Jackson Lake Lodge
Iconic lodge in Grand Teton NP with breathtaking Teton views, offering a rustic, amenity-light experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Jackson Lake Lodge
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic lodge in Grand Teton NP with breathtaking Teton views, offering a rustic, amenity-light experience.
"The views are stunning, but the rooms need serious attention."
No AC? Open Windows!
Rooms lack AC. Open windows at night for cool air, but screens can be in rough shape. :zzz:
Book Dining Ahead
Reservations recommended for the Mural Room. Consider Pioneer Grille for breakfast. :forkandknife:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Lodge View
Main Lodge Lobby
Unparalleled panoramic views of the Teton Range from the spacious lobby with roaring fireplaces.
Mural Room Dining
Main Lodge
Enjoy cocktails and meals with a breathtaking backdrop of the Tetons. Reservations are advised.
Jackson Lake Overlook
Near the Lodge
A prime spot for sunrise and sunset, offering expansive views of Jackson Lake and the mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Rustic Charm (and Lack of AC)
Book Dining & Activities in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
No AC? Open Windows!
Rooms lack AC. Open windows at night for cool air, but screens can be in rough shape. :zzz:
Book Dining Ahead
Reservations recommended for the Mural Room. Consider Pioneer Grille for breakfast. :forkandknife:
Pack Layers
Evenings and mornings can be chilly, especially in the cottages. :cloud:
Bring Your Own Snacks
Limited options for quick bites. A microwave is not available in rooms. :apple:
Tips
from all over the internet
No AC? Open Windows!
Rooms lack AC. Open windows at night for cool air, but screens can be in rough shape. :zzz:
Book Dining Ahead
Reservations recommended for the Mural Room. Consider Pioneer Grille for breakfast. :forkandknife:
Pack Layers
Evenings and mornings can be chilly, especially in the cottages. :cloud:
Bring Your Own Snacks
Limited options for quick bites. A microwave is not available in rooms. :apple:
Embrace the Rustic
No TVs or modern amenities in rooms. Focus on the incredible views and nature. :mountain:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jackson Lake Lodge is lauded for its absolutely stunning Teton views and grand common areas, offering a classic national park lodge experience. However, many guests find the accommodations outdated, lacking essential amenities like AC and TVs, and overpriced for the condition. Dining can be hit-or-miss, with the views often overshadowing the food quality.
"Jackson Lake Lodge – Beautiful Views, But a Frustrating Stay
Jackson Lake Lodge boasts incredible views of the Tetons, but the overall experience was disappointing—and unfortunately, it impacted the quality of our family trip.
Room & Facility Issues:
No air conditioning or exhaust fan, which made the room stuffy and uncomfortable.
Windows don’t open fully, and there’s no screen door for airflow.
No TV in the room—something families really miss when trying to unwind at night. A simple smart TV with phone mirroring would go a long way.
Outdated design throughout: eight different light switches in one room, an old rotary-style phone, analog room keys, and a bathroom light fixture that looked unfinished.
One light fixture was actually falling out of the ceiling.
No microwave available—even the coffee cart lacked warming options.
Trash cans are tiny, and housekeeping isn’t offered unless you're staying more than two nights.
The room wasn’t very clean, and overall upkeep felt neglected.
Surprisingly, phone booths still exist on the property.
Amenities & Services:
No on-site activities, no bike delivery, and no shuttle services.
Website photos are misleading—likely AI-generated and don’t match the real cottages.
The concierge was friendly, but no real services were provided.
Without a car, you're very limited.
Dining:
Restaurant menu was underwhelming. While the options looked decent, we chose not to spend more money on-site due to our overall dissatisfaction.
Family Experience: Because of all the issues, our family was frustrated throughout the stay. There was constant nagging, and it became clear everyone was having less fun than we had hoped for. What was meant to be a relaxing, scenic getaway turned into a disappointing and stressful experience.
Positives:
Parking was easy.
The views are stunning—but you can enjoy those same views elsewhere in the park without staying here.
Final Thoughts: Jackson Lake Lodge has a great location, but everything else needs serious attention. Until updates are made and the guest experience is improved, it’s hard to recommend—especially for families looking to truly enjoy their time together.
One thing I forgot to mention: at night, the property is extremely dark with virtually no outdoor lighting. It was pitch black walking to the car, and honestly felt unsafe—especially for families with kids. A few path lights would go a long way in making the lodge feel more secure after sunset.
Sorry if this sounds a bit negative, but I don’t sugarcoat things—I just tell it like it is."
ScottyMo
"The common areas of Jackson Lake Lodge are truly impressive spacious and grand with two large fireplaces, ample seating, and breathtaking views of the mountains, lake, and meadow. It’s a beautiful place to relax, socialize, or just enjoy the scenery.
However, the room was in one of the older outlying buildings and showed its age. The carpet was old and musty, the bathroom fan was very noisy, and the bathtub drained slowly. There was no microwave, and overall, the room felt dated and in need of an update.
On a brighter note, the lodge features a charming 60s-style diner that adds a fun and nostalgic touch to the experience.
Overall, while the main lodge and setting are exceptional, the rooms outside the main building could use some improvements for the price charged."
AH - TR
"This facility is in a terrific location with all of the wonders of the GTNP close by. We enjoyed an expensive meal at the Mural Room, which was good but not exceptional. (The view WAS exceptional!) We had two wonderful, reasonable breakfasts at the Pioneer Grille. All of the staff were the best. The Grand Gifts shop has a plethora of awesome items which you normally don't find in a National Park. My wife purchased a Stetson there. The Teton Shop was more the type of shop you normally see at a NP (and it was nice, as well). All these surround a large lobby where you could grab a coffee and pastry and kick back in front of a fireplace or two. Our room, which was a cottage, was fine except we froze. We visited in May and it was not warm yet. When we got to the room, it might have been 55° in there. We cranked up the baseboard heater. I don't think the temperature ever got above 65°. Also not nice, the king bed was worn out and had serious sag issues. Otherwise, the room was nice and spacious, but those issues dropped a 5 review to 4s, which might still be generous considering the rate."
