Cunningham Cabin – 5 Reasons to Go

Read on to help you decide.

History – Why Cunningham Cabin is Important

John and Margaret Cunningham claimed Bar Flying U Ranch in 1880s. In 1888, they built this cabin.

Bar Flying U Ranch

After previously resisting selling his homestead for federal use, and when the agricultural depression dominated the 1920s, Cunningham led the petition for ranches in the valley to be bought out to create a national recreation area for the public to enjoy.

97 ranchers signed.

In 1928 Cunningham sold to the Snake River Land Company who later donated 35,000 acres for park expansion.

Snake River Land Company was the company John D. Rockefeller established to buy up the land in the valley to donate to the US Government and have it established and preserved as a national park.

Thank you, John and Margaret Cunningham, for helping expand GTNP and giving us this unobstructed view.

Thank you, Mr. Rockefeller, for giving us GTNP.

Also, in 1973 the Cunningham Cabin area was added to the National Register of Historic Places, therefore this area and view will always be protected.

Now you know the history, here are 5 reasons to go to Cunningham Cabin:

1. The Architecture

In 1888, the Cunninghams built this three-room cabin in an Appalachian style commonly called “double-pen” or “dog-trot”. A “dog-trot” is two log cabins connected by a breezeway. The Cunninghams lived in the south side and used the north side as a blacksmith workshop.

Cunningham Cabin

The two rooms of the house opened into the breezeway. The breezeway provided a cooler covered area for sitting. The combination of the breezeway and open windows in the rooms of the house created air flows which pulled cooler outside air into the living quarters.

The original structure was built with local materials and no nails or other metal.

2. The Pictures

Such a little cabin, but such a big playground for photos inside and outside of the cabin such as:

Grand Teton through Cunningham Cabin window

• Panoramic of Teton Range, with or without the cabin
• Cabin with Grand Teton in the background
• Cabin with Mt. Moran in the background
• Cabin with any of the Teton range in the background
• Grand Teton framed by the window inside the cabin
• Mt. Moran framed by the window inside the cabin
• Teton view from the breezeway
• The buckrail fence with the Tetons in the background
• Group shots and selfies

and so many, many more…

For more ideas google “Cunningham Cabin Grand Teton National Park”. So many talented people have posted their beautiful pictures.

3. Stretching and Relaxation

Cunningham Cabin is not a very busy spot.

It can’t be seen from the road, so I think many people drive on thinking there is nothing to see.

Therefore, this place can be very quiet and peaceful.

Grand Teton View from Cunningham Cabin

We once spent an hour here around 8:00 am and were the only ones here. It was so quiet, and the early morning light made the place glow – giving it an even more “peaceful” and relaxing atmosphere.

It would be a great place to get out of the car and walk around without the stress of crowds. The flat grass around the cabin made it easy to walk without being scraped up by sagebrush.

And while I wouldn’t put this at the top of a “Place to Take Kids” list, it is an area where kids can run around, exploring the inside and outside of the cabin, without worry of hurting and breaking anything.  And they might find the cabin to be “cool”.

Just watch out for the animal holes and tunnels! There are many and can trip you up easily.

4. Picnicking

While there are many, many, wonderful designated picnic spots throughout the park, there is something about a picnic or snack break in an off-the-beaten-path place that is satisfying.

Cunningham Cabin with Teton Range

Following with the relaxation theme from the previous section, the flat grass is conducive for picnic blankets, and the breezeway for camp chairs. Both providing spectacular views, a breeze, and maybe even some shade (breezeway).

As with all food in the GTNP, please follow proper food rules and storage.

5. Animals

Watch for bison, they are around this area often, both on their own and in herds.

Elk sometimes come through this area.

Geese frequent area, they like the marshy areas around the snake river that is close by.

Do NOT feed the animals, including the geese, gophers, and chipmunks.

Most animals that develop a taste for human food are eventually euthanized.

Also, if you are having a picnic and/or snack, do look behind you every so often to make sure animals don’t want to join.

Stay safe. Carry and know how to use Bear Spray!!

Reasons to Skip Cunningham Cabin

• No interest in seeing a homestead and cabin from late 1800s (no judgement!)
• Under a time crunch – if your choice is between Cunningham Cabin and Mormon Row, pick Mormon Row as it is the more famous, “bucket list” place.

Know Before You Go

• You can’t see the cabin from the highway.
• It is a very, very short walk to the cabin from the parking area.
• There is a $1 honesty box for a pamphlet. Deposit the money there, or return pamphlet to box.
• Watch out for all the animal holes and tunnels, they are everywhere, could cause you to trip and fall.
• Not a “must-do”, but a pretty place to see if you have time, for all the reasons previously listed.
• No bathrooms.
• Not busy, especially in the morning.
• As you can see, the roof is low, watch your head if going in the cabin.
• You are out in full sun, (only shade may be the breezeway and inside the cabin) remember your sun protection, water, bug spray, and bear spray!

Think you’ll go? Have more questions or tips to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP