The Wort Hotel is downtown Jackson's historic heart, and the place that best captures the town's blend of cowboy legend and polished mountain hospitality. Brothers John and Jess Wort opened it in 1941, carrying out their father's plan for a luxury hotel in what was then a small ranching town, and it quickly became Jackson's social center. Its most famous feature arrived in 1950: the Silver Dollar Bar, whose bar top is inlaid with 2,032 uncirculated Morgan silver dollars, still one of the best-known bars in the West and a lively place for live music, cocktails and people-watching. The hotel nearly ended in August 1980, when a fire destroyed the roof; it was rebuilt and reopened in June 1981, preserving its Tudor-meets-Western character. Inside, rooms and suites lean into Western style with wood, leather and local art, and the location is ideal: a block from Town Square and its famous elk-antler arches, surrounded by galleries, restaurants and shops, with the National Elk Refuge and the National Museum of Wildlife Art a few minutes north and Grand Teton National Park about 20 minutes away. In winter, it makes an easy base for the elk refuge sleigh rides, Snow King Mountain, and the drive to Teton Village and the aerial tram. Fit: first-time visitors to Jackson Hole, couples who want history and nightlife steps from the door, and winter travelers who would rather walk to dinner than drive.
The Wort is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its history is a running thread through Jackson's own: the town's growth from ranching outpost to resort destination happened around its lobby and bar. Staff are well versed in the hotel's stories, and the Silver Dollar Bar's coin-covered counter is worth a look even for those not staying.
Booking craft
The hotel is in demand during summer and the winter holidays, so book early; suites suit families or longer stays. Parking downtown can be tight, so ask about the hotel's arrangements. For a quieter night, request a room away from the street side and the bar. Use the walkable location to explore Town Square in the evening and start mornings early for Grand Teton.
Practicals
50 North Glenwood Street, Jackson, a block from Town Square; about 20 minutes to the Moose entrance of Grand Teton and roughly 25 minutes to Teton Village. Fit: first-timers, couples, history lovers and walk-everywhere winter visitors.
Why stay here
- ✓Silver Dollar Bar
- ✓Live music
- ✓On-site dining
- ✓One block from Town Square
- ✓Western-style rooms and suites
- ✓Historic 1941 building
- ✓Walk to galleries and restaurants
- ✓Minutes from the National Elk Refuge
Good questions
What is the Silver Dollar Bar?+
The Wort's famous bar, added in 1950, with a counter inlaid with 2,032 uncirculated Morgan silver dollars. It is a Jackson institution for live music and cocktails.
How far is the Wort Hotel from Grand Teton?+
About 20 minutes from the Moose entrance, and roughly 25 minutes from Teton Village and the aerial tram.
Is it walkable to restaurants and shops?+
Yes. It is a block from Town Square, surrounded by galleries, restaurants and shops.
