Jackson Lake Lodge, located near the base of the breathtaking Grand Teton Range, is located within Grand Teton National Park. Known for its iconic views of the Tetons, the lobby's 60-foot floor-to-ceiling windows give visitors an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the famed mountains.  Adventure abounds. Pristine lakes. Extraordinary hikes. Rafting. Trout fishing. Geysers Geothermal pools. Elk. Bison. Bears. The Lodge serves as home base to those from around the world who seek the natural beauty and wonders of two famed national parks.

Renaissance Weekend is comprised of hundreds of programs and shared meals in which participants with in-depth knowledge reflect off-the-record on a wide variety of current issues.  (See Content)  Lively discussion by all participants is encouraged, and the tone is decidedly relaxed.

Each afternoon is set aside for recreation, including sports, National Park activities, relaxation, and exploring Jackson Hole. Two meals "on-your-own" — Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch — allow participants to sample local restaurants and dine with fellow participants and new friends.

Program

Participants' program assignments are based on information provided on the Participant Profiles page of their online registration, which should be completed as early as possible. Please email the Renaissance Weekend team if changes have been made to your Participant Profile after your registration is confirmed and before we distribute the Tentative Program. 

In mid-August, the Tentative Program and other materials will be sent to each registered party's lead participant, who is asked to share them with other members of his/her party.

Registration opens on Thursday, August 29 at 4:00 P.M. at the Jackson Lake Lodge, where participants pick up their materials and the Final Program, and check in separately with their hotel. Proctors and Moderators briefings meet between 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. The first program begins at 6:00 P.M. that evening at the Jackson Lake Lodge.

Early arrivals are invited to help with Registration and to notify the Renaissance Weekend staff of their availability. 

The program ends by 11:00 A.M. on Monday, September 2.

Meals

Conversation over meals is an important part of the Weekend, and all guests are expected to participate in the Common Meals. Only children under three are not charged for Common Meals. The "on-your-own" meals, Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch, are designed to facilitate participants' enjoyment of Jackson Hole and surroundings. Meals & Meeting Services Fees may not be reduced for late arrivals, early departures or absences from meals.

Sports & Recreational Activities

Afternoons are set aside (Friday from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.; Saturday from 3:00 P.M. through the evening, including dinner on your own; and Sunday from 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., including lunch on your own) for participants' personal and family recreation. Wild and scenic rafting on the Snake River, horseback riding, kayaking and Boat Cruises on Jackson Lake are a few of the activities that available in Grand Teton National Park. Take a narrated National Park tour, go hiking, fly fishing or rent a kayak, canoe or motorboat at the marina. Take in the mountain vistas and enjoy wildlife spotting as you drive through Yellowstone National Park. All of this may be arranged through the activities desk at the Jackson Lake Lodge. Advanced bookings are recommended (307-543-2811).

To explore the National Parks, participants may arrive early or extend their stay, and Renaissance Weekend room rates may be available upon request by calling the hotel directly (307-543-3100) and referencing the “Renaissance Weekend” group block.

Participants arriving after 7:00 P.M. on Thursday or departing before 9:00 A.M. on Monday are requested to advise Renaissance Weekend staff.  Jackson Lake Lodge's concierge can assist with any transportation needs.

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the only airport located within a National Park and is located at the base of the spectacular Teton mountain range. Jackson Lake Lodge is located approximately 28 miles from the Jackson Hole Airport. Transportation options from the airport to Jackson Lake Lodge include car rental, taxi, Uber, and scheduling a private shuttle service.

Airport shuttle service is available from JH Shuttle (307-200-1400). 

Rental cars are recommended for exploring the National Parks. Parking is free at the Jackson Lake Lodge.

To explore the surrounding area, participants may arrive early or extend their stay, and Renaissance Weekend room rates may be available upon request of the hotel. Please call the hotel directly (307-543-3100) to extend your stay, referencing the "Renaissance Weekend" group rate. 

This sprawling resort stands on a bluff with spectacular views across Jackson Lake to the Tetons. The upper lobby has enormous picture windows and a collection of American Indian artifacts and Western art. The marble floors and polished brass accents add a timeless, classic style to the Western decor and the entire property is at the heart of the Grand Teton National Park. 

