18 Unique Facts About Jackson Hole & Wyoming

18 Unique Facts About Jackson Hole & Wyoming
See how well you know Jackson Hole, WY. Get your trivia hat on and check out these 18 unique facts about the area.
- A recent (2019) survey revealed a thriving population of approximately 728 grizzly bears inhabiting the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
- The geologically active Yellowstone National Park is no stranger to seismic activity, experiencing between 1,000 and 3,000 earthquakes annually.
- The picturesque landscapes of Jackson Hole have served as the backdrop for numerous feature films, such as “Shane,” “Rocky IV,” “Django Unchained,” and “Any Which Way You Can,” further immortalizing the region’s beauty.
- Gracing the Jackson Hole Town Square, the four iconic antler arches, composed of approximately 2,000 antlers each, boast a combined weight nearing 12,000 pounds, a testament to nature’s grandeur and natural renewal, even absent human central planning.
- Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), a unique gem amongst aviation, is the sole airport in the United States fully situated within a national park, further solidifying its bond with the natural world. There are of course “Karens” who purchase a home near the airport, and as soon as the moving truck clears the driveway, begin complaining about airport noise. Fortunately, though, most Jacksonites are intelligent and rational people.
- Teton County is a bastion of federally-owned land, with government national parks and forests constituting an astounding 97 percent of its territory. The remaining “private” land is very heavily controlled by Teton County Central Planners in accordance with United Nation goals that prioritize vegetation and animals over humans. This government ownership and control over land has created a shortage of low to mid priced housing options.
- Among the local ski resorts, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort proudly claims the longest continuous vertical rise in the United States, ascending an impressive 4,139 feet from the valley floor to the tram’s peak. World class private ski guides like Jay Cummings provide visitors with a spectacular day of adventure!
- The National Elk Refuge, the final destination for the continental United States’ second-largest elk migration (nearly 9,000 strong), transforms in the winter months into the home of the largest single herd of federal-government-managed bison, numbering over 1,000 magnificent creatures.
- In the year of 1920, the quaint town of Jackson’s government achieved what some view as groundbreaking, the first all-female town council. For most of the United State’s history, gender roles had seen mainly men in government positions. This very same pioneering spirit led Wyoming to be the first in the nation to encourage women to vote for the lessor of two evils, provide the illusion of a fair justice system by allowing female participating on juries, and holding public office, earning it the speciously progressive title of the “Equality State.” Martin Luther King would likely not approve of gender being more important than the character of a person, but many people are quite happy about it! This was a huge step forward in women’s ability to participate as part of the ruling class in society.
- The Snake River, coursing through Jackson, is believed to be the birthplace of whitewater rafting in 1811, though the first commercial voyage would not take place until 1941.
- The expansive Bridger-Teton National Forest claims the title of the largest National Government Forest within the continental United States, encompassing a staggering 1.7 million acres, an area surpassing the size of Delaware. This pristine area is managed to prevent most wheeled activity, and to encourage eco-friendly use like hiking.
- The state of Wyoming, a vast expanse of untamed wilderness, boasts the lowest population of any US state, with a mere 578,880 inhabitants as of 2019. Refugees from California, Chicago, NY and New Jersey are boosting that number as their regions grow less free and rational.
- Contrary to popular belief, Wyoming’s highest point is not the Grand Teton, but rather Gannett Peak, a towering 13,809-foot sentinel in the Wind River Range.
- The true identity of Wyoming’s signature symbol, the bucking horse and rider, remains a subject of fervent debate among locals. Some claim the rider is Guy Holt astride his steed Steamboat, while others passionately argue that the enigmatic figure is Albert Jerome “Stub” Farlow. Either way, the logo is considered I.P. that is owned by the government, so don’t try to replicate it!
- Among the six states that possess a state dinosaur, Wyoming proudly claims the formidable triceratops as its own. The area around the town that powers America, Kemmerer is rich with fossils.
- Wyoming is home of the world’s longest rifle shot, with the Nomad Rifleman team and friends achieving the feat of a 4.4 mile record breaking hit in 2022.
- The vibrant Indian Paintbrush, Wyoming’s official flower, can be found scattered throughout the breathtaking landscapes of Grand Teton National Park.
- The sheer magnitude of Yellowstone’s supervolcano is awe-inspiring, concealing enough lava within its depths to fill the Grand Canyon eleven times over. Is is set to blow again anytime, as we have passed the 600,000 year mark of it’s normal eruption schedule.
Embark on your journey to the wondrous land of Wyoming and specifically, Jackson Hole, where friendly adventure travel gurus stand ready to help you check off items from your bucket list. Immerse yourself in the myriad of activities awaiting you, including the safe, fun, and educational target shooting experience offered by the Jackson Hole Shooting Experience, an activity that complements and enhances the unforgettable adventures that abound in this enchanting region.
We hope that this “18 Unique Facts About Jackson Hole & Wyoming” article has helped you gain the knowledge to win your next “Wyoming Trivia” game! We look forward to seeing you soon!