The Wyoming Information Center is combined with the Jackson Hole Visitors Council and Chamber of Commerce. The location Is three blocks north of the Town Square at 532 N. Cache, PO Box E, Jackson, WY 83001. Visiting the center is a must, any time of year. Make your first stop the superb information center, then decide where to go next. There's room to park an RV in the adjacent parking lot, but come early in the day.

The Home Ranch Town Parking Lot, at the intersection of Gill Avenue and North Cache Street, is the place to park your RV while visiting the sights of Jackson. The Town Square is two blocks south. The Town Square is exciting during the nightly "Wild West Shoot Outs" held at 6:00 p.m. the Town Square is centrally located at the intersection of Broadway and Cache Streets. Heroes and villains shoot it out western-style in the street-theater duel. Expert pistol drawing and sharpshooting will amaze you. The Town Square, with its four elk antler arches, is the most prominent point of reference in Jackson. Because of Jackson's tourism focus, more art galleries, gift shops, saloons and restaurants than you can see in a week are within walking distance of the square.

The National Wildlife Art Museum is at 110 N. Center St., Jackson, WY, (307) 733-5771. The permanent collection includes over 1,300 paintings and sculptures featuring every major wildlife artist, including Conrad Schwiering, Carl Rungius, Ernest Thompson and Charles M. Russell. The remarkable building, located just 3 miles north of Jackson on U.S. 89, overlooks the National Elk Refuge.

A quaint museum with an emphasis on local history from prehistoric to present-day is the Jackson Hole Museum. Information on walking tours of the historic downtown buildings is available. A small fee is charged. The location of this museum is 105 N. Glenwood, Jackson, WY, (307) 733-2414.

More exhibits and history are at the Teton County Historical Center, 105 Mercell Ave. Jackson, WY, (307) 733-9605. The center is also an excellent research facility for the true history buff. Old books and photo archives are plentiful. There's a good collection of mountain men and fur trader wares and artifacts. Native American beads and rotating exhibits.

Art galleries are everywhere you look. Jackson Hole proudly represents fine western, wildlife, abstract and southwestern paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery, hand-crafted furniture, weavings and exquisite Native American art collections, rugs and handmade jewelry. There are close to 50 art galleries in Jackson Hole, half of which belong to the Art Gallery Association. 

The Grand Teton Music Festival in Teton Village is composed of a series of concerts held from July through August. The festivals, which began in the early 1960s, are considered some of the premier summer concerts in the country. If you're not in town when a concert is scheduled, drop in for a look at one of the Festival Orchestra's rehearsals. Concerts and rehearsals are held In the Walk Festival Hall; for tickets and Information, call (307) 733-3050.

The Aerial Tram is a fun way to enjoy the view, and the only easy way to climb to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. The trip takes just ten minutes and gives you a chance to take some stunning photographs. The Aerial Tram is in Teton Village and part of the development complex at the Jackson Hole Ski and Summer Resort. The tram runs from May through September, but there are lots of activities in Teton Village year-round. The best way to learn about them is from the Guest Service Center, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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The National Elk Refuge and Elk Refuge Visitor Center is located 2 miles north of Jackson, (307) 733-9212. The 25,000-acre refuge is at a natural winter feeding ground that scientists believe elk have used for 500 years. You must visit the area In fall, winter or early spring to see elk here. If you're in the area the second Saturday in May, plan on spending that day In town and watch the amazing annual antler auction. Elk shed their antlers each year, and the antlers are highly valued as aphrodisiacs by Orientals, as well as for home furnishings such as lamps, candelabras and all sorts of lovely decorations. Boy Scouts gather the antlers from the refuge grounds, and the auction proceeds go to community fund-raising programs and charities. Make no mistake, this is a big deal, Upward of $100,000 and more is spent at the auction; one or two high bidders normally buy most of the antlers.

Golfers take note! The Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club, with an 18-hole course. Is 8 miles north of Jackson off U.S. 89 at the Gros Ventre Junction. Golf Digest rates the club among the top ten resort courses in the nation. The Teton Pines Resort, designed by Arnold Palmer, also offers 18 holes. 

Sensational is the best way to describe fly fishing in the area. A Wyoming fishing license and Conservation Stamp are required. Ballooning is an interesting way to get out and about, and the view is unique. Biking is an easy way to get around in Jackson and vicinity, There are lots of paved roads and reasonably easy access to Moose, Wilson and Grand Teton National Park. The more athletic bikers will find the off-road trails a challenge.  Mountaineering Is billed as the ultimate Jackson experience, and why not? The Tetons are spectacular, so to stand atop could be nothing less. Two respected and internationally known schools are based in Jackson. Exum Mountain Guides, established in 1931, offers guided climbs to the summit of Grand Teton.  Jackson Hole Mountain Guides and Climbing School, offers guided trips in the Tetons and surrounding mountains.

Tours offer a relaxing alternative to navigating through crowds of travelers and lines of cars. Many Jackson companies offer new ways to experience the Tetons and Yellowstone. There are bike tours; narrated vehicle tours sharing history, scenery, geology and wildlife; winter tours by horse-drawn sleigh; fishing floats; snowmobiles; pack trips; horseback riding; and wagon trains. There's no better way to spend a day or to have an unforgettable experience in the vast beauty of Jackson Hole. 

Winter skling in Jackson Hole Is coveted worldwide by ski enthusiasts. The deep powder, narrow chutes, greatest continuous vertical rises in the United States, and a combined 2,500 acres of skiable slopes make the area a winter paradise. For complete details, contact the following resorts: Jackson Hole Ski Resort, 7658 Tweewinot, Teton Village, WY 83025;  Grand Targhee Resort, Hill Rd., Alta, WY 83422;  Snow King Resort, 100 E. Snow King, Jackson, WY 83001

- J Zumbo -