The National Elk Refuge provides, preserves, restores, and manages winter habitat for the nationally significant Jackson Elk Herd as well as habitat for endangered species, birds, fish, and other big game animals. The Refuge celebrated its centennial in 2012.

While elk are the primary reason for the refuge’s establishment, and the habitat is managed primarily for elk, other highly visible and important species exist on and use the variety of upland, riparian, and wetland habitats.

The refuge supports a variety of habitat types.

Historically, the Jackson Elk Herd wintered in and migrated through the land where the Town of Jackson now lies.