I flew into the only airport inside a US national park. It felt more like a luxury hotel lobby than a terminal.

I saw a large stainless steel mural as I walked into the terminal. According to the airport’s website, it’s a map of the view out your plane window when flying into Jackson Hole.

Being greeted with this unique wall art and sculptures of animals and cowboys surrounding baggage claim was the ideal way to start my first trip to Wyoming.

When I arrived in Jackson Hole, I rushed out of the airport to start my adventure. But on the way home, I had a chance to see more of the building.

The exterior almost looked like a natural structure, with glass walls, wooden awnings, and pillars made from Douglas fir trees, according to the airport’s website.

The terminal was small, with less than a dozen gates, so I was surprised by the variety of food options, including a full-service restaurant and a spacious grab-and-go snack area.

I’ve been to a lot of airports, and I rarely see trash that’s this organized. The categories even separated magazines from newspapers.

Since Grand Teton National Park is known for its bear population, I wasn’t too surprised to see a bear spray rental counter at JAC. But still, it’s certainly a kiosk I’d never seen in an airport.

What surprised me more was the shelf of free books provided by the Teton County Library in the terminal. Most titles appeared to be novels, and a selection for children was on the bottom shelf.

Unlike most flights I take, I wasn’t relieved to be leaving the airport. Waiting at JAC felt more like waiting in a luxurious hotel lobby than in a terminal — and I can’t wait to fly back.