Only have one day to visit Grand Teton National Park? Check out our list of must-visit sights and stops in this stunning national park.
Grand Teton is located only a few miles outside of Yellowstone National Park. There is even an entrance between the two parks on the north end of Grand Teton. If you do not have an Interagency Pass/ America the Beautiful Park Pass, you will pay entrance fees to both parks when traveling through.
The areas around the Grand Teton mountain range and its lakes were established as a national park in 1929 in order to protect the land from commercial exploitation. The protected area was extended into the surrounding valley in 1950. – National Park Foundation
1. Craig Thomas Discover and Visitor Center
A fantastic visitor center with beautiful historical and cultural exhibits, artifacts, and wildlife. It is a great place to stop for visitor information, backpacking and boat permits, restrooms, park movie, and junior ranger program. There is a park store located in the Visitor Center with snacks, park gifts souvenirs, and a stamp station for your national park passports.
2. Grand Teton Scenic Drives
Scenic Park Loop: Starting from the Visitor Center, take the park loop going north on Highway 191. This gives you access to the famous Mormon Row, the very scenic Schwabacher Landing, as well as wildlife viewing opportunities along the Snake River and its surrounding meadows.
Bison Crossing: We were stopped as a huge herd of bison made its way across the road!
Traveling south on Teton Park Road will give you the best views of the Teton Range on your way back down the loop. It also provides easier access to the scenic overviews, parking areas, and many of the trailheads that are on the right side of the road.
You’ll find additional scenic drives at Jenny Lake, Moose-Wilson Road, and Signal Mountain Summit Road.
3. Mormon Row Historic District
Visit Mormon Row and learn about the early settlers of this area. A few buildings from the original homesteads still stand, including the Chambers Homestead and the famous Moulton Barns.
The morning light makes for epic pictures of the Moulton Barns, some of the most iconic barns in the US, with the Teton Range as a stunning backdrop.
4. Schwabacher Landing
Schwabacher Landing was once used to launch boats down the Snake River. The river has since changed course and has left behind a pretty pond surrounded by lush grasses, cottonwood, and spruce trees. On a calm day, you can see a picturesque reflection of the Teton Range in the still waters. This is a beautiful area for a walk along the riverside trail, a picnic, and stunning photography.
5. Other Popular Grand Teton Stops: Jenny Lake, Signal Mountain, and Jackson Lake
These are all beautiful scenic sights along Teton Park Road. Each stop has a lodge, parking, and amenities. They are very popular stops, so if you only have a day to visit the park, we recommend choosing one of them to explore.
Jenny Lake is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Grand Teton. It’s a beautiful lake at the base of the Teton Range. Visitors can swim, paddle, kayak, boat, wildlife view, or hike on one of the park’s many popular trails. There is a large parking lot at Jenny Lake, however in the summer especially, parking fills up quickly.
In just one day, you can experience the breathtaking beauty and diverse attractions of Grand Teton National Park. From the informative Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center to the picturesque Schwabacher Landing, and the historic Mormon Row, each stop offers a unique glimpse into the park’s natural and cultural heritage.
Whether you’re captivated by the scenic drives, the serene lakes, or the majestic Teton Range, your visit to Grand Teton will be an unforgettable adventure. Find more of our favorite national parks here.
Happy Travels!
