March in Jackson doesn’t ease in; it detonates. We’re back at #1 in the nation for per-capita income (casual $532,903), the airport wants to expand inside a national park (sure, why not), and GTNP is reshuffling traffic plans this summer.

Somehow, we will find time for downhill races, snowmobile hill climbs, live music, stargazing, and a bear dog eating contest. Winter isn’t over. Spring isn’t here. And Jackson is, as always, doing the absolute most.

Teton County has reclaimed its throne as America’s top county for per-capita personal income, with a jaw-dropping estimated $532,903 per person. No, that doesn’t mean everyone around here strolls by with a half-million in pocket change, but yes, it absolutely dusts the next county on the list by a ridiculous margin. And because Uncle Sam loves round numbers wrapped in weird tax math, that luxury income doesn’t just make locals feel special, it literally helps bankroll much of Wyoming’s tax revenue.

Beyond the Headlines (Because Someone Has To Explain It)
Sure, Teton’s “average” is bonkers, but it’s basically a mix of investment income, tax policy quirks, and wealthy folks deciding mountain views > city skyline. And while the rest of the state may roll its eyes, the numbers matter: Jackson Hole tourism and property values pump millions into statewide sales and lodging taxes, and juice budgets.

So while the rest of Wyoming may grumble about “Jackson money,” the Cowboy State quietly cashes the check. Being #1 isn’t just a flex, it’s basically the economic engine idling at 6,000 feet.

The Jackson Hole Airport says it’s just trying to beef up safety facilities, and sure, everyone likes the idea of better fire trucks and emergency response. But once you peel back the press release veneer, the proposal starts to look less like a tidy safety shed and more like a sprawling operations compound with room for dozens of brooms, loaders, and random gear no one asked for.

That’s got more than a few locals wondering how a “safety facility” somehow needs the square footage of a Costco.

Park Footprint, Wildlife Footprint, and “Wait, What?”
Here’s the part that really gets people fired up: This isn’t just a plain old city airport parking lot; it’s inside Grand Teton National Park, where the development footprint has historically been as tight as skinny jeans at a ski town après party.

Expanding into previously untouched habitat means potential traffic nightmares on Spring Gulch Road, construction noise, and possible disruption to sage-grouse, elk, and other four-legged residents who didn’t RSVP to this party. Instead of clear numbers and pretty renderings, locals want straight answers, not marketing fluff dressed up as “safety.”

If it feels like Grand Teton National Park gets busier every year… that’s because it does. After steady year-over-year increases, park officials say they’re preparing for another high-visitation summer in 2026, while several major construction projects are reshaping travel patterns and trail access, especially at the southern end.

Here’s what’s changing, where delays are most likely, and why the park wants more people heading north.

With construction concentrated in the south, Grand Teton is planning a deliberate shift to encourage more visitors to spend time at Colter Bay, which officials say has the infrastructure to support additional use, and trail options that can satisfy visitors who might otherwise default to the Taggart Lake / Jenny Lake orbit.

Park officials say three multi-year projects will be underway next summer. Each comes with different levels of disruption, from “minor delays possible” to “this will absolutely affect your route.”

1. Mormon Row: Pedestrian/cyclist zone, parking expansion, restoration work

The park plans construction at Mormon Row, including a pedestrian- and cyclist-focused zone, expanded parking, native vegetation restoration, and improved facilities. The project is a partnership with the Grand Teton National Park Foundation and is expected to begin in July.

2. Taggart Lake: Accessibility improvements and trail closures

Another partnership project will target Taggart Lake, focused on making the trail more accessible. The work is expected to close the path to the Bradley–Taggart Junction, with construction possibly beginning as early as May.

Taggart Lake is expected to remain accessible via the Beaver Creek Trail, according to park officials.

3. Death Canyon Road / Moose-Wilson Road

The largest disruption is expected at Death Canyon Road, which will affect travel on Moose-Wilson Road.

There’s also a larger Moose-Wilson Road project in the works that could involve rebuilding the road from Death Canyon to Moose and rerouting it so it sits within the entrance gate area.

Keep an eye out for updates and assume the Moose area could be messy on peak days.

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Fri–Sun, Mar 6–8 — Dick’s Ditch Banked Slalom (JHMR)
Fast turns, louder jackets, and someone definitely sending it too hard.

March 13 – Annual Jackson Hole Downhill at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
The annual downhill returns with high-speed bragging rights and full mountain-town energy. Whether you’re racing or spectating, it’s a classic Jackson tradition.

Thu–Sun, Mar 19–22 — World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb (Snow King)
50th annual
(If you like horsepower and questionable decisions on steep terrain.)

Sat, Mar 7 • Sat, Mar 14 • Sat, Mar 21 • Fri, Mar 27
Free live music at JHMR under the Tram
(It’s “free,” but your après tab will still find a way.)

March 12 — G. Love & Special Sauce @ Mangy Moose
8:30 PM • $54 • Lemonade 20th Anniversary Tour (w/ Makua)

March 12 – Wood Box Heroes at the Silver Dollar Showroom
An acoustic supergroup featuring members of Mumford & Sons, Alison Krauss & Union Station, and George Strait’s band makes its Jackson debut for one night only. Intimate dinner-and-show setting from 6:30–9:30 p.m. Limited seating.

Fri–Sat, Mar 27–28 — Rendezvous Music Fest
2-day lifestyle + music festival

Fri–Sat, Mar 13–14 — Laff Staff Improv @ Center for the Arts
8 PM • $20 (Cheaper than therapy, riskier than silence.)

Sat, Mar 14 — WhoDunnit? Anonymous Art Show & Sale (Art Association)
Bid on art from 200+ artists + guess who made what.
(Your wallet will be judged. Your taste will be celebrated.

Sat, Mar 14 — Free Guided Stargazing (Teton Village)
7–9 PM • Every other Saturday • Wyoming Stargazing
(Bring layers. The universe will not be warmer for you.)

Sun, Mar 15 — Met Opera in HD: “Cinderella” @ Center for the Arts
3 PM • 90-minute adaptation • Tickets

Tue, Mar 17 — National Theatre Live: Life of Pi @ Center for the Arts
7 PM • $18 • Puppetry + magic + storytelling

Sun, Mar 15 — Battle of the Bears: Bear Dog Eating Contest (JHMR)
Noon • Bear Flats Snack Shack (base of Sublette)
Prize: bragging rights + a free pair of skis
(Finally, sport meets cuisine meets poor choices.)

Tue, Mar 17 — St. Paddy’s Day @ Snake River Brewing
All day • Irish specials + holiday drinks • Phat Basturds Irish Band 4–7 PM
(If you’re “just stopping by,” we both know that’s not true.)

Tue, March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day at Haydens Post
Celebrate from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. with 16-oz cans of Guinness for $5, Jameson cocktails for $8, Irish potato soup for $12, and corned beef and cabbage for $30, plus other Irish favorites.

Sun, Mar 15 — Yellowstone oversnow road travel closes
(Winter access: concluded. Reality: resumes.)

Sun, Mar 22 — Last day of skiing @ Snow King

Sun, Mar 22 — Worn Wear + Spaghetti Westernish @ Virginian Lodge (Patagonia Snow Tour)
10 AM–4 PM • Used gear pop-up + repair workshops + free gear repairs + coffee + DJ + vendor market (Come for the repairs, leave with a new personality.)