The Murie Ranch: The Heart of American Wilderness in Grand Teton National Park
- The Murie Ranch is a National Historic Landmark District in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park.
- Exploring the ranch gives you an inside look at the park’s unique ecosystem and history of conservation.
- Get a firsthand account of this historic ranch from Road Scholar Lauren B.
Looks can be deceiving at the Murie Ranch. After a walk bordering the Snake River lined with aspen trees, we were greeted by a dirt parking lot and several small log cabins nestled among tall grasses and against the backdrop of the Grand Tetons, barely visible beyond the trees. Its unassuming nature is a key part of its charm, yet it conceals a remarkable legacy: a long and fascinating history of conservation that has left a profound impact on the United States.
Our group arrived as part of a Road Scholar learning adventure through the mountains and rivers of Grand Teton National Park, where we learned not only about the geological forces that shaped this region and the wildlife that calls it home, but also the long-standing desire to protect it in its most natural state. Former Wilderness Society Director Olaus Murie once called the Murie Ranch "the heart of American wilderness.” Located in the southern portion of Grand Teton National Park, the Murie Ranch has been an important site for conservation policy and natural history since the mid-20th century. Decades later, it continues to serve as an educational landmark.
A Push for Conservation
After our arrival at the Murie Ranch and a hearty lunch prepared especially for our group by a local chef, we gathered on the front porch of the Murie residence. Under the shade of the porch, we listened to a docent relay the story of the Muries — and what a story it was! From expeditions in Alaska to their time at home on the ranch, Olaus and Margaret (Mardy) Murie lived exciting lives, and their passion for nature and conservation always guided their work and next steps.
It was during this docent-led talk that we learned we were in good company — for years, the Muries had hosted conservationists and environmental thinkers on the very same porch where we sat. The Wilderness Society also has roots at the ranch, which hosted its western headquarters for decades. The Muries’ work was also influential in the creation and passing the Wilderness Act in 1964. This prohibited commercial development on protected land and led to the protection of about 112 million acres in the U.S. today, solidifying the Murie Ranch as a significant site in ecological history.
Staying at the Ranch
After our talk, we were able to walk through the home that Olaus and Mardy shared and where Mardy lived after Olaus’ passing until her death in 2003. From original furniture to Mardy’s famous Cry Baby Cookies recipe, it was easy to imagine their rugged but cozy life.
We were also able to explore the other cabins on the ranch, where the Muries would host visitors. Staying at the Murie Ranch with Road Scholar and Teton Science Schools offers participants the opportunity to enjoy an even deeper look into the lives of the Muries and their conservation work, all within the heart of Grand Teton National Park. On Road Scholar's Hike, Paddle & Float: Outdoor Adventures in the Grand Tetons program, enjoy Teton Science Schools’ Jackson Hole campus as you immerse yourself in the heart of conservation and natural wonders through hikes past rugged mountain peaks, paddles along String Lake and floating down the flowing Snake River. Your time there (as was mine) will shape your understanding of Wyoming's natural history, geological formations and the diverse ecosystem around you, thanks in part to experiences at the Murie Ranch.
Explore a Unique Ecosystem
Our experience at the Murie Ranch was a highlight for many Road Scholars on our learning adventure. It’s hard to believe, but the Murie Ranch is just one section of Grand Teton National Park, which spans more than 300,000 acres across Wyoming and can be explored on many additional learning adventures. Grab your hiking boots and set out on paths that wind through towering pines and aspens. Ride horses through grassy meadows, try to spot wildlife like bison or strap on some snowshoes to get a new perspective in a different season, all with the unforgettable backdrop of the Teton Mountain Range.
