Often overlooked for their swankier and more popular neighbor to the east (Jackson, Wyoming), Driggs and Victor, Idaho are the perfect place to stay while visiting Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, or the eastern Idaho area. Located on the Idaho side of the Tetons, the small towns of Driggs and Victor are less touristy, more authentic, and way less expensive than Jackson, offering the perfect alternative for those looking to explore the American West without breaking the bank! But Driggs and Victor aren’t just Jackson’s lesser-known neighbor – they are a desirable destination in their own right. From kayaking to hiking to fly fishing and mountain biking, there are tons of fun activities in Driggs and Victor for the entire family! In this article, we’ll tell you all about our favorite things to do in Driggs and Victor, Idaho!
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About Driggs & Victor, Idaho
Are you planning a trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone but shocked at the sky high prices of nearby Jackson, WY? No need to worry!
Located just over the Teton Pass in Idaho, Driggs and Victor are the perfect alternative to the swanky, touristy, and insanely expensive Jackson Hole.
Don’t get us wrong, we love Jackson! It’s absolutely one of our favorite towns in the US, but you know what we don’t love? An average hotel price near $400 per night!
That’s why we always recommend people stay in Driggs and Victor, Idaho when visiting Grand Teton and Yellowstone. The two towns, in addition to Tetonia (which is also a great town but a bit farther from Jackson), form the Teton Valley, a farming community that is becoming more and more popular with visitors.
The Teton Valley sits between the Teton Mountains to the east and the Big Hole mountains to the west, meaning that an epic view of the Tetons, similar to that found in the national park, can also be enjoyed from Idaho.
Even better, the area still has a down-home, authentic feel, at a lower price point than nearby Jackson, WY, while providing similar proximity to many of the area’s iconic sites.
read more about eastern idaho
22 Amazing Things to Do in Jackson, Wyoming
How to Plan the Perfect 2-Day Grand Teton Itinerary
14 Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park
Exploring the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway in Eastern Idaho
Paintbrush Canyon Cascade Canyon Loop: Complete Backpacking Guide
19 Best Idaho Hiking Trails
Why we love Driggs & Victor
A better question may be: what’s not to love about Driggs and Victor, Idaho!?
We love Driggs and Victor for too many reasons to list but at the end of the day, we love the Teton Valley because it offers the same, if not better, access to many of the same activities in Jackson Hole without the hordes of tourist, sky-high prices, and pretentious vibes.
In fact, we fell so in love with the Teton Valley that we decided we wanted to call it our home, and bought a piece of land in Driggs that we plan to build our dream house on.
Located about 1 hour from the entrance to Grand Teton National Park, about 1 hour and 45 minutes to the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Driggs and Victor provide easy access to the Teton River and Grand Targhee ski resort, plenty of delectable restaurants, and a more family-friendly, authentic setting.
How to get to Driggs & Victor
Driggs and Victor are located right over the Idaho/Wyoming border on the very eastern edge of Idaho. In fact, the area is commonly referred to as “Drictor, Wydaho”, as the distinctions between towns and states are often blurred.
Driggs, which is located just north of Victor, is a 45 minute drive to Jackson, while Victor is about 30 minutes away from the 10th largest town in Wyoming.
If you are flying in from out of town, you have a few airport options. The Jackson Airport is about 1 hour away, while Idaho Falls is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Both Jackson and Idaho Falls airports are small and may be more expensive, so you can also consider Salt Lake City, which is just under 3 hours from Driggs and Victor.
Driggs & Victor vs. Jackson
At the end of the day, Driggs and Victor have become increasingly popular because they are a cheaper, less crowded, more authentic alternative to Jackson Hole.
But of course, that doesn’t mean everything is better in Driggs and Victor. In the lists below, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of Driggs and Victor compared to Jackson.
Driggs/Victor
- Cheaper, less touristy, more authentic
- No large hotels, mostly AirBnBs
- Downtown areas are still charming, but smaller than Jackson with fewer restaurants/shops/bars
- Better views of the Tetons than Jackson!
