Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

How to Spend a Rainy Day in Jackson Hole: Indoor Activities & Cozy Spots

Colby Murphy

07/23/25


Jackson Hole, Wyo., is renowned for its endless outdoor adventures, from skiing in winter to hiking and wildlife watching in summer. However, even in this outdoor paradise, the weather can sometimes turn, bringing rain or snow that keeps you from the trails or slopes. But a rainy day in Jackson Hole is far from wasted; it simply invites you to discover the valley's rich array of indoor activities and cozy havens.

Instead of letting a change in weather dampen your spirits, embrace the opportunity to explore a different side of Jackson Hole's charm. The indoor activities in Jackson Hole WY cater to various interests, offering cultural enrichment, active pursuits, relaxation, and delicious ways to spend your time.

Immerse Yourself in Wildlife Art at the National Museum of Wildlife Art

The National Museum of Wildlife Art is a true gem in Jackson Hole. It offers an inspiring indoor escape with breathtaking views of the National Elk Refuge. Perched on a hillside just north of the town of Jackson, this museum is the nation's only one dedicated solely to wildlife art. It showcases American and European fine art from the 18th to the 21st centuries.

You can wander through 14 galleries with over 5,000 cataloged items, including paintings, sculptures, and various media depicting wildlife worldwide. The museum consistently features rotating exhibits, such as "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" (through August 2025) or "Prismatic Menagerie: Origami-Inspired Sculptures by Hacer" (through May 2026). Beyond the art, the museum offers a shop, an interactive children's gallery, and Palate, a restaurant with indoor dining and views of the National Elk Refuge.

Step Back in Time at the Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum

For those interested in the rich heritage of the American West, the Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum offers a fascinating journey into the valley's past. Located in downtown Jackson, this museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the unique stories of the region and its early settlers.

The 13,000-square-foot campus opened in June 2024 and is nearly double its previous size and offers an immersive experience. You can explore a gallery with artifacts, videos, and interactive kiosks detailing the land and geography, community development, and early homesteading life. Displays feature items like early skis from 1920 or a Hoback rifle from the mid-1800s. The museum also includes the historic Karns cabin, built in 1898, offering a tangible glimpse into early frontier life.

Catch a Show at the Jackson Hole Playhouse or Center for the Arts

Jackson Hole offers excellent live entertainment options, perfect for a rainy afternoon or evening. The local performing arts scene offers a range of experiences, from Western-themed dinner theater to contemporary performances.

The Jackson Hole Playhouse is a historic venue in downtown Jackson known for its summer-long live theatrical performances. Before the nightly performance, you can opt for a dinner and show experience in their attached Saddle Rock Saloon, immersing yourself in a classic Western theatrical tradition. For broader cultural offerings, the Center for the Arts hosts a diverse calendar of events, including films, concerts by touring artists like Ben Folds, and theatrical performances by groups like the Off Square Theatre Company.

Indulge in a Spa Day

A rainy day is the perfect excuse to indulge in some pampering and relaxation at one of Jackson Hole's luxurious spas. Many of the valley's high-end resorts offer comprehensive spa services to rejuvenate body and mind.

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole offers a full-service alpine spa where you can enjoy massages, customized facials, body wraps, and soothing rituals inspired by the surrounding mountain wilderness. Another notable option is SpaTerre Teton Village, which blends modern wellness treatments with natural elements. These spas provide serene escapes with a range of therapeutic services.

Explore Local Breweries and Distilleries

Jackson Hole's craft beverage scene offers warm and inviting indoor spaces perfect for sampling local brews and spirits on a damp day. The valley has several breweries and a distillery, each with its own character and selection.

Snake River Brewing, Wyoming's oldest brewpub, is located in Jackson. It offers a full menu of tasty eats, 12 beer taps, and a cozy, living room-style dining area. They also have games like pinball and foosball. StillWest Brewery & Grill, also in Jackson, features an open-air, mountainside patio (often covered) overlooking Snow King Mountain and a brew-house-facing bar. It serves artfully crafted beers and scratch-made menus.

Challenge Yourself at the Indoor Climbing Gym

For those with a more active inclination, the Teton County Parks and Recreation Department offers a state-of-the-art indoor climbing gym. This facility provides an excellent opportunity to stay active and challenge yourself regardless of the weather outside.

The 9,695-square-foot gym caters to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned experts. It features two 15-foot-tall bouldering walls and 50 roped climbing routes with a maximum height of 37 feet. They also offer a 37-foot crack climb and a Moon Board for training. You can rent climbing harnesses and shoes, making it accessible for a spontaneous adventure.

