Jenny Lake Visitor Center

Quick Facts

Amenities

4 listed

Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Wheelchair Accessible

Harrison Crandall built this cabin in 1921 near the Cathedral Group Turnout to house his studio. He moved the cabin to the shores of Jenny Lake in 1929. Today, the rustic Jenny Lake Visitor Center hosts over 250,000 visitors annually. A new outdoor plaza provides interpretive and directional information. A fully accessible trail system leads visitors to the lakeshore and boat dock.

Access the majestic Grand Teton backcountry from several nearby trailheads - Lupine Meadows, Jenny Lake, String Lake or Leigh Lake. A short path leads from the visitor center to the east boat dock where you may cross the Jenny Lake or enjoy a one-hour scenic cruise.

Visit this facility for trip planning information. Backcountry permits are available at the nearby Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Shop in the Grand Teton Association bookstore, attend a ranger program or begin your backcountry adventure.

Visitor Services

Visit this facility for trip planning information. Backcountry permits are available at the nearby Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Shop in the Grand Teton Association bookstore, attend a ranger program or begin your backcountry adventure.

Operating Hours & Seasons

Schedule
(varies slightly year to year)

Name Origin

Jenny was the Shoshone Indian wife of a British expatriate named Richard "Beaver Dick" Leigh. He moved to the Teton area in 1863 as a fur trapper. Jenny and Beaver Dick assisted the 1872 Hayden expedition - he as their guide, she with camp logistics. The Hayden Expedition named Jenny and Leigh lakes in their honor.

Building History

The Jenny Lake Visitor Center is also known as the Crandall Studio. Harrison Crandall homesteaded near the Cathedral Group Turnout in 1924. He raised 40 head of horses, but his interest was photography. He built his studio in 1927 and later secured the photography concession in the park. Like the Ranger Station, this building has been moved twice. Once from Cathedral Group turnout to the shores of Jenny Lake and then back from the lake to improve the lakeshore views.