Photo above: One of the grand scenes from Grand Teton National Park, courtesy National Park Service: Photo right: Jackson Lake, circa 1902, courtesy Library of Congress.

Grand Teton Then

How the Park Started- From its controversial beginning, Grand Canyon National park began with six glacier lakes and the Teton Range with 96,000 acres in 1929. It would continue to add acreage, particularly when the Jackson Hole National Monument was added to park boundaries in 1950. And the controversy. Well, expansion of Yellowstone to the south was proposed as far back as 1897 and continued for the next twenty years, with special interests concerned about sheep grazing, ranching, and Jackson Hole businesses in the area halting initial proposals.

Menors Ferry Historic District - This area near the current Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center off Teton Park Road is the site where Bill Menor built a ferry to shuttle people from the east and west bank of the Snake River. Prior to 1890, there was no settlement on the west bank. Menor had come to the area in 1894 and began a homestead next to the river, building a ferry to cross from the east to the west. For ten years, he was the only settler on the west bank. Menor charged 50c for a wagon team and 25c for a rider and horse.

Photo above: Scene at the 1929 dedication of Grand Teton National Park. Courtesy National Park Service. Below: Summer scene in Grand Teton National Park. Courtesy National Park Service.

Grand Teton Now

Grand Teton draws visitors throughout the year, even during winter. The park is open year round, although some parts of the park are closed during cold weather months. It does get cold and snowy here, of course, with over 175 inches of snow each year.

There are scenic drives to take; Teton Park Road from Moose to Jackson Lake Junction, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, and Signal Mountain Summit Road, which ascends part of the range for great lookouts of the mountains, valley, and lakes. Some of these roadways are not accessible in bad weather. There are countless trails to take, for the novice or experienced hiker. With names such as Lupine Meadows, Taggert Lake, Menors Ferry, Granite Canyon, there should be one or more that will pique your interest and suit your needs and experience level. Ask at a park ranger station for the list. Within the park, or just outside, the activities seem endless. From the skiing or shopping opportunities in Jackson Hole and resorts nearby to musuems such as the National Museum of Wildlife Art (north of Jackson along Route 191/26/89). But all throughout your visit to the Grand Tetons, you'll be mesmorized by the peaks, which seem to rise endlessly into the sky, with one such peak, the Grand Teton rising to a height of 13,770 feet at its tip.

Lots of Mountains - The Grand Teton Range. This is the reason you probably came and it's beauty is worth the visit. At almost every turn, you can see the grand vistas of the Tetons, whether you see them on foot, while camping, climbing, fishing, or swimming. In winter, your ski or snowshoe vantage will recall a coating of white over the vista, which can be a wonder to behold.

Lots of Water - Although most associate Grand Teton National Park with the mountain peaks, many will be surprised with the amount of water in the park. The Snake River snakes through the entire park and there are many lakes, including the large body of Jackson Lake and smaller (by comparison) lakes such as Jenny, Leigh, Phelps, Emma Matilda, Two Ocean, and others. There are plenty of opportunities to fish, float, boat (including motor on Jenny and Jackson), take a tour or cruise, kayak, or windsurf.

Menors Ferry Historic District - Today, you can visit Menor's homestead cabin and country store, take a walk down the Menor's Ferry Trail, plus take a ride on a replica of his original crossing.