Menors Ferry Historic District

William D. Menor's Homestead and Ferry

In 1894, William (Bill) D. Menor established his homestead on the west side of the Snake River. At that time, the Snake River posed a significant crossing challenge, making Menor the sole settler on the west side of the river in central Jackson Hole for almost ten years. Menor constructed a ferry allowing locals to hunt, cut timber, and forage for berries and mushrooms on his side of the river. In 1918, Menor sold his homestead and the ferry to Maud Noble, who managed it until 1927, when a steel truss bridge was built less than a mile downstream.

The Ferry and Historical Structures

The Ferry

The original ferry consisted of a platform atop two pontoons, large enough to accommodate a wagon and a team of four horses. Today, a replica of this ferry, as well as the cable system it moved along, can be seen, although it is not operational for river crossings.

Other Historic Elements

This historic district also includes several other notable structures:

• Menor's Cabin: Expanded multiple times before Menor sold it to Noble.
• Menor's Former General Store: A part of the historic district.
• Chapel of the Transfiguration: Built in 1925 on land donated by Noble. The log chapel's window behind the altar perfectly frames the tallest peaks of the range and remains an active worship site, with services held every Sunday from Memorial Day through September by St. John’s Episcopal Church at 8 and 10 a.m.

Visitors' Experience

Many recent visitors have enjoyed learning about the history of Menor's Ferry through guided tours offered by living history volunteers from mid-June to mid-September. According to most travelers, visiting the Chapel of the Transfiguration is a must-do activity.

Access and Additional Information

The Menors Ferry Historic District is accessible from Teton Park Road, located half a mile north of the park's Moose entrance. Your park admission includes access to this area. For more information, visit the National Park Service website.