- More casual and less snooty/uptight than Jackson
Jackson
- Closer to Grand Teton and Yellowstone
- More hotel and lodging options, although more expensive
- More restaurants, shops, and bars in downtown Jackson
Best Things to Do in Driggs & Victor, Idaho
With all that info out of the way, it’s time to finally get into the best things to do in Driggs and Victor, Idaho. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
- Take a day trip to Grand Teton National Park
- Visit Yellowstone National Park
- Kayak or float the Teton River
- Try your luck at fly fishing
- Go golfing
- Spend your Friday night at the Teton Valley Rodeo
- Enjoy a cold beer at Grand Teton Brewing or a hard cider at High Point
- Cool down with a huckleberry shake at the Victor Emporium
- Jam out at Music on Main
- Pick up some fresh produce at the Teton Valley Farmer’s Market
- Hit the Slopes at Grand Targhee Resort
- Go Mountain Biking at Grand Targhee Resort
- Hike into the Tetons from the “other” side of the mountains
- Hike Teton Pass to the head of Black Canyon
1. Take a day trip to Grand Teton National Park
This one may seem a bit obvious because why else would you be visiting the area if not for Grand Teton, but it absolutely deserves a spot on this list regardless.
Grand Teton National Park is one of the most underrated national parks in the US! While everyone flocks to Yellowstone just next door, we’ll take a day spent hiking, biking, or kayaking in Grand Teton over just about anything.
Located about 1 hour away, spending a day in Grand Teton National Park should absolutely be at the top of your list of things to do in Driggs and Victor, Idaho.
For a detailed list of the best hikes in Grand Teton, check out our article here:
Read More
14 Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park
2. Explore Yellowstone National Park
No trip to Driggs and Victor would be complete without a visit to Yellowstone National Park, just 1 hour and 45 minutes to the north.
Spanning more than 2 million acres, Yellowstone stands as a testament to the old American West with rolling hills, herds of bison, beautiful mountains, and majestic, meandering rivers. In addition, Yellowstone is home to one of the highest concentrations of geothermal features in the world.
You could easily spend a week or more exploring Yellowstone so it’s definitely worth a visit!
3. Kayak or Float the Teton River
Fed by melting snow and ice from the peaks of the Tetons, the Teton river slowly flows through Driggs and Victor providing the perfect spot to spend the day kayaking, floating, or canoeing. The river is smooth, wide, and never too deep, making this the perfect family-friendly activity!
There are a handful out outfitters offering kayak, canoe, paddle board, and float rentals in the area but we’ve included a few popular options below:
4. Try Your Luck at Fly Fishing
With miles of pristine rivers nearby, Driggs and Victor are one of the best places to fly fish in the entire United States. If you’re lucky, you’ll snag a few beautiful trout, while enjoying a peaceful day on the water with the the jagged Teton peaks forming the perfect backdrop.
There are a number of fly shops offering guided tours and lessons. We’ve included a few below:
5. Go Golfing
Like any good vacation spot, you can find a number of golf courses in Driggs and Victor. Unlike other courses, however, these courses feature views of the Tetons you just can’t find in other areas!
6. Spend your Friday night at the Teton Valley Rodeo
No visit to the American west is complete without going to the rodeo! From barrel-racing to steer-wrestling to team roping and, my personal favorite, mutton bustin’, the Teton Valley Rodeo is sure to be a ton of fun for the entire family.
Throw on your cowboy boots and wide-brimmed hat, load up the cooler, and be ready for a night full of classic American entertainment!
The Teton Valley Rodeo takes place every Friday through the summer and is definitely one of the best things to do in Driggs on a Friday night. Tickets cost $10 for an adult and just $5 for kids. You can learn more about the rodeo here.
