National Museum of Wildlife Art

On a rainy or high-wind day, this is our go-to recommendation. Perched on a ridge overlooking the National Elk Refuge just outside Jackson, the museum houses one of the country’s most respected collections of wildlife and sporting art, from historic pieces to contemporary work — Rungius, Bierstadt, Remington, and more, alongside rotating exhibitions. The building itself is worth the visit; galleries are designed around framed views of the refuge, so you’re just as likely to spot real elk through the windows as painted ones on the walls. There’s a sculpture trail outside for when the weather clears, a well-stocked museum shop for gifts, and a café with a view if you want to linger over coffee. Plan on an hour or two to see the permanent collection properly, longer if a special exhibition is running. It’s an easy pairing with a Jackson town day — combine it with lunch and a stroll through the square. Indoor, low-key, and genuinely worth the drive even when the sun’s out. A great option to keep in your back pocket for whatever the mountain weather throws at you during your stay.