About Yellowstone National Park
America's first national park sits atop a supervolcano, featuring erupting geysers, rainbow hot springs, and wildlife roaming freely across vast wilderness.
Yellowstone was established in 1872 as the world's first national park, protecting this unique geothermal wonderland for all people to enjoy. Indigenous peoples lived here for over 11,000 years before European exploration. The park sits atop a massive supervolcano - one of the world's largest active volcanic systems! This creates Yellowstone's famous geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. Old Faithful geyser has been erupting regularly for over 140 years. The park is also a wildlife sanctuary - the last place in the lower 48 states where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times. Families can see wolves, grizzly bears, elk, and massive bison herds in their natural habitat. The rainbow-colored Grand Prismatic Spring looks like something from another planet! Yellowstone teaches children about geology, volcanic activity, conservation, and the importance of protecting wild places. Walking wooden boardwalks over boiling features creates unforgettable memories!
✨ Help fellow travelers! Share your experiences, photos, and tips about Yellowstone National Park. Your contributions help others plan amazing adventures!
Community Contributions
✨ Have you visited Yellowstone National Park? Sign in to share your experiences and help other travelers!
Join to Contribute
Sign in to share your experiences, photos, and recommendations about Yellowstone National Park. Help fellow travelers discover amazing places!
Videos, Podcasts & Blogs
Yellowstone with Kids: Complete Family Guide
📝 by Yellowstone Families
Make the most of Yellowstone with children! Best trails, geyser viewing times, wildlife safety, and Junior Ranger programs.
Yellowstone: Geysers and Wildlife Wonderland
📝 by National Park Service
Explore America's first national park! See Old Faithful erupt, rainbow hot springs, and bison roaming free.
Yellowstone for Families: Complete Planning Guide
📝 by National Park Family
Plan your Yellowstone adventure! Where to stay, best trails for kids, geyser viewing tips, and wildlife safety basics.
Old Faithful & Geysers: Yellowstone Science
📝 by Science Explorers
Watch Old Faithful erupt and learn the fascinating science behind Yellowstone's geysers, hot springs, and volcanic features!
The Story of Yellowstone: America's First National Park
📝 by American History for Families
Discover how Yellowstone became the world's first national park in 1872, the conservation movement it inspired, and why protecting wild places matters for future generations.
Yellowstone's Geysers and Hot Springs Explained for Kids
📝 by Science Channel Kids
An educational yet fun exploration of how geysers work, why hot springs have rainbow colors, and what makes Yellowstone's geology so special. Great science content for curious minds!
Wildlife Watching in Yellowstone: Bears, Bison, and Wolves
📝 by Wildlife Filmmaker Network
Safe wildlife viewing tips and spectacular footage of Yellowstone's animals in their natural habitat. Learn about bison behavior, where to spot wolves, and bear safety.
Complete Family Guide to Visiting Yellowstone
📝 by National Park Family Adventures
Comprehensive 7-day family itinerary covering Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and wildlife viewing with practical tips for traveling with kids in America's first national park.
Traveler Stories (1)
Yellowstone in early September: crowd-free and full of wildlife
We waited until after Labor Day and had boardwalks almost to ourselves. Bison crossed the road in front of us twice and the kids counted eleven elk in one meadow. Lodging inside the park books out a year ahead, so we stayed in West Yellowstone and drove in each morning.
💡 Travel Tips
- •Old Faithful erupts roughly every 90 minutes - check the prediction board first
- •Keep 25 yards from bison, they are faster than they look
- •Bring layers, mornings were near freezing even in September
Must-See Attractions
Top Highlights
Old Faithful geyser eruptions
Grand Prismatic Spring rainbow colors
Wildlife watching (bison, bears, wolves)
Yellowstone Lake and Grand Canyon
Mammoth Hot Springs terraces
Mud pots and fumaroles
Fun Facts
Yellowstone has over 10,000 geothermal features!
Old Faithful erupts about every 90 minutes
The park is home to the largest bison population in the US
Yellowstone Lake freezes thick enough for people to drive on!
Location
Quick Info
Destination
Yellowstone National Park
Country
United States
Region
North America
Best Time to Visit
April to May, September to November
Popular Activities
