Let's go visit the Jackson National Fish Hatchery!

Entrance to the Fish Hatchery

This fish hatchery is just a little outside of Jackson Hole, not far from the Flat Creek Inn. Look for the "Jackson National Fish Hatchery" sign and follow the arrows to the parking lot. [caption id="attachment_2561" align="aligncenter" width="360"] The entrance sign.[/caption] The views from the fish hatchery are beautiful. It's a really peaceful and scenic area. Visitors can follow the wide, paved pathway from the parking lot down to the fish hatchery building. [caption id="attachment_2564" align="aligncenter" width="480"] The view from the parking lot looking down at the fish hatchery building.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2563" align="aligncenter" width="480"] One of the many educational signs along the pathway[/caption] Along the path are several signs that give the history of the fish hatchery and educate on the process and purpose of the hatchery. [caption id="attachment_2565" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Another educational sign to read as you are walking towards the hatchery.[/caption]

Inside the Fish Hatchery

Once you reach the building, you come inside to the front room which includes a guest sign in and these screens on the wall that show footage of the different stages of the fish hatchery process. You can see the fish at the beginning of their journey until the end when they get released. [caption id="attachment_2562" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Inside the fish hatchery[/caption] There are also two large fish tanks with a variety of fish to look at. [caption id="attachment_2559" align="aligncenter" width="480"] About to head into the actual hatchery[/caption]

Inside the Hatchery Area

Here is where the whole process happens. Inside these tanks of water, you can see fish in various stages of development. It's fun to watch the fish swimming around and even jumping out of the water! [caption id="attachment_2558" align="aligncenter" width="480"] These receptacles hold the fish![/caption] [caption id="attachment_2557" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Lots of fish in this one![/caption]

Behind the Fish Hatchery

When you walk out of the building you can see more areas where the fish are held when they get too large for the indoor areas. [caption id="attachment_2556" align="aligncenter" width="480"] The fish get moved to these outside troughs when they get too big for the indoor ones.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2560" align="aligncenter" width="360"] There are some more fish![/caption] [caption id="attachment_2568" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Another educational sign inside the fish hatchery.[/caption] There is a beautiful pond behind the fish hatchery with fish inside. It's a beautiful area to walk around and enjoy the scenery. [caption id="attachment_2567" align="aligncenter" width="480"] The view of the back of the fish hatchery[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2566" align="aligncenter" width="480"] A beautiful pond behind the hatchery that you can walk around and enjoy.[/caption] You can find out more about the purpose of fish hatcheries here. The Jackson National Fish Hatchery is well worth the visit, and even better, it's free! For close lodging to the Fish Hatchery, we recommend staying at the Flat Creek Inn!   Shan'tel Christensen is a mother to 5 and is currently getting her masters in social work. Whenever she gets the chance, she loves to visit beautiful places like Jackson Hole!