Menor's Ferry Historic District

Bill Menor traveled from Ohio to Montana before settling in 1892 on the Snake River.

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Menor's Ferry Historic District Details

Bill Menor traveled from Ohio to Montana before settling in 1892 on the Snake River "where the river was altogether in one place." He found that the river flow near present-day Moose narrowed to a single channel that could be crossed more easily than the wide, braided channels that comprise most of the Snake River. During the next decade, he built his cabin one room at a time. His brother, Holiday, settled on the other side of the Snake River and operated a limekiln. Bill painted the general store with whitewash from Holiday's limekiln. In the early 1900s, the store and ferry drew homesteaders and dudes alike, ordering supplies and crossing the river. Bill also operated a smokehouse and blacksmith shop, raised vegetables supplying produce to the local dude ranches, and served as postmaster. In 1918, he sold his homestead and ferry operation to Maud Noble. Today, period furnishings fill the cabin, and the storekeeper still sells period goods to visitors who venture to the store. The Grand Teton Association manages the store, which is open seven days a week during the peak summer season. Bill Menor recognized the single channel of the Snake River offered an ideal crossing point, one of only three in the valley. His "reaction ferry" design dates back to ancient times, using the river current to propel the boat. During winter, when the river was low, he would shuttle people across in a cable car. The ferry operated until 1927, when the State of Wyoming built a bridge. Today, visitors can enjoy a ride on a replica ferry that operates in the late summer months (dates and hours vary).

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

Region

Teton Park Road