Things to do in Yellowstone
Herds of bison. Erupting geysers. Golden valleys and lush green forests. Known as the first national park in the U.S, Yellowstone continues to be cherished for its extraordinary landscapes and wildlife.
In this article we will cover:
Things To Know Before Visiting Yellowstone
Must See Sights in Yellowstone National Park
Things to do in West Yellowstone, MT—West Entrance
Things to do in Gardiner, MT—North Entrance
Things to do in Jackson, WY—South Entrance
Things to Know Before Visiting Yellowstone National Park
There are five entrances to the park
Because of the park’s vast size (over two million acres) there are five entrances: north, northeast, east, south, and west. Depending on what your preferences are, each entrance has something different and special to offer.
The north entrance offers closer access to most of Yellowstone’s geysers and is near the tourist town of West Yellowstone.
The south entrance is located near Grand Teton National Park and is a little over an hour away from Jackson, Wyoming.
The north entrance is the only entrance that is open year round and located next to Gardiner, Montana.
The northeast entrance and east entrance, while used less by visitors, offer a more remote wilderness experience.
1. Follow the safety rules
Many of Yellowstone’s sights are thermal features like geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and steam vents. They are beautiful yet dangerous, so be sure to always stay on designated trails and never touch, swim in, or throw anything in the hot springs.
2. Junior Ranger Program
Children ages four and up have the opportunity to participate in Yellowstone’s self guided Junior Ranger program! Booklets are offered at the park visitor centers and include activities like visiting with a ranger and hiking on a trail. After completing all of the requirements in the booklet, participants are awarded an official Yellowstone Junior Ranger Badge.
3. Fourth Graders Can Visit Yellowstone Park for Free
Did you know that fourth graders get to visit Yellowstone and other national parks for free? Visit https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm to learn more about their pass, which allows fourth graders and their families to get free access to America’s natural wonders and historic sites for an entire year.
4. Pack some snacks!
Just like all national parks, exploring Yellowstone requires a lot of walking and hiking. For some extra energy, pack up fruit, granola bars, nuts and lots of water! It will definitely come in handy.
Must See Sights in Yellowstone
1. Grand Prismatic Spring
Grand Prismatic Spring, located in Midway Geyser Basin, is Yellowstone’s largest hot spring--being 370 feet in diameter and more than 160 feet deep. It is also iconic for its vivid colors. The red, yellow, orange and green hues are caused by bacteria that thrive in above average temperatures. The middle of spring is sterile and a deep blue color.
The best time to visit Grand Prismatic Spring is during May to September, or on a clear sunny afternoon. To avoid crowds, go in the early morning or late evening.
2. Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley, also known as the “American Serengeti” is a great area for wildlife viewing! Observe animals such as bison, grizzly bears, pronghorn, deer, and coyotes in their natural environments. Make sure to bring binoculars for an up close look!
3. Yellowstone Falls
Yellowstone Falls comprises two major waterfalls, Upper Falls and Lower Falls, which are located on the Yellowstone River. Lower Falls is the largest waterfall in the park, plunging down 308 feet into the river.
You can view the falls from these points: Inspiration Point, Artists Point, Brink of Lower Falls, and Uncle Tom’s Trail. Upper Falls is 109 feet tall and can be viewed from the Upper Falls Viewpoint and Brink of Upper Falls.
4. Old Faithful
Old Faithful is one of the many 500 geysers located in Yellowstone National Park. A true Yellowstone icon, Old Faithful is known to erupt every 30 minutes--shooting its water up to more than 180 feet high. You can find the eruption schedule at the Old Faithful Visitor Center, official NPS app, or Yellowstone’s geyser prediction feed on Twitter (https://twitter.com/geysernps).
5. Artist Paint Pots
Located south of the Norris Geyser Basin are the Artist Paint Pots. There is a short hike that leads to several geothermal features like geysers, hot springs, steam vents and colorful mudpots.
Things to do in West Yellowstone, Montana—West Entrance
1. The Playmill Theatre
Take a relaxing break indoors when you visit The Playmill, the oldest summer stock theater in West Yellowstone. Come watch performances of Beauty and the Beast or Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. They also serve up delicious concessions including Heidi’s Famous Fudge, pineapple Dole Whips, and sundaes!
2. Diamond P. Ranch
Have you ever dreamed of riding off on horseback into the sunset with your loved ones? Diamond P. Ranch is the perfect place for making those fairytale dreams come true! From May to September, the ranch offers horseback rides during the morning, afternoon and evenings. All rides take place in the Gallatin National Forest overlooking Yellowstone National Park and the Continental Divide.
3. Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
For a closer look at Yellowstone’s wildlife, visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. This non-profit educational facility and wildlife park houses animals who are unable to survive in their natural habitat. Come and see bears, wolves, otters, amphibians and more! The center is open 365 days a year. Admission is good for two consecutive days!
4. Bullwinkle’s Saloon and Eatery
A nice hot meal is a great way to end a long day at Yellowstone National Park. That being said, you’ll want to stop at Bullwinkle’s Saloon and Eatery for some comfort food with a Yellowstone twist. Customer favorites include the Elk Ravioli, Buffalo Tomahawk, and huckleberry cheesecake!
5. Yellowstone Pizza Company
Yellowstone Pizza Company isn’t just any ordinary pizza, it’s where “wild meets delicious.” The restaurant lives up to its motto, serving up pizzas like “The Yellowstone” which is topped with ground bison. They also serve the classics like pepperoni and cheese pizza.
6. Yellowstone Zipline
Yellowstone Zipline Park is an adventure park that offers zip lining and ropes courses. There are different options for fun for people of all ages.There is a Junior Ranger Course for kids ages four to seven and the Adventure Pass for adults and kids ages six to twelve. Check out https://www.yellowstoneparkzipline.com/ to learn about more of their passes and prices!
Things to do in Gardiner, Montana—North Entrance
1. Wild West Whitewater Rafting
Wild West Whitewater Rafting is a company that offers rafting trips, horseback riding and fly fishing. You’ll be able to go rafting down the Yellowstone River in the daytime, nighttime or even overnight! The options for rafting are endless so be sure to check out https://wildwestrafting.com/ for more information.
2. Roosevelt Arch
Roosevelt Arch is a triumphal arch located at the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The arch was built in 1903 and dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt.
3. Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center
The Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center houses several collections of Yellowstone's natural and cultural resources. While most of the archives are kept for research purposes, there are rotating exhibits that are available for the public to see.
4. Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs is a large complex of hot springs that rest upon a hill of travertine. Boardwalk trails will take you to many of the spring’s terraces.
Things to in Jackson, Wyoming—South Entrance
1. National Elk Refuge
The National Elk Refuge is a wildlife refuge where you can have the experience of watching elk in their natural habitat. Elk are usually visible on the refuge from mid December to early April. During this time, there are also horse-drawn sleigh rides with scenic views of elk herds and the Grand Tetons.
2. National Museum of Wildlife Art
Built into a hillside that overlooks the National Elk Refuge is the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Founded in 1987, this museum has over 5,000 artworks of wildlife from all over the world, with works from artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol and John James Audubon. The museum also has a gift shop, interactive children’s gallery, restaurant, and outdoor Sculpture Trail.
3. Jackson Hole Farmers Market
From July to September, the city of Jackson holds a farmers market every Saturday from 8am to 12pm. Local vendors sell everything from baked goods to organic vegetables, meats, honey and flowers.
4. Cafe Genevieve
For a delicious brunch or lunch, try out Cafe Genevieve. Located in a historic log cabin in downtown Jackson, Cafe Genevieve serves up unique home-cooked classics like eggs benedict, chicken and waffles, Italian paninis and various sandwiches. Make sure to try their Pig Candy--slices of thick applewood bacon coated in a blend of sugar and spices.
There’s No Place Like Yellowstone
Whether it’s the excitement from watching Old Faithful’s eruptions, the mesmerizing colors of the Grand Prismatic, or the solitude of watching bison and elk roam the valley, you are sure to have wonderful and unique experiences with nature when visiting Yellowstone National Park.