SP Haynes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jackson Lake Lodge is located in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. The closest major airport is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). From the airport, you can rent a car or arrange for a shuttle service to the lodge. Driving is the most common way to access the lodge and explore the park.
Yes, parking is generally easy and available at Jackson Lake Lodge. It's a convenient way to access the lodge and explore the surrounding areas of Grand Teton National Park.
While possible, it's very limited. Having a car is highly recommended for exploring Grand Teton National Park and accessing various trailheads and viewpoints from Jackson Lake Lodge.
A car is essential for exploring GTNP. You can drive to various viewpoints, trailheads, and other lodges like Signal Mountain. Consider a scenic drive along Teton Park Road. 
Jackson Lake Lodge is located in Grand Teton National Park, south of Yellowstone National Park. It's a popular stop for those traveling between the two parks, but it's not directly adjacent. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a park pass is required to enter Grand Teton National Park. You can purchase passes at the park entrance stations or in advance online.
Jackson Lake Lodge typically operates seasonally, usually from mid-May through early October. Dining facilities like the Mural Room have specific hours that vary. It's best to check the official website for the most current operating dates and times.
Accommodations at Jackson Lake Lodge can be pricey, especially for the views. Prices vary depending on the room type (lodge room vs. cottage) and the season. Expect costs to be comparable to other in-park lodging.
Yes, you can book accommodations and make dining reservations (like at the Mural Room) through the Grand Teton Lodge Company website or platforms like OpenTable.
Discounts are not commonly advertised for Jackson Lake Lodge. It's advisable to check for any seasonal promotions or package deals directly on the Grand Teton Lodge Company website.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main lodge offers stunning views, fireplaces, and seating areas. Rooms typically have basic furnishings, a small fan, and windows that open. Notably, there is no air conditioning or TV in the rooms.
No, the rooms at Jackson Lake Lodge do not have air conditioning. Guests are advised to open windows for ventilation, though screens may be in poor condition.
No, televisions are not provided in the rooms at Jackson Lake Lodge. The focus is on enjoying the natural surroundings and the lodge's common areas.
The views from the main lodge are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the Teton Range and Jackson Lake. Views from the cottages are more limited. +1
The lodge itself doesn't offer many organized activities. However, its location provides easy access to hiking, boating on Jackson Lake, and scenic drives within Grand Teton National Park. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Jackson Lake Lodge has several dining options, including the Mural Room (reservations recommended), the Pioneer Grille (good for breakfast), and a coffee cart. Some guests found the restaurant menu underwhelming.
The Mural Room offers incredible Teton views with your meal. While some find the food good, others feel it's expensive for what it is. The view is consistently praised.
Yes, breakfast is available at the Pioneer Grille, which is often described as a reasonable and good option.
Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant staff at the Mural Room or Pioneer Grille upon arrival.
While you can bring snacks, there are no microwaves in the rooms to reheat leftovers, and dining on-site can be expensive. Many visitors opt to bring their own food for picnics. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The lodge's main lobby offers iconic Teton views. The Jackson Lake Overlook is excellent for sunrise and sunset. Driving around the park reveals spots like Oxbow Bend and Schwabacher Landing.
Absolutely! The Jackson Lake Overlook is a prime spot for sunrise, often less crowded than other popular locations. The lodge itself also provides stunning sunset backdrops.
Early morning (sunrise) and late afternoon (golden hour before sunset) offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing the Tetons' grandeur.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, be mindful of private rooms and respect any posted signage. Drone usage may be restricted within national parks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is recommended for sunrise/sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a cottage for potentially more space, but be aware of the rustic nature. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as on-site dining can be expensive and options are limited.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) when prices might be slightly lower. Alternatively, explore camping options within Grand Teton National Park or look for more budget-friendly accommodations in the town of Jackson, though this will mean more driving to reach the lodge and park attractions.
💑 Couples Retreat
The lodge's common areas, with their grand fireplaces, provide a cozy setting for intimate conversations. Consider booking a cottage for added privacy, though be prepared for its rustic nature.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Accommodations: Lodge vs. Cottages
The cottages are situated a short walk from the main lodge and offer a more secluded experience. While they also lack AC and TVs, they are generally considered more spacious. It's important to note that the views from the cottages are limited, and some guests have reported them feeling dated or in need of updates, with issues like slow-draining tubs or worn-out beds.
When booking, it's crucial to specify whether you are reserving a room in the main lodge or a cottage, as the experiences and amenities can differ. Some reviews suggest that the website photos might be misleading, so managing expectations is key.
Dining Experiences at Jackson Lake Lodge
For a more casual experience, the Pioneer Grille is often cited as a good option for breakfast, offering reasonable prices and decent food. There's also a coffee cart in the main lodge for quick bites and beverages.
It's worth noting that no microwaves are available in the rooms, and housekeeping is limited for shorter stays, so planning your meals and snacks accordingly is advisable.
Capturing the Grand Tetons: Photography Tips
Beyond the immediate vicinity of the lodge, the surrounding Grand Teton National Park is brimming with photographic gems. Key locations like Oxbow Bend and Schwabacher Landing offer classic Teton reflections and are popular for a reason.
For wildlife photography, keep your eyes peeled along the park roads, especially during dawn and dusk. When planning your photo expeditions, remember that the golden hours—shortly after sunrise and before sunset—provide the most dramatic and flattering light.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit