National Museum of Wildlife Art

The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming is one of the most distinctive and genuinely excellent art museums in the American West — a 4.8-star institution that earns its high rating through exceptional collections, extraordinary architecture, and a setting that is itself an artwork.

The building is built directly into a sandstone bluff on the edge of Jackson, facing the National Elk Refuge. The architecture mimics the natural rock formations, making the museum feel like it grew out of the hillside rather than was constructed upon it. From the windows and outdoor areas, the Elk Refuge spreads out below — in winter and spring, thousands of elk winter here, creating a wildlife spectacle visible from inside the gallery.

The collection spans wildlife art from ancient cave paintings through contemporary works, with particular depth in 19th and 20th-century American wildlife painting. The works of Carl Rungius (after whom the road is named), John James Audubon, and dozens of other masters who dedicated their careers to capturing North American wildlife are represented in a collection that is comprehensive and genuinely moving. For kids who love animals, seeing a life-size sculpture of a wolf pack or a painting that captures the exact expression of a grizzly bear creates a connection to art that more abstract works often don't.

The outdoor sculpture trail offers free access and connects the museum to its surrounding landscape in a natural way. Family programming including kids' art activities and interactive exhibits are regularly offered — check the schedule before your visit.

For a Jackson Hole family trip, the museum represents the cultural counterpart to the outdoor adventures the region is known for. It's beautiful, accessible, and worth every minute.