7. Enjoy a cold beer at Grand Teton Brewing or Hard Cider at Highpoint Cider
There is no better way to end a day of summer fun than with a cold beer and luckily for you, Grand Teton Brewing serves tasty, homemade brews with plenty of outdoor seating. The beer selection rotates based on availability but we’ve loved every beer we’ve had from Grand Teton Brewing!
If you can’t make it to the actual brewery and taproom in Victor, make sure to grab a six pack from any nearby grocery store or gas station!
If beer isn’t your thing, then head over to the recently-opened Highpoint Cider for freshly-made hard cider. Made with local apples, Highpoint Cider is some of the best we’ve ever tried!
8. Cool Down with a Huckleberry Shake at the Victor Emporium
A local delicacy, huckleberries can be found growing in the wild throughout Idaho and we love stopping to enjoy this perfect tangy, tart treat whenever we come across a bush.
If you don’t feel like hunting down a huckleberry bush in the wilderness, head to the Victor Emporium in downtown Victor and order one of their world famous huckleberry milkshakes! The tartness of the fresh huckleberries provides the perfect contrast to the decadent sweetness of the shake.
The perfect way to end a hot summer day in the sun!
9. Jam out at Music on Main
On Thursday nights throughout the summer, the Teton Valley Foundation hosts Music on Main, a concert series that attracts huge crowds and basically shuts down the rest of the town. Hosted at the Victor City Park on Main Street in Victor, Music on Main is a great way to enjoy the more communal feel of the Teton Valley.
In addition to the music, expect plenty fo delectable food trucks and local breweries selling fresh beer and hard cider. Music on Main is certainly one of the best things to do on your summer Thursday night in Victor and Driggs.
10. Pick up some fresh produce at the Teton Valley Farmer’s market
At its heart, the Teton Valley is still a farming community and there is no better way to support local farmers, food purveyors, and artisans than shopping at the Teton Valley Farmer’s market.
Held each Friday from 9-1 pm in front of the Driggs City Building, make sure you bring your reusable shopping bag to bring home all your goodies!
11. Hit the slopes at Grand Targhee Resort
Without a doubt, skiing at Grand Targhee is one of the best things to do in Driggs and Victor! With 97 different runs, Grand Targhee Resort is home to some of the best deep powder skiing in the US.
While we certainly prefer the summertime, Driggs is also a picturesque ski town in the colder months and Grand Targhee is your snow adventure headquarters!
12. Go Mountain Biking at Grand Targhee Resort
Not only is Grand Targhee home to world-class skiing, but it’s also home to some of the best mountain biking in the US! With 70 miles of downhill and cross-country trails, as well as lessons and rentals, Grand Targhee is sure to have something for everyone.
12. Hike into the Tetons from the “other” side of the mountains
While 99% of people who visit the Grand Tetons enter from the national park, which is located on the eastern side of the mountains, you can also access the mountains from the west, just outside of Driggs and Victor.
From the Teton Canyon trailhead, which is just about 25 minutes from downtown Driggs, we’d recommend two hikes: Table Mountain and Devil’s Staircase.
The hike from the Teton Canyon trailhead to Table Mountain is a tough journey but offers some of the best views of the Teton Range you’ll find anywhere. Covering 13 miles and over 4,000 feet of elevation gain, this hike is not for the faint of heart.
But those who are willing to put in the effort will be rewarded with sweeping views of the entire Teton Range, from Mount Moran to the north to Cascade Canyon to the south from the summit of Table Mountain.
Clocking in at roughly 8 miles, the hike to Devil’s Stair case is no walk in the park either. This hike is very steep but, like Table Mountain, features stunning Teton views and very few fellow hikers.
13. Visit Fall Creek Falls in Swan Valley
Just about 30 miles southwest of Driggs, across the Pine Creek Pass, and nestled in the majestic Swan Valley, Fall Creek Falls is the perfect afternoon adventure from the Teton Valley.
Make the very short but steep climb down to the falls and enjoy a picturesque afternoon relaxing along the banks of the Snake River.
