The Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center is the gateway to one of America’s most breathtaking national parks—Grand Teton.
15-20 Minutes
Spring, Summer, Fall
$35 Park Entrance Fee
Overview
Situated in the heart of Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is renowned for its jagged peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The Craig Thomas Visitor Center offers a rich introduction to this iconic landscape with views of the Teton Range, blending the history of indigenous tribes, culture, and beauty of the park with a strong tradition of rustic architecture that invites visitors to explore both the natural and cultural significance of the region.
Ryan using binoculars to see the wildflowers up close
Tyler showing off his bear bell on the way to the visitor center
Craig Thomas Visitor Center Plan
Every time we go to a national park, we always stop at the first visitor center that we come to. For Grand Teton, that was the new Craig Thomas Discovery Center since we came in through the south entrance. The visitors centers in the United States National Parks are the best place to get updated information about the park, closures, wildlife sightings, and trail suggestions. We like to talk with the rangers about our planned outdoor activities, pick up a Junior Ranger booklet for the boys, and get a stamp for our Passport Books. You can also purchase backcountry and boating permits at the visitor center.
Getting There
Location
Grand Teton National Park is located in the northwestern part of Wyoming. The closest airport is Jackson Hole (JAC), which is also the name of the closest town to the park. We flew into Jackson Hole but stayed just over the mountain in Driggs, Idaho on our first trip to the park and in Victor, Idaho on our second trip to the park.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Grand Teton National Park is late spring-early summer in May and June or in the early fall months of September and October. You don’t have the heat or crowds that summer break brings, but you aren’t snowed in, either.
Craig Thomas Visitor Center
Who Can Go?
The visitor centers are open to anyone who visits the National Park.
What You'll See
As you walk up to the visitor center, you’ll go through a sagebrush meadow with a view of the grand expanse of the Teton Range. Outside of the building are some life-size wildlife sculptures, an arrangement of logs, and stone outcroppings.
Inside the visitor center is a variety of exhibits and interactive displays including a three-dimensional park map. You can also watch the 24-minute high-definition movie called Grand Teton National Park: Life on the Edge or the new film called Animal Trails: Rediscovering Grand Teton Migrations.
Wildflowers outside the visitor center
Wildflowers outside the visitor center
What to Bring & Wear
Make sure to bring your National Park Passport Book to get a cancellation stamp. There’s also the Grand Teton Association Park Store run by the Grand Teton National Park Foundation inside the visitor center.
Where to Go
The Craig Thomas Visitor Center is located along the Snake River near the intersection of Teton Park Road and Highway 89/126/191 just past Moose Junction.
How Long Does it Take?
The amount of time you’ll spend at the Craig Thomas Visitor Center is based on how long you want to look through the exhibits and how busy the park is. We usually plan at least 15-20 minutes at each visitor center, unless we want to watch the park movie which takes more time.
Cost
There is no cost to go to the visitor center, but you will pay a park entrance fee of $35 per private vehicle which is good for 7 days from the date of purchase. Also, you may want to plan some spending money in the gift shop for those souvenirs you collect.
Tyler & Ryan outside of the Craig Thomas Visitor Center
Tips for Craig Thomas Visitor Center
- The visitor center is on the left when traveling north on Teton Park Rd., and there is a large parking lot on both sides of the road.
- Make sure to ask about a ranger program such as guided talks, wildlife viewing, hikes, and evening programs.
- From the visitor center, you can get to the Grand Teton Scenic Drive with views of the Teton Range, Jackson Lake, and the Snake River. You can also easily get to the most famous destination in the park, Jenny Lake.
- The visitor center is open daily from spring through late fall. From May 1-June 4 from 9 AM - 5 PM, and October 1-October 31 from 9 AM - 5 PM.