During registration on our website, you will reserve lodging. The group code is 10060. You must register for the weekend to use the group code. If you reserve a room, but do not register for the weekend, your reservation will be cancelled.  

To reserve pre/post nights at Jackson Lake Lodge you will need to call the Jackson Lake Lodge Reservations team at (307) 543-3100, current hours are Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-4:30pm MST. 

Nearby lodging alternatives are limited almost exclusively to the town of Jackson Hole (40 miles away) and Labor Day is a very popular time to visit the area. Other available options include:

• Signal Mountain Lodge. Located within the park, the Lodge is 4.2 miles/9 minutes away from the principal meeting site. Best available rates for Aug. 29 - Sept. 2 start at $500 per night.
• The Lodge at Jackson Hole. Located 36 miles/50 minutes away from the principal meeting site, best available rates for Aug. 29 - Sept. 2 start at $428 per night.

Camp Renaissance, Teens & College Students

Camp Renaissance — an active program tailored for children ages 3-12 — typically includes presentations by fascinating adult participants, hands-on experiments, indoor and outdoor games, nature walks, musical performances, story-telling, and arts-&-crafts projects. These activities are supervised by the Camp Renaissance Counselors, with involvement from adult Renaissance participants whose experiences are of interest to young people. Camp Renaissance runs concurrently with the adult program and does not provide full-time child care.

Young people are welcome at all functions. Most teens and college students participate in the Weekend's scheduled program. In addition, they often have designated gathering places, assigned programs, and their own activities and discussions. Teens and college students are usually placed on panels related to their interests, as indicated on their Participant Profile.

College students integrate themselves into the scheduled program. Many form strong bonds and even lifetime friendships during evening social events and programs planned specifically for them.

Parents are expected to oversee their sons' and daughters’ comings and goings throughout the Weekend. Renaissance Institute and Renaissance Weekend, and its staff, assume no liability regarding children or teens.

There is no organized program or child care provided for children under the age of three. Younger children are welcome at Camp Renaissance programs when accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. Participants should make arrangements for babysitters at least three weeks prior to arrival at the Weekend by phoning the Jackson Lake Lodge Concierge for assistance. To maximize their enjoyment of the program, families with very young children are encouraged to bring a baby-sitter or au pair. Although there is no Registration Fee for babysitters/au pairs, they must register for meals at the children's rate, attend solely for child care, and, if practical, may assist periodically with Camp Renaissance. Baby-sitters/au pairs are free to attend programs and panel discussions designed specifically for Camp Renaissance participants.

Camp & Teens Programs are organized at all New Year's and most of the other Weekends.  On the rare occasions when there are few registrants in these age groups at the smaller Weekends, no such specific programs may be organized; and such young people, as always, are welcome at all sessions. Confirmation of Camp and Teens Programs, available six weeks before any Weekend, may be secured through info@RenWkd.org. 

Jackson Hole temperatures in late August / early September can range from the 60's to the mid-80's. Check weather reports shortly in advance of the Weekend.

Dress is informal, mountain casual, during the Weekend. Jeans are acceptable for day-time programs. Men typically wear jackets for dinners, but formal dress is not required.

All Registration and Meals & Meeting Services Fees will be refunded — less a $250/party processing fee — for cancellations received by Renaissance Weekend in writing via e-mail, fax, or mail, sixty days in advance of the first night of the Weekend. No refund is available for cancellations communicated less than fourteen days in advance. Cancellations received in the intervening period are eligible for 50% refunds. For a one-time transfer of fees, however, payments can be applied towards any of the three immediately following Renaissance Weekends, subject to a $100/party transfer fee, if space remains and such notice is received.  No refund is available after a payment has been transferred and applied to a new Weekend.

Meals & Meeting Services Fees may not be reduced for late arrivals, early departures or absences from meals.

Lodging cancellations are handled directly by your hotel subject to its specific policies. Be sure also to advise Renaissance Weekend of cancellation.

Registration Fee

(Youth Registration Fee applies only to children or guests, ages 3-21, of invited adults.)

Meeting Services, Meals & Special Events Fee