{
  "id": 19506637,
  "title": "I grew up in Jackson, Wyoming. Here are the 10 biggest mistakes I see tourists make when they visit my popular town.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/i-grew-up-in-jackson-wyoming-here-are-the-10-biggest-mistakes-i-see",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-11T14:35:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/jackson-things-not-to-do-wyoming-local-tips-tetons-yellowstone-2026-11"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Matt Stirn, who grew up in Jackson, Wyoming, a beloved destination for visitors exploring the Tetons or Yellowstone, has observed numerous tourists making mistakes during their trips. To help avoid these pitfalls and enhance your experience, here are the top 10 mistakes to steer clear of and some valuable tips to follow.\n\nContrary to popular belief, Jackson is not the only town near Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. The city sits among other scenic communities worth exploring. For instance, Dubois, situated roughly an hour-and-a-half east of Grand Teton, offers a glimpse of the Old West amidst the Absaroka Range and Wind River Range. Pinedale, located an hour-and-a-half south of Jackson, was once a hub for fur traders and provides a perfect opportunity to discover central Wyoming's mountains and desert.\n\nWhen planning your journey, consider flying to and from airports other than the Jackson Hole Airport, as it tends to be pricey. Idaho Falls, located just two hours away, boasts breathtaking views of mountain passes, while Bozeman, around four hours away, allows you to drive through Yellowstone on your way. Salt Lake City, a five-hour drive, offers a scenic route with numerous hot springs to break up the trip.\n\nOne of the most thrilling aspects of visiting Jackson Hole and the surrounding national parks is encountering wildlife up close. However, it's crucial to remember that these are wild animals, not zoo exhibits. Many tourists are shocked when they come face-to-face with bison, moose, elk, or even bears. In a town like Jackson, where you won't find any barriers or fences, it's vital to keep a safe distance and never feed the wildlife. Always prioritize your safety and that of the local wildlife.",
  "summary": "As a local, I see many visitors to the Tetons and Yellowstone set up base in Jackson, Wyoming, then make common mistakes or visit only tourist traps.",
  "key_points": [
    "Jackson is a popular destination near Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks",
    "Dubois and Pinedale offer alternative scenic experiences within an hour-and-a-half drive",
    "Flying to Idaho Falls or Bozema can save money on airfare to Jackson Hole Airport"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}