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National Elk Refuge

Why Visit?

Museum Tour Itinerary: National Elk Refuge

Morning: Visitor Center & Historic Miller House

Begin your exploration at the National Elk Refuge Visitor Center, where you can immerearly yourself in the refuge"s history through interactive exhibits. Learn about the ecology and management practices that help maintain the habitat for the elk and other wildlife. The Visitor Center is accessible via the free START Bus from downtown Jackson, which runs hourly. Make sure to check the schedule as it varies seasonally.

After your indoor introduction, step back in time with a short walk to the historic Miller House. This early 20th-century homestead provides a glimpse into the life of early settlers and their interaction with the land. Take a guided tour to hear fascinating stories about the family and the development of the refuge.

Midday: Ecological Tour & Photography

Arrange a guided ecological tour that departs from the Visitor Center, allowing you to venture deeper into the refuge. These tours are usually conducted in small groups in a shuttle bus, providing a closer look at the habitat and its occupants. It’s a fantastic opportunity for wildlife photography, so bring your camera! Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, birds of prey, and, of course, the majestic elk herds.

Afternoon: Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center

Conclude your museum tour with a visit to the nearby Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center. A short bus ride back towards Jackson, this center offers expansive displays and educational films about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It"s a perfect spot to relax and reflect on the natural beauty you"ve observed.

Wrap up your day with a soothing walk along the nearby pathways or enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the local cafes in Jackson, reflecting on the rich tapestry of wildlife conservation you’ve witnessed firsthand.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Snake River

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating museum tour along the scenic Snake River, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of history and culture of the region. Begin your journey in Idaho Falls, where you"ll visit the Museum of Idaho. Easily accessible from downtown, this museum is a treasure trove of both local and national history, featuring exhibits ranging from the development of the atomic reactor to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Make sure to catch the rotating special exhibitions that often feature national and international treasures.

Next, drive about 45 minutes west to the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot. This quirky museum, housed in the old Oregon Short Line Railroad Depot, celebrates Idaho’s most famous export, the potato. Here, you can learn about the agricultural history of the potato and even taste some unique potato dishes at the café — don’t miss the famous potato ice cream!

Continue your journey west for about two hours to Boise, the state capital. Here, explore the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, which offers a glimpse into the lives of the Basque communities not only in Idaho but also in their homeland countries. The museum, located in downtown Boise’s Basque Block, includes a restored boarding house that dates back to 1910, providing a unique view into the Basque way of life.

Each museum offers a unique slice of history and culture, enhanced by the stunning landscapes of the Snake River region. To enhance your trip, consider timing your visit to coincide with local festivals or special exhibitions, and always check museum opening hours and book tickets in advance where possible. This educational adventure offers not just insight into the past, but also a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultural influences that have shaped this fascinating area.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Yellowstone National Park

Why Visit?

Yellowstone National Park Museum Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

Fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, the nearest major airport to Yellowstone National Park. From there, rent a car for a scenic 90-minute drive to the park"s North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana. Check into one of the park’s lodges or nearby hotels, and prepare for an immersive journey into America"s oldest national park.

Day 2: Norris Geyser Basin Museum

Start your day early and head to the Norris Geyser Basin Museum, located at the Norris Junction, about a 40-minute drive from Gardiner. This historic museum, housed in a charming 1929 building, offers a fascinating introduction to the park’s hydrothermal phenomena. Learn about geysers, hot springs, and the park’s seismic activity through engaging exhibits. Don"t miss the Porcelain Basin - a short walk offers a glimpse of vibrant hot springs and steaming vents.

Day 3: Fishing Bridge Museum and Visitor Center

Drive to the Fishing Bridge Museum, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Norris. This classic 1931 building exemplifies the National Park Service rustic style. It provides insights into the Yellowstone Lake area’s ecology, including its native fish species and the dramatic geological forces that shaped the region. Afterwards, stroll along the nearby Lake Overlook Trail for panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America.

