The elk antler arches on the town square of Jackson, WY are one of the most iconic structures associated with the American West.The southwest corner of the town square was the 1st to get its arch in 1953. Funded by the local Rotary Club, additional arches were added between 1966 and 1969.

As these are real elk antlers, they naturally decompose over time and are replaced about every 30-40 years.

Arches are but by workers who weave each antler (weighing about 20 pounds each) into a steel frame and then screw the antlers down to provide extra support and prevent theft. Each arch contains up to 12,000 ponds of antlers,
some of which come from the Jackson Hole Boy Scout Troop. The remainder are purchased from regional collectors/dealers throughout the mountain west.

Get more information on elk and other wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem from Teton Wild.