by Ian Farquharson

Created on: December 18, 2011   Last Updated: December 22, 2011

The state of Wyoming has some spectacularly beautiful landscapes to view and one of the top locations to take in the scenery is the Grand Teton National Park. Located in the northwest region of the state, the park offers visitors opportunities to enjoy the outdoor life in a majestic setting. This makes it a top tourist attraction in Wyoming and anyone who has the chance to visit the park should certainly take the opportunity to do so.

Park History

The history of Grand Teton National Park dates back to the late 1800s, when the idea for a national park in the area was first raised. However, the establishment of the park did not come about until the 1920s, with John D. Rockefeller helping in its creation. He bought a huge parcel of land in the area and donated it to the National Park Service, with this becoming part of the original layout. The park was created in 1929, with a bill signed by President Calvin Coolidge making this official. The original park included the Teton Mountain Range and a number of glacial lakes. This was enlarged in 1950 when President Harry S. Truman ratified the merging of the original park area and the nearby Jackson Hole National Monument. This created the Grand Teton National Park as it stands today and since the 1950s the park has welcomed millions of visitors to enjoy its attractions.

Location and How to Get There

Grand Teton National Park lies in the northwest area of Wyoming, around 10 miles to the south of the famous Yellowstone National Park and 8 miles to the north of Jackson. Interstates 25 and 90 lie to the east of the park, with Interstate 80 situated to the south. Access to the park can be gained by US 26, 89, and 191 to the south and US 26 and 287 to the east. For those looking to travel by air to the area, there are airports located in Jackson (Jackson Hole Airport) and Idaho Falls (Idaho Falls Regional Airport).

Operating Hours and Fees

The park remains open to the public year round, with the operating hours depending on the time of the year. The core hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., although earlier opening and later closing will generally be in operation during the warmer months of the year. Full details of the operating hours can be found on the National Parks Service website. A fee is charged for entry to the park, with a 7 day permit available. The fee will typically depend on the method of gaining entry. As of 2011/2012 the fee was $25 for per four-wheel vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, and $12 per person for hikers

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