Historic Family Establishment in Grand Teton National Park
Dornan's is a privately-owned family establishment located within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park in Moose Wyoming. Originally homesteaded in 1922 by Evelyn Dornan the property has remained in the family for over a century and is now operated by the fifth generation of Dornans. The venue sits along the Snake River offering spectacular views of the Teton Range making it one of the most scenic locations in Jackson Hole.
The Jackson Hole Hootenanny
Dornan's is best known as the summer home of the Jackson Hole Hootenanny an acoustic open mic night that has been a valley tradition since the 1950s. What began as informal jam sessions under the Snake River bridge led by legendary mountaineer and skier Bill Briggs evolved into a formal event that moved to Dornan's in the early 1990s. The Hootenanny takes place every Monday evening with sign-ups beginning at 5:00 PM and performances running from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. During summer months the event happens outdoors at the Chuckwagon stage while winter sessions relocate to the Silver Dollar Bar at the Wort Hotel in downtown Jackson.
Musical Heritage
The Hootenanny has launched the careers of several notable musicians and has become a rite of passage for Jackson Hole's music community. Legendary performers like John Denver and Chuck Pyle made surprise appearances at the venue. The event maintains a strict acoustic-only policy with performers limited to two songs per set though repeats are welcome if time allows. The supportive audience creates an atmosphere where talking during performances is considered disrespectful a rarity in bar settings. The event has run continuously since 1993 including during the 2020 pandemic when it moved to Zoom and was livestreamed to YouTube.
Dining and Amenities
Beyond the music Dornan's operates multiple establishments on the property. The Pizza & Pasta Company serves lunch and dinner year-round inside the Spur Bar featuring New York-style pizza and Italian dishes with panoramic mountain views. The seasonal Chuckwagon restaurant operates during summer months serving breakfast lunch and dinner outdoors. The Trading Post grocery store and deli provides fresh produce baked goods camping supplies and gas making it a one-stop shop for park visitors. The renowned Wine Shop offers an extensive selection curated for discerning tastes.
Lodging and Recreation
Dornan's Spur Ranch Cabins offer year-round accommodations with 8 one-bedroom and 4 two-bedroom cabin duplexes. During summer Adventure Sports rents canoes kayaks and mountain bikes while winter offerings include cross-country skis and snowshoes. The property serves as an ideal base for exploring Grand Teton National Park located just 13 miles from downtown Jackson and 5 miles from Jackson Hole Airport.
Community Gathering Place
For nearly three decades Dornan's has served as a community gathering place where locals and visitors alike share their love of music and the outdoors. The venue's commitment to preserving musical traditions while providing modern amenities has made it an essential part of the Jackson Hole cultural landscape. The family ownership ensures a personal touch and dedication to quality that has kept generations of visitors returning year after year.