are also regularly spotted.
Pro Tip
Winter mornings offer the best viewing — the elk are active and the steam from their breath against the cold air is magical. Binoculars make a huge difference.
Town Square Antler Arches (Free)
The four arches made entirely of shed elk antlers at each corner of the Town Square are one of the most iconic sights in the American West. Each arch contains thousands of naturally shed antlers collected by Boy Scouts from the National Elk Refuge. The square itself is a pleasant park surrounded by Western-style boardwalks, galleries, and shops.
Pro Tip
The arches are beautifully lit at night. In summer, the Town Square Shootout — a free reenactment of an Old West gunfight — takes place at 6 PM Monday through Saturday.
String Lake (Free with park entry ($35/vehicle))
String Lake in Grand Teton National Park offers the warmest swimming in the park — a shallow, crystal-clear lake with a sandy bottom and stunning views of the Cathedral Group. The easy, flat trail around the lake is 3.7 miles and suitable for all fitness levels. Families with kids will find this far more enjoyable than the colder, deeper Jenny Lake.
Pro Tip
Arrive before 10 AM to get a parking spot in summer. Bring a picnic and plan to spend the morning — the views from the northeast shore are incredible.
Teton Pass Summit (Free)
The drive over Teton Pass on Highway 22 between Jackson and Victor, Idaho climbs to 8,431 feet and offers panoramic views of the Teton Range, the Snake River valley, and the vast Idaho farmland beyond. The summit parking area has a short trail to even better views. In winter, the coal mine warming hut near the top is a gathering spot for backcountry skiers.
Pro Tip
Drive the pass in the morning when the light hits the Tetons from the east. The descent on the Idaho side is steep — use low gear.
Jackson Hole Farmers Market (Free entry)
Every Saturday from late June through September, the Town Square transforms into a vibrant farmers market featuring local produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts, and live music. Wyoming ranchers sell elk jerky and bison sausage alongside organic vegetable farmers and bakers selling huckleberry pies.
Pro Tip
The huckleberry anything is a must-buy — the berries are hand-picked in the surrounding mountains. The breakfast crepes from the food vendors make this a perfect Saturday morning activity.
Budget Travel Tips for Jackson Hole
Traveling on a budget in Jackson Hole doesn't mean sacrificing quality — it means being strategic about where you spend. The activities above prove that some of the best experiences in the city are free or nearly so. Beyond these specific recommendations, here are some general principles: eat where locals eat (not where tourists eat), walk whenever possible (you'll see more and spend less), visit museums on their free days, explore parks and public spaces that cost nothing, and remember that the most memorable travel experiences are rarely the most expensive ones. Jackson Hole is a city that rewards the resourceful traveler — the one who packs a water bottle, downloads offline maps, and approaches each day with more curiosity than credit card swipes. The goal isn't to be cheap; it's to be intentional about spending money on the things that truly enhance your experience and skipping the overpriced tourist traps that add nothing to your trip.
Explore More
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We earn a commission at no additional cost to you when you purchase through our links.