Murie Ranch

Murie Ranch is a cluster of rustic cabins across more than 73 acres on the west side of the Snake River, below the Teton Range. Olaus, Mardy, Adolph, and Louise Murie lived and worked here; the ranch is a rare chance to connect Grand Teton’s landscape with the conservation history built around it. Teton Science Schools still uses the grounds for learning programs.

Guided tours are seasonal. If you want the fullest account of the cabins and the Muries’ work, check the current schedule at Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center and arrange a docent visit; don’t count on walk-in access to the historic interiors. In winter the buildings close to the public, while historic paths remain available and self-guided material is offered on the Muries’ front porch. Parking is informal along an unpaved driveway near the former headquarters cabin.

The Murie families bought the STS dude ranch in 1945. Its cabins became a home base for their research, writing, and gatherings with other conservationists. The National Historic Landmark district’s period of significance runs from 1945 to 1980, when the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act was signed.

The ranch hosted the Wilderness Society’s 1953 annual meeting and served as a setting for work on the Wilderness Act of 1964. Olaus and Adolph Murie were pioneering wildlife biologists whose studies helped move wildlife management toward whole ecosystems. Mardy Murie later championed the 1980 Alaska conservation act, extending the family’s influence well beyond Wyoming.

Historic paths connect cabins through sage, meadow, and woods. One route runs from Frame Cabin toward the Snake River and former swimming holes; another loops through forest past beaver ponds. The buildings, river corridor, and surrounding habitat are part of the story here, so leave time to walk the grounds as well as learn about the Muries.