Jackson Town Square and the Iconic Elk Antler Arches

At the heart of Jackson lies one of Wyoming's most photographed and beloved landmarks: the Town Square with its magnificent elk antler arches. This historic gathering place, formally known as George Washington Memorial Park, serves as the cultural, civic, and social center of our community while attracting visitors from around the world.

The Famous Elk Antler Arches

The Town Square is distinguished by four spectacular arches constructed entirely from naturally-shed elk antlers. These architectural marvels grace each corner of the park, creating iconic entry points to the square and providing unforgettable photo opportunities for countless visitors each year. The arches have become synonymous with Jackson and represent our community's deep connection to wildlife and natural heritage.

Each arch contains approximately 2,000 complete elk antlers and weighs between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds. The antlers are woven and stacked in intricate patterns that create strong, stable structures reaching heights of over 12 feet. Despite their massive size and weight, the arches have a graceful, organic quality that celebrates the beauty of these natural materials.

History of the Arches

The first elk antler arch was constructed in 1953 on the southwest corner of the Town Square. The project was initiated by local residents who recognized that the thousands of elk antlers shed annually on the nearby National Elk Refuge could be transformed into a unique landmark celebrating Jackson's wildlife heritage. The success and popularity of that first arch inspired the creation of three additional arches.

Between 1966 and 1969, the Jackson Hole Rotary Club funded and organized the construction of arches on the remaining three corners of the square. This community effort involved countless volunteers who sorted, cleaned, and carefully assembled thousands of antlers into the structures that now define Jackson's downtown. The Rotary Club's vision and dedication created a lasting legacy that continues to draw admiration and wonder more than 50 years later.

The arches require periodic maintenance and occasional reconstruction to ensure structural integrity and public safety. Over the decades, community volunteers and organizations have rallied to preserve and restore these treasured landmarks, demonstrating Jackson's commitment to maintaining its heritage.

The Boy Scout Elk Antler Auction

Each spring since 1967, Jackson Hole Boy Scouts have conducted the famous elk antler auction as a fundraising event. Scouts collect antlers that elk naturally shed each winter on the National Elk Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This annual tradition serves multiple purposes: it provides fundraising revenue for Boy Scout programs, removes antlers from the refuge (preventing overcrowding and nutrient depletion), and supplies antlers for crafts, artwork, and arch maintenance.

The antler auction has become a significant community event, attracting buyers from across the country who purchase antlers for various purposes including furniture making, chandelier construction, decorative arts, and jewelry. Proceeds from the auction support Scout activities and contribute to habitat preservation on the National Elk Refuge. This sustainable harvest program demonstrates how wildlife resources can be managed responsibly while supporting community programs and conservation efforts.

George Washington Memorial Park

The Town Square's formal name honors George Washington, the first President of the United States. The park encompasses approximately one city block in the center of downtown Jackson, providing green space, walking paths, and seating areas where residents and visitors can relax and enjoy the mountain atmosphere. The park hosts numerous community events throughout the year, serving as a true town commons in the best tradition of American civic spaces.

Mature trees provide shade in summer, while holiday lights create a magical winter atmosphere. The park's central location makes it the natural gathering point for community celebrations, art fairs, concerts, protests, and informal social interactions. This public space embodies the democratic values and community spirit that have characterized Jackson since its founding.

Cultural and Economic Significance

The Town Square and its elk antler arches have immense cultural and economic significance for Jackson. The arches are recognized worldwide as symbols of the American West, wildlife conservation, and Jackson Hole's unique character. They appear in countless photographs, films, advertisements, and media coverage, providing invaluable publicity for the community.

For local businesses surrounding the square, the arches draw visitors who shop, dine, and explore downtown Jackson. The concentration of galleries, shops, restaurants, and services around the Town Square creates a vibrant commercial district that benefits from the landmark's attraction. Many businesses consider the arches essential to Jackson's identity and economic vitality.

Culturally, the arches represent Jackson's values: respect for wildlife, stewardship of natural resources, community collaboration, and pride in our unique mountain heritage. They remind residents and visitors alike that Jackson exists within a spectacular natural environment that deserves protection and appreciation.

Visiting the Town Square

The Town Square and elk antler arches are accessible year-round and free to visit. The arches are beautifully illuminated at night, creating dramatic photo opportunities. Visitors should be respectful of these structures by not climbing on them or removing antlers, ensuring that they remain intact for future generations to enjoy.

Throughout the year, the Town Square hosts various events including:

• Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival
• Old West Days celebration
• Summer concerts and performances
• Holiday lighting ceremonies and festivities
• Community gatherings and civic events
• Farmers' markets and craft fairs

The square is surrounded by boardwalks and western-style storefronts that preserve Jackson's frontier heritage while housing modern businesses. This blend of historical character and contemporary amenities makes the Town Square a destination that appeals to diverse visitors while serving the daily needs of local residents.

For information about events at the Town Square and downtown Jackson, contact the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce.

Wildlife Conservation Connection

The elk antler arches symbolize Jackson's commitment to wildlife conservation and coexistence with nature. The nearby National Elk Refuge provides winter habitat for thousands of elk, and residents regularly encounter wildlife including moose, deer, bighorn sheep, and occasionally bears and wolves. This daily proximity to wild animals shapes Jackson's identity and reminds us of our responsibility to protect the ecosystems that support remarkable biodiversity.

The sustainable harvest of shed antlers for the Boy Scout auction and arch maintenance demonstrates how communities can utilize natural resources responsibly without harming wildlife populations. Elk shed their antlers naturally each spring, and collecting them from the refuge prevents the accumulation of excessive calcium and phosphorus that could alter soil chemistry and vegetation patterns.

The Town Square arches thus represent more than aesthetic appeal; they embody the relationship between human communities and wild nature that defines life in Jackson Hole.