Catch a Movie at Jackson Hole MovieWorks Cinema

When the weather calls for a classic indoor pastime, catch a movie at MovieWorks Cinema 4. This independently-owned movie theater provides the latest blockbuster films in a modern setting. The cinema features luxury recliner seating and all-digital projection, ensuring a comfortable and immersive viewing experience. You can enjoy classic movie snacks like popcorn and candy, making it a perfect way to relax and unwind on a rainy day.

Engage in Family Fun at the Jackson Hole Children's Museum

For visitors with younger companions, the Jackson Hole Children's Museum offers engaging and imaginative indoor activities. This museum provides a stimulating environment where kids can learn through play, making it an excellent rainy-day option for families.

Kids can engage in exhibits encouraging imaginative play and participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities. The museum provides hands-on experiences designed to spark curiosity and creativity, offering a fun and educational escape from the elements. It’s a dedicated space where children can burn off energy and explore in a supportive environment.

Cozy Up at Jackson Hole's Best Cafes

A rainy day in Jackson Hole is ideal for finding comfort in a local cafe, sipping a warm beverage, and soaking in the cozy atmosphere. The town offers several charming spots ideal for lingering, reading, or quiet conversation when the weather outside is less inviting.

  • Persephone Bakery, located just off the Town Square, is a beloved spot known for its artisan coffee, flaky pastries, and warm, elegant ambiance.
  • Its sister café, Picnic, located in West Jackson, offers a slightly more modern feel with ample seating inside and out.
  • Cowboy Coffee Co., right in the heart of Town Square, has a rustic vibe with house-roasted coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
  • Snake River Roasting Company also offers a cozy two-story venue with delicious coffee and food.

Work with Colby Murphy for Jackson Hole Real Estate

If you're ready to buy or sell in Jackson Hole, Colby Murphy brings the energy, experience, and drive to help you succeed. With a background in competitive cycling and a proven track record in luxury real estate markets like La Jolla and Rancho Santa Fe, Colby thrives in high-performance environments.

Colby pairs an intense work ethic with a commitment to protecting his clients’ interests through every step of the transaction. Whether you're seeking a legacy home in the Tetons or looking to make a strategic move in a competitive market, Colby’s attention to detail and deep local insight will make the difference. With a lifestyle rooted in the Jackson Hole community and a professional focus on real estate excellence, Colby is your trusted guide to buying or selling in this extraordinary place.

Reach out today to get started. Browse real estate in Jackson Hole here.



Colby Murphy

Colby Murphy

About the Author

Born in the land of the Delta Blues, Colby Murphy grew up as a nationally ranked cyclist and avid outdoorsman. Colby's addiction for competition took his amateur cycling career through college, capturing silver at the USAC National Championship and a spot on Team USA for the 2013 UCI World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand. While attending Middle Tennessee State University, Colby volunteered coaching youth athletes in addition to interning with the D1 NFL Combine Camp in Nashville, Tennessee. It was freshman year when Colby was exposed to the magic of Jackson Hole. Instantly attracted, he began splitting his time to ski Jackson every year thereafter.

Upon publishing research in the International Journal of Exercise Science and receiving his bachelor’s degree, Colby immediately relocated to Southern California in pursuit of his professional cycling career. Once retired from competition, Colby quickly found himself as a top producing sales professional serving owners of high end luxury real estate in areas of San Diego including Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla, and Coronado. With his affection for luxury property, history with Jackson Hole, and prior connection to Christie's International Real Estate, Colby saw a clear path and executed a move to Jackson. In his spare time, he now enjoys turning laps at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and giving back at Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding Association.

Colby is fortunate to have been raised around admirable examples of what drive, tenacity and resilience can yield. His father, a self-made entrepreneur, and uncle, an owner of the Christie's affiliate brokerage in San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City, both inspired Colby's ambitions from an early age.

Now, Colby has positioned himself among some of the most respected networks in the industry. He feels proud and blessed to have established relationships with multiple Christie’s affiliate owners and associates spanning multiple cities, states, and countries. Colby has also recently become a member of REALM™, the first globally collaborative real estate collective designed to empower the real estate professional by curating new relationships and matching qualified buyers based on lifestyle experiences and passions rather than search criteria.

In a market where there are as many agents as annual transactions, Colby represented clients from Australia, the UK, Mexico, and several U.S. states in his first year alone. He applies the principles and work ethic he learned through sport and his impressive circle of mentors to ensure he creates the highest value for his clients. Always elevating, always seeking excellence, his acquired values and attributes provide a successful combination that will ensure your selling or buying experience is a win.

Work With Us

Colby applies the principles and work ethic he learned through sport and his impressive circle of mentors to ensure he creates the highest value for his clients.

Follow Us