Discover Wilson: Trails, Wetlands, and History

Wilson combines historic traces with varied trails through meadows, wetlands, and open landscapes. Those planning a trip with diverse interests will find opportunities here to experience culture, nature, and outdoor activity: The Old Wilson Schoolhouse tells the story of local education, while several trails reveal the surrounding area from different perspectives.

Historic Traces in Town

The Old Wilson Schoolhouse was built in 1930 as a one-room schoolhouse with two rooms. The Teton County Historic Preservation Board has recognized it as a significant historic building. Wilson therefore offers not only scenic experiences but also a tangible connection to the history of the town. Those interested in historic buildings and the development of local communities can take this aspect into account when planning their trip, alongside the trails in the surrounding area.

Wetland, Park, and Town Center

The Wilson Wetland Trail connects the Old Wilson Schoolhouse with Wilson's town center via Owen Bircher Park and a wetland. Owen Bircher Park provides access to the Wilson Wetlands Trail.

Another aspect of the area is the Horse Arena at Owen Bircher. It is a sand-based riding arena next to Owen Bircher Park in Wilson. This creates a different focus for trip planning than a walk through the wetland: You can choose your activities based on whether you would rather experience the landscape, the town's history, or the character of a riding arena.

Trails Through Varied Landscapes

The Teton Pass Trail is a paved side trail that connects Wilson with the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Old Pass Road. Including this trail places greater emphasis on the connection between the town, the national forest, and the historic road name. The Wilson Centennial Trail offers a different focus: The 2.4-mile round-trip route covers 1.2 miles in each direction and leads through the Wilson Meadows. The trail runs across flat, prepared terrain, through meadows, and along ponds.

The Wilson Centennial Trail offers wide-ranging views of Teton Pass, Glory Bowl, the southern Tetons, and the Snake River Range. This contrast can be especially helpful for a travel group with different ideas about what a vacation should include: At the same destination, you can compare historic sightseeing, trails through open landscapes, and views of several mountain ranges. The specific trail length should be factored into your daily planning.

Wilson as a Starting Point for Planning Your Trip

When searching for a vacation rental or vacation home in Wilson, it is worthwhile to first decide which experiences you want to prioritize. If historic places are the main focus, the Old Wilson Schoolhouse offers a clear cultural connection. Those who prefer landscapes and trails can include the Wilson Wetland Trail, the Teton Pass Trail, or the Wilson Centennial Trail in their travel plans. Parking information is also available for the Centennial Trail: Parking is available at the trailhead on the north side of the parking lot; additional spaces are available in Stilson's main parking lot.

This keeps your accommodation search connected to a specific destination choice: You choose Wilson as your destination and base your further planning on the experiences that matter most to your travel group. Other destinations to consider when planning your trip are Alta, Moran, Teton Village and Jackson.

For the broader travel overview: Teton.