Snow King Observatory & Planetarium

A Cosmic Secret at 8,000 Feet: The Snow King Observatory & Planetarium - Jackson Hole’s Coolest Summer Surprise

You come to Jackson Hole for moose jams, horseback rides and maybe to sit on a saddle in the Cowboy Bar. What you don’t expect? To end up 8,000 feet above sea level blasting into deep space. Yeah, that wasn’t on the itinerary.

Welcome to the Snow King Observatory & Planetarium—the only mountaintop facility of its kind in the entire country—and hands down one of Jackson Hole’s most unique, off-the-radar experiences.

Here the Wild West meets the wider universe, where you can explore mountaintop views and deep space in the same afternoon. It’s perfect for families eager to wow the kids or for couples who are looking for a romantic evening above the clouds.

Here’s why this is a must do for your visit to Jackson Hole.

Your Window to the Universe

There are places that make you feel small in a bad way—airports, traffic, your inbox. And then there are places that make you feel small in the best possible way. This is one of those places.

The Snow King Observatory and Planetarium is a state-of-the-art science center, an immersive theater, and a working observatory all in one, with panoramic views of both the Teton Range and the Milky Way.

During the day, cool off inside the 37-seat, 360° dome and take a mind-expanding trip through the solar system. At night, look through our 1-meter primary mirror Planewave telescope that makes Saturn’s rings feel just an arm’s length away.

Why It’s a Must-Do During your Jackson Hole Vacation

Jackson Hole has no shortage of big-ticket adventures. But this one is truly special.

• It’s the ONLY mountaintop planetarium in the U.S.
• Incredible Daytime Shows: Catch shows like “Forward to the Moon” or “Cosmic Mashups.” Shows rotate, so even if you go twice, you'll get something new.
• Solar Telescope Views: You can safely see real-time solar flares on the sun’s surface. It's like a scenic safari…for the galaxy.
• Science On a Sphere: A glowing orb that displays real-time Earth and space data from NOAA. Kids love it. Adults kind of geek out, too.
• Gondola Sunset + Stars: Watch the sun dip behind the Tetons and see deep space come alive through a 1-meter telescope. Pro tip: the 10-second image capture will blow your mind.

How to Plan Your Visit Like a Local

A few insider tips:

- Daytime visits run from noon to 4 PM. Tickets are good all day, so take your time exploring.

- Nighttime stargazing (summer season hours vary—check ahead) is limited and wildly popular. Book early to avoid missing out.

- Cloudy? No Problem. The immersive planetarium steps in with a real-time simulated sky show.

- Want to double down on the magic? Pair it with a King Concert. You can catch a mind-expanding show in the dome before the music.

- Planning a special event? You can book the entire observatory. Imagine a birthday party with Saturn as the guest of honor.

Snow King Science On A Sphere

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this good for kids?
-Yes! Kids love the Science On a Sphere exhibit and the immersive dome shows. There’s enough hands-on content to keep them engaged all day.

Can I combine this with hiking or town activities?
-Definitely. Snow King is minutes from downtown Jackson. Hike up in the morning, then cool off in the planetarium in the afternoon.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
-Yes. The gondola and all facilities are ADA-compliant. Accessibility is part of the mission.

What if I’m not a “science person”?
-You don’t need to be. The guides break everything down in a fun, engaging way—no astronomy degree required.

Final Thoughts: Your Ticket to the Stars

Most people come to Jackson Hole for the wildlife, the wildflowers, and the wild adventure. But few know they can visit outer space without ever leaving town.

The Snow King Observatory & Planetarium is a breath of fresh (thin) air—educational, awe-inspiring, and just flat-out cool. Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking to impress a date, or just craving a fresh perspective on the universe, the Snow King Observatory and Planetarium checks all the boxes.

So as you build your Jackson Hole vacation bucket list, don’t just look around you—look up.

Ready to book your cosmic adventure? Grab daytime or nighttime tickets here and treat yourself to one of the most unique things you can do in Jackson Hole this summer.