14. Hike Teton Pass to the head of Black Canyon
Hike stats
- Hiking distance | 3.7 miles
- Elevation gain | 840 feet
- Total time | 1 – 2 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 5
- Difficulty | Moderate
If you’re looking for a short hike close to Driggs and Victor with beautiful views, the hike from Teton Pass to the head of Black Canyon is a great way to stretch your legs! This trail is also a popular mountain biking route.
Located at the top of the Teton Pass, just 15 minutes from Victor and 25 minutes from Driggs, this short but sweet 3.7-mile hike features beautiful mountain views, the chance to see wildlife, and colorful wildflowers during the spring and early summer.
Best Places to Eat in Driggs & Victor, Idaho
If you’re spending some time in Driggs and Victor, of course you’ll want some places to eat as well! In the list below, we’ve listed all of our favorite places to eat in Driggs and Victor.
- Tantanka Tavern | Wood-fired pizza, cold beer, and a large rooftop patio, is there a better combination? We don’t think so and Tatanka Tavern is therefore one of our favorite restaurants in the area.
- Knotty Pine Supper Club | The ultimate locals joint, the Knotty Pine Supper Club serves up a down-home menu of comfort food favorites. Don’t expect anything fancy here and that’s exactly how we like it. With a large outdoor patio, live music, and low prices, when you want a restaurant that epitomizes the Teton Valley, head to the Knotty Pine Supper Club.
- Teton Thai | Located right in downtown Driggs, Teton Thai serves up Thai classics in a fun, industrial environment.
- Bangkok Kitchen | Another Thai joint in Driggs, Bangkok Thai is our preferred spot for take out.
- Pinky G’s | A Jackson Hole icon, Pinky G’s is known for their massive and unique pizzas. But this pie is no gimmick – the taste lives up to the enormous size!
- Citizen 33 Craft Brewery and Restaurant | With a menu featuring homemade beer and elevate pub classics, you can’t go wrong at Citizen 33.
- Big Hole BBQ |Go to Big Hole BBQ. Order the ribs. Don’t ask any questions. Thank us later.
- Big Hole Bagel | Everyone needs a good breakfast sandwich every now and then so look no further than Big Hole Bagel. With location in both Driggs and Victor, you’re never too far from a fresh bagel in the Teton Valley.
Best Places to Stay in Driggs & Victor, Idaho
We love the Teton Valley for a lot of reasons, but primary among them is the fact that there are no hotel chains in either Victor or Driggs. With no massive and out-of-place hotels, the area has been able to maintain its charm despite its explosion in popularity. Below, we listed a few of the places we’ve stayed in the area and really enjoyed.
But if you’re looking for more places to stay in Driggs and Victor, we’d definitely recommend checking out either AirBnB or VRBO.
- Teton Valley Resort | Featuring updated yet rustic cabins, RV sites and even giant teepees, Teton Valley Resort is perfect for everyone. Kids will love the outdoor pool, while adults will savor the delicious restaurant right next door.
- Teton Springs Lodge | A bit more of an upscale option, Teton Springs Resort is perfect for those looking for something a bit quieter and more luxurious, while still maintaining the area’s rustic feel.
- Charming Lodge Style Home | There are tons of great short-term rentals in the area, but we loved our stay in this cabin, located just steps from downtown Driggs.
Other idaho & wyoming resources
Looking for more information about all the great things to do in Driggs and Victor, Idaho? Check out the resources below for more!
- Grand Teton | 18 Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park
- Grand Teton | How to Hike to Delta Lake in Grand Teton
- Grand Teton | Paintbrush Canyon Cascade Canyon Loop: Best Hike in Grand Teton
- Idaho | How to Kayak to Shoshone Falls in Southern Idaho
- Montana | Complete Guide to Hiking Cracker Lake Trail in Glacier
Questions about any of the best things to do in Driggs and Victor, Idaho? Drop us a comment below!
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