National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center

This is a shared visitor center in Jackson, with information for the National Elk Refuge, Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding Greater Yellowstone area. It’s a useful short stop for wildlife exhibits, maps, and trip advice before you head out. The center is in town, outside Grand Teton’s boundary, rather than along the park road.

After the indoor displays, head to the rear viewing deck and boardwalk beside the pond. They look over wetland habitat on the refuge, an easy place to pause and watch birds without adding a separate hike. Elk can be visible from here, but the season matters more than the view from the building.

The refuge was established in 1912 to help prevent wintering elk from starving. It now protects more than 24,700 acres of grasslands and wetlands. Elk typically use it from mid-December through early April, then move to higher summer ranges; if elk are the reason for your stop, plan for winter and treat a sighting from the center as a bonus.

The refuge is also part of Indigenous Tribes’ ancestral homelands, with human occupation in the region stretching back more than 11,000 years. The center’s wildlife displays give you a starting point for understanding the landscape beyond the famous winter herd.

The center brings together regional trip information, exhibits, maps, and a gift shop. It has accessible restrooms and wheelchair access. Hours vary with the season, so check the current schedule before making a dedicated trip. If you’re collecting Grand Teton passport stamps, this Jackson center doesn’t have them.