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5 Must-See Attractions in Yellowstone National Park

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    Officially established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park encompasses almost 3,500 square miles located primarily in the state of Wyoming, though it also extends into Idaho and Montana. Yellowstone is home to one of the biggest high-altitude lakes on the continent, the world’s largest active geyser, and a wide array of rivers and mountain ranges. The park is the habitat for hundreds of different species of wildlife, many of which are endangered.

    Yellowstone is one of the most visited national parks in the country, hosting more than 2 million tourists each year.  When you are considering a trip to Yellowstone National Park, most experts agree that you should allow your family at least three days to fully experience everything it has to offer. It would take years for you to discover all the hidden gems of this vast wilderness, but here are a few attractions that your family must see on your trip through Yellowstone.

    Old Faithful
    Old Faithful Geyser – Though undoubtedly the world’s most famous geyser, it is neither the highest geyser in the park nor the most regular. Instead, it simply erupts more frequently than any other large geyser you can see. According to Yellowstone.net, the average eruption lasts somewhere between 1.5 and 5 minutes, during which up to 8,400 gallons of boiling water are expelled into the air. The stream can reach heights of up to 184 feet. The geyser was named in 1870 for its predictability. Today, eruptions occur once every 65-92 minutes. While you are visiting Old Faithful, you will also want to wander around the rest of the Upper Geyser Basin. Separated by a boardwalk, a tour will take you past several more unpredictable geysers. You can even stay at the Old Faithful Inn, which was build in 1904 and currently features more than 300 guest rooms. The building itself has been classified as a National Historical Landmark.

    Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
    Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – While it doesn’t have the same scope as Arizona’s famous landmark, the Yellowstone Grand Canyon is still quite impressive. The area was eroded away about 600,000 years ago as one of the effects of a volcanic eruption. It spans about 20 miles in length, and is 1200 feet deep and 4000 feet wide at its largest points. The Grand Canyon is also home to the spectacular Lower Falls, which are 308 feet high. You can actually take a short hike down to the edge of the falls for a particularly breathtaking experience.

    Yellowstone Lake
    Yellowstone Lake – One of the largest high altitude lakes in North America, Yellowstone Lake can be viewed from its western and northern shorelines. See spectacular views of snow capped mountains across the lake, and take note of the enormous waves that break on the water when the wind is high. You’ll want to visit Lake Village and especially The Lake Yellowstone Hotel, which was built at the turn of the 20th century and recently revived to its original glory when it was put on the National Registry of Historic Places.

    Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone
    Mammoth Hot Springs – Yellowstone’s official headquarters, the Mammoth Hot Springs are composed of travertine rock formations dissolved by hot water. The beautiful hot springs are ever-changing, and you might notice them looking different on a daily basis. This area also features some of the park’s oldest buildings, including the red-roofed outposts that comprise Fort Yellowstone—remnants from the days during which the Army managed the park.

    Hayden Valley
    Hayden Valley – No trip to Yellowstone is complete without seeing some of its incredible wildlife firsthand. Hayden Valley is one of the best places to go for almost guaranteed views of roaming animals. You can expect to spot herds of bison and possibly elk, and if you are very lucky, you may even see a grizzly bear.

    Even if you make it to all of these places, your family will have only scratched the surface of everything there is to discover in Yellowstone. Besides giving you a taste of what nature has to offer, it will hopefully inspire your family to return soon and uncover more of the beauty that runs rampant in America’s national parks.

    Theresa Jorgensen

    Theresa Jorgensen

    Theresa Jorgensen is a mother to four children including twins. She recognized the necessity for a comprehensive resource of hotels that cater to big families with rooms and suites for 5, 6, 7, or 8 people in a single room while traveling with her own family. In 2008, she established SixSuitcaseTravel to compile a database of such hotels. Over time, the website has grown to include travel advice, itineraries, road trip suggestions, national park guides, and more. Theresa takes pleasure in assisting other big families in creating unforgettable travel experiences.