Nestled between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, you’ll find a country town in the famous valley of Jackson Hole. Situated just south of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Jackson is celebrated as one of the premier mountain destinations in the United States. Its extraordinary natural allure and adventurous spirit are only heightened by its deep ties to the traditions of Wyoming’s “Cowboy State.”
The cowboy heritage in Jackson runs deep and is showcased yearly at the Jackson Hole Rodeo. Originally called Jackson Hole’s Frontier Rodeo, over 100 years have passed since it began. Rodeo’s popularity across the nation began to spread in the 1880s, when Buffalo Bill’s shows became a spectacle that established rodeo in the United States. Buffalo Bill founded the town of Cody in Wyoming in 1896, starting a chain reaction of the development of rodeos in the state. The settlers in Jackson Hole wasted no time putting together rodeo grounds of their own in 1911, and they built something that would continue to grow into our now legendary rodeo.
Organized by four Jackson settlers, the informal contests—based on the practical skills of cowboys and ranch workers—took off as a new form of entertainment for the residents. The frontier spirit ignited these events, becoming a cornerstone of the town’s cultural legacy. The casual, friendly competition setting reached a turning point when 40 acres of land were donated to the town for use as rodeo grounds.
These early rodeos were held annually the first three days of September, and the original location can be found south from Broadway and west to the Elks Lodge. In the 1930s following a legal dispute, the rodeo grounds were forced to move to the 25 acres they occupy today.
Over the years, the rodeo has been run by different groups of people and companies. Several valley residents—Walt Callahan, Bill Saunders, Hal Johnson, Bob McConaughy, Russ Moses and Philip Wilson—were able to keep the rodeo alive.
The Wilson family currently runs the Jackson Hole Rodeo and has a long history in the town. Sylvester Wilson brought his family over Teton Pass in 1890 to raise cattle on the abundant fertile grass in the valley. Involved in rodeo for three generations, the Wilson family understands what it means to be a cowboy. There is no question about the legitimacy of their place in the rodeo; they are homegrown Jacksonites who, year after year, showcase the sport’s history through the exhibition’s continuation. Although many rodeos are held in Wyoming, the Jackson Hole Rodeo is one of the longest-running and among the few that start early in the season.
The rodeo is a surefire way to learn the cowboy culture of Jackson Hole and will leave you wanting more. The town offers endless possibilities for diving into your own cowboy spirit and getting to know what it was like for the valley’s original settlers.
Jackson Hole allows you to merge Western culture with the great outdoors in a charming small-town atmosphere. Whether you want to be in the heart of town, surrounded by the buzz and bustle of locals and visitors, or you find yourself drawn to the outskirts of the valley to encounter the real cowboy country, there is something for everyone. Surrounded by stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and a wealth of outdoor activities in every area, you can’t go wrong in this valley.
A night at the rodeo will immerse you in the Wild West. With adrenaline-pumping events from barrel racing to bull riding, it will be a night you’ll never forget. Rodeo is not a sport for the weak; the risk is high, specifically in bronc and bull riding. Bull riding has been named “the most dangerous eight seconds in sports,” and watching these events will give you the utmost respect for the riders.
Keller Williams is a proud sponsor of the Jackson Hole Rodeo. As you enjoy your evening of Western fun, look for one of our friendly agents or banners!
CREDIT: Information in this article was sourced from Jackson Hole Rodeo and History Jackson Hole. Photos sourced from Jackson Hole Rodeo.
