George Washington Memorial Park in Jackson — Online Webcam

The Historic Heart of Jackson Hole

In the very center of Jackson, a town nestled among the mountain ranges of Wyoming, lies a square officially known as George Washington Memorial Park. This name was established in 1932 as part of a nationwide movement to commemorate the first U.S. president in urban centers across the country. However, the official opening of the park took place two years later — in 1934, when the area was fully developed as a public space for residents and visitors of Jackson Hole.

At the center of the square stands a stone memorial dedicated to local veterans, and in 1939 a monument to John Colter — the legendary mountain man and one of the first Europeans to explore these lands — was installed here. Interestingly, the plaque that officially dedicated the park to Washington in honor of the president's 200th birthday did not appear until 1976. The creation of the park was actively supported by an organizing committee led by Olaus Murie — a renowned artist and naturalist whose work shaped the visual identity of many national parks in the West.

Elk Antler Arches: The City's Unique Symbol

The four corners of Town Square are adorned with unusual structures — elk antler arches that have become Jackson's signature landmark. Each one weighs more than 1,000 pounds (about 450 kg), and the total weight of all four structures exceeds 14,000 pounds (6,350 kg). The first arch appeared on the southwest corner of the square back in 1953, launching a tradition that has endured for more than seven decades.

The antlers for the arches are collected at the nearby National Elk Refuge — a vast protected area where enormous herds winter. Every year, Boy Scouts from the Jackson Hole troop head to the refuge and gather between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds of antlers for each arch. The structures are periodically dismantled and rebuilt from new materials to maintain their strength and aesthetic appearance. In 1976, stone facings were added to the arches, giving them a more monumental character and integrating them into the architectural ensemble of the square.

The Wildlife of Jackson Hole Valley

Jackson Hole is not simply a town at the foot of the Tetons — it is an entire mountain valley surrounded by national forests and parks. A herd of elk numbering approximately 11,000 animals inhabits the area — one of the largest in the region. In winter, they descend from the mountains to the National Elk Refuge, where they are fed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel.

But elk are not the only inhabitants of these lands. In the vicinity of Jackson, you can encounter grizzly bears and black bears, bison, wolves, and bald eagles. The mountain valley and adjacent wildlands represent critical habitat for numerous species, making Jackson Hole one of the best places in the continental United States for observing wildlife in its natural environment.

Events Calendar at Town Square

The square never sleeps. In summer, every evening from Monday through Saturday at 6:00 PM, the northeast corner hosts a live family Wild West show — a theatrical gunfight that transports audiences back to the era of cowboys and gold prospectors. Visitors can take a stagecoach ride around the park, and the Jackson Hole Historical Society offers walking tours of the town.

With the arrival of winter, the square transforms. An ice skating rink opens, and the elk antler arches are decorated with festive lights. The official start of the winter season is marked by an annual lighting ceremony, typically held on Friday evening after Thanksgiving. During Easter, an egg hunt is traditionally held here, and throughout the year the square hosts rallies, parade marches, knife-throwing competitions, falconry displays, Native American street dancing, the Jackson Hole Rodeo, beer and wine festivals, and "Music in the Hole" concerts.

What You Can See on the Camera

Webcam 1 in Jackson provides a live stream from the intersection of Broadway and Cache, capturing Town Square on the left side of the frame. The view encompasses the southwest corner of the historic square with one of the famous elk antler arches, the central section of the park, and the surrounding galleries with shops and restaurants.

The online camera operates 24/7, allowing viewers to observe urban activity, traffic conditions, and events in real time. During the day, tourist life bustles with hurrying pedestrians and passing cars, while at night the illuminated arches create a cozy mountain town atmosphere. In winter, the ice rink with skaters may appear in the frame, and in summer, spectators of the evening Wild West show. The live webcam opens a window into the very heart of Jackson Hole — a place where history, nature, and modern life intertwine.