Day 4: Old Faithful Visitor Education Center

No visit to Yellowstone is complete without witnessing Old Faithful. Drive about 40 minutes west from Fishing Bridge to this iconic geyser. Before enjoying the eruption, explore the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. The center offers comprehensive exhibits on the park’s geothermal features and the science behind these natural wonders. Time your visit to catch an eruption, which occurs approximately every 90 minutes.

Day 5: Departure

Conclude your museum tour of Yellowstone with a reflective morning walk around the Upper Geyser Basin, then make your way back to Bozeman for your departure, filled with newfound knowledge and lasting impressions of the natural world"s wonders.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

National Museum of Wildlife Art

Why Visit?

Exploring the National Museum of Wildlife Art: A Day Among Nature"s Masterpieces

Nestled on a cliff overlooking the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the National Museum of Wildlife Art stands as a beacon of cultural heritage and natural beauty. This distinctive museum, with its facade of rough-cut sandstone that blends seamlessly into the landscape, is a premier destination for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Morning Arrival

Begin your day early to savor the tranquil morning views of the Elk Refuge. The museum is conveniently located just 2.5 miles north of Jackson’s town square, easily accessible by car via Route 89. Alternatively, take the START Bus for a hassle-free journey from various points in Jackson to the museum.

Mid-Morning: Masterpieces and Exhibits

Upon entering, you"ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring sculpture garden, a prelude to the artistic treasures inside. Allocate at least two hours to explore the museum"s galleries, which house over 5,000 artworks. The collection spans 2,500 years, featuring pieces ranging from ancient animal carvings to contemporary wildlife photography. Notable exhibitions include Carl Rungius’s vivid landscapes and the interactive "Children’s Discovery Gallery."

Lunch Break

Around noon, head to the Palate restaurant for a meal. It offers stunning views of the National Elk Refuge—perfect for a reflective lunch break.

Afternoon Deep Dive

Post-lunch, join one of the docent-led tours available daily, offering deeper insights into specific exhibits and artists. Don’t miss the museum’s crown jewel, the Rungius collection, the largest public repository of his work.

Sunset Closure

Wrap up your visit by strolling back through the sculpture trail as the sun sets, casting golden hues over the valley—an ideal end to a day steeped in artistic marvels and natural beauty.

Visiting the National Museum of Wildlife Art is not just a tour, but a journey through the intersection of art and wildlife, offering an enriching experience that resonates long after you leave.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Grand Targhee Ski Resort

Why Visit?

Immerse yourself in the unique alpine culture and heritage at Grand Targhee Ski Resort, tucked away in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest on the western slope of the Tetons. This destination, though renowned for its exceptional powder skiing, also offers a deep dive into the local history and environmental conservation efforts pivotal to the region.

Getting There

Grand Targhee Resort is most directly accessed through Driggs, Idaho. Flights to Jackson Hole Airport, followed by a scenic 1-hour drive, is your gateway to this secluded haven. Alternatively, Idaho Falls offers a less traveled but equally picturesque route approximately 1.5 hours away.

Museum Tour Itinerary

Morning – Teton Geotourism Center

Start your day in nearby Driggs at the Teton Geotourism Center. Learn about the flora, fauna, and geology of the Teton range. The center’s exhibits are rich with information on the native tribes and the ecological diversity of the area.

Midday – Local Artisans Visit

Head back to the resort and explore local craftsmanship at the Targhee Village Art Shack. Here, artists in residence showcase pottery, weaving, and other folk arts inspired by Teton landscapes. Engage with artisans for hands-on demonstrations and perhaps try your hand at a craft.

Afternoon – Historical Ski Tour

Post-lunch, join a guided historical ski tour around the resort. As you glide through the trails, your guide will share tales of the resort’s development, notable skiers, and the evolution of ski technology influenced by the rugged Teton terrain.

Late Afternoon – Sustainability Walk

Conclude your tour with a sustainability walk through the resort. Learn about Grand Targhee’s initiatives in preserving the pristine nature of the area, including water conservation and waste reduction efforts.

Wrap-Up

As the sun sets, reflect on the rich tapestry of culture, history, and environmental stewardship that Grand Targhee encompasses, making it much more than just a ski resort.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.