purduegrad

We are a 55ish couple working our way through the national parks. Last fall we spent two weeks in southern Utah visiting Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon and Zion (right during the government shutdown, but that's another story...)

We are making our first visit to Yellowstone and Grand Teton during the second half of September. For a variety of reasons (planned too late, don't have time to call every day looking for cancellations, and mostly because we avoid hotels whenever possible), we've rented two cabins -- five nights in West Yellowstone and five nights in Wilson -- so we can visit not only the parks, but the area in general.

We enjoy nature and scenery and hiking as much as anyone, and I have purchased "Yellowstone Treasures" and other guides for the parks. But we also like to explore the culture, history, dining, and entertainment options in places we visit. Since we will be there during the second half of September, which is late in the season, some things (like rodeos and summer concerts) are done for the year. But I have found things like the Jackson Tram, the Bar-T-5 Chuckwagon, Dornan's Chuckwagon (hootenanny on Monday nights!), the Jackson Playhouse ("Paint Your Wagon" this season) ... I'm pretty sure these are all still in operation in later September, but some may be winding down?

I would appreciate advice and suggestions for the best "non-nature" things to do at that time of year, in northwest Wyoming, eastern Idaho, or southern Montana. Since we do have 10 days, we have the time to drive a bit for something special. We live near Chicago, so "western" things are particularly attractive as something different than our daily lives, but we're open to most anything.

Thanks very much!

maxima

Jackson Hole is also a ski resort, so it doesn't completely shut down for the season after the summer. September is considered off season as its after the summer tourists and before the start of ski season. There is an art festival through September 14 and there are galleries in town as well as an assortment of shops.

The chuck wagon dinners and entertainment are purely for the tourists.
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If you will be in the vicinity of Cody Wy, the Buffalo Bill Museum is worth a visit, It is not just about Buffalo Bill, and includes exhibits on western history, art, and the local environment.

Pat_in_Mich

I second the suggestion for the Buffalo Bill Museum. We thought it was excellent.

purduegrad

Thanks very much! I'd welcome other suggestions, too!

caze17

The JH tram runs through Oct 5 this year, before closing for the off-season, so you should be good there.

With the right attitude, the chuckwagons can be fun, but they are definitely touristy. If you go for it, I would recommend the Bar J over Bar T-5. The Bar T-5 attracts people with a covered wagon ride, but it's pretty lame. Bar J has far superior entertainment and doesn't include a somewhat offensive "cowboys and Indians" re-enactment. Bar J is also close to your Wilson lodging.

Otherwise, JH has world-class dining and art galleries. The National Museum of Wildlife Art is worth visiting, especially if you like that style of art. The Fall Arts Festival runs Sept 3-14 so you will probably just miss it, but if not, check the website for a fun calendar of events.

Have a great trip!

purduegrad

Thanks again, everyone!

voyager61

Most of the cultural opportunities are in either Jackson or Bozeman. Livingston, MT is an adorable small town between Bozeman and Yellowstone with old-fashioned western neon signs. The Murray Hotel there is where Sam Peckinpah and others stayed while making a movie around there, and it has a really good restaurant. Chico Hot Springs is another idea for dining and relaxing in the hot springs, plus I think there is live music offered some nights.

Gretchen

An interesting geologic item in the area is the Gros Ventre Slide near Kelly.
How about a day of fly fishing.
Are you doing a float trip--even though that is "nature".

tomfuller

There is an Army cemetery just south of Mammoth Hot Springs. It's near the horse stables. All of the gravestones face east.

purduegrad

Well, that's interesting tomfuller. We'll check it out.

I appreciate the input. So far we've tentatively planned for a trip on the Beartooth Highway, a ride on the Jackson Hole tram, a night at the Jackson Playhouse, and a Snake River trip. Still have a month to plan details., so will check out the other suggestions. Really appreciate the recommendations!

Really looking forward to the trip!

jill_h

in West Yellowstone there is the Grizzly Bear Experience

http://www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.com/

Also, we visited this area last Sept. and it was very interesting. Caveat - my FIL was with us and he is a geologist so could provide a lot more information for us.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gallat...telprdb5127785

The National Museum of Wildlife Art is a nice stop. Great for a bad weather day.

http://www.wildlifeart.org/

The Miller Homestead in the National Elk Refuge

http://www.fws.gov/nwrs/threecolumn.aspx?id=2147509832

Head to the visitors center to get a map of all the "look-see" locations.

Definitely go see the Chapel of Transfiguration - beautiful view of the Tetons.

We enjoyed a couple of meals at The Lift, located at the end of Cache Street @ W. Snow King. Also enjoyed dinner at Cafe Genevieve on E. Broadway.