Yellowstone Park Facts

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We’ve created this list of over 50 fun facts about Yellowstone Park!

In addition to over 50 fun facts about Yellowstone Park, learn more about its geography, plants, animals, people, cultures, legends, and so much more!

Yellowstone Park Facts


Table of Contents

Fun Facts About Yellowstone Park – About Yellowstone Park

ellowstone National Park is a protected area in the United States, located primarily in the state of Wyoming, with small sections in Montana and Idaho. It was the first national park in the world, established in 1872, and covers an area of over 2.2 million acres.

The park is famous for its geothermal features, including hot springs, geysers, mudpots, and fumaroles, as well as its diverse wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. The most famous geyser in the park is Old Faithful, which erupts at regular intervals, and draws millions of visitors every year.

Yellowstone is also home to several major rivers, numerous lakes and waterfalls, and vast forests that support a variety of ecosystems. The park is an important center for scientific research, and offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Fun Facts About Yellowstone Park – Basic Facts & History

Before we get to the fun facts about Yellowstone National Park, here is a little background on this amazing National Park.

Yellowstone National Park has a rich and fascinating history, dating back thousands of years. The area that is now the park has been inhabited by Native American tribes for over 11,000 years, who used the land for hunting, fishing, and spiritual purposes. These tribes include the Shoshone, Crow, Bannock, Blackfeet, and Nez Perce, among others.

In the early 1800s, European explorers and fur trappers began to explore the region, and brought back stories of its unique geothermal features, such as the geysers and hot springs. This led to increased interest in the area, and in 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the legislation that established Yellowstone National Park as the world’s first national park.

Over the years, the park has been the site of many important scientific discoveries, including the study of geothermal activity and the development of the concept of the ecosystem. It has also been the site of important conservation efforts, such as the reintroduction of the gray wolf to the park in the 1990s.

Today, Yellowstone National Park remains a popular destination for tourists from around the world, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve. It is an important center for scientific research and education, and is a symbol of the natural beauty and ecological importance of the American West.

Yellowstone Park Facts

Fun Facts About Yellowstone Park – 25 Fun Facts

Here are 25 fun facts about Yellowstone Park:

  1. Yellowstone is the world’s first national park, established in 1872.
  2. The park covers 2.2 million acres and spans three states (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho).
  3. Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser.
  4. The park has over 300 waterfalls, including the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, which is over 300 feet tall.
  5. Yellowstone is the largest megafauna wildlife ecosystem in the United States, with over 60 mammal species, including bison, grizzly bears, wolves, and elk.
  6. The park has over 1,000 miles of hiking trails.
  7. Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America.
  8. The park has over 290 bird species, including bald eagles and ospreys.
  9. Yellowstone is the site of the largest active volcano in North America, the Yellowstone Caldera.
  10. The park has over 2,000 campsites.
  11. Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world.
  12. The park has over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles.
  13. Yellowstone is home to the largest free-roaming herd of bison in the world, with around 4,000 animals.
  14. The park has over 100 named lakes and over 50 streams and rivers.
  15. Yellowstone is home to the world’s largest concentration of geysers, with over 500 active geysers.
  16. The park is home to over 1,700 species of trees and plants.
  17. Yellowstone has over 1,000 historic structures, including lodges, ranger stations, and cabins.
  18. The park is one of the best places in the world to see wolves in the wild.
  19. Yellowstone’s Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest and most dynamic thermal area in the park.
  20. The park is the site of the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world.
  21. Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon is up to 4,000 feet wide and 1,200 feet deep.
  22. The park’s Lamar Valley is known as the “Serengeti of North America” because of its large populations of wildlife.
  23. Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison have continuously lived since prehistoric times.
  24. The park’s Tower Fall is a 132-foot waterfall located in the northeastern part of the park.
  25. Yellowstone is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its unique natural beauty and ecological importance.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Yellowstone Park!

Yellowstone Park Facts

Fun Facts About Yellowstone Park – 25 Fun Facts for Kids

Here are Yellowstone Park fun facts about Yellowstone Park that kids might enjoy:

  1. Yellowstone is the world’s first national park, established in 1872.
  2. The park is home to over 10,000 geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles.
  3. Old Faithful, the park’s most famous geyser, erupts every 60 to 90 minutes and can shoot water up to 180 feet in the air.
  4. Yellowstone is home to the largest free-roaming herd of bison in the world, with around 4,000 animals.
  5. The park has over 300 waterfalls, including the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, which is over 300 feet tall.
  6. Yellowstone is the largest megafauna wildlife ecosystem in the United States, with over 60 mammal species, including bison, grizzly bears, wolves, and elk.
  7. The park has over 1,000 miles of hiking trails.
  8. Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America.
  9. The park has over 290 bird species, including bald eagles and ospreys.
  10. Yellowstone is the site of the largest active volcano in North America, the Yellowstone Caldera.
  11. The park has over 2,000 campsites.
  12. Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world.
  13. The park has over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles.
  14. Yellowstone is home to the world’s largest concentration of geysers, with over 500 active geysers.
  15. The park is home to over 1,700 species of trees and plants.
  16. Yellowstone’s Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest and most dynamic thermal area in the park.
  17. The park is one of the best places in the world to see wolves in the wild.
  18. Yellowstone’s Mammoth Hot Springs are a series of terraced hot springs that look like colorful cascading steps.
  19. The park has over 100 named lakes and over 50 streams and rivers.
  20. Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison have continuously lived since prehistoric times.
  21. The park’s Tower Fall is a 132-foot waterfall located in the northeastern part of the park.
  22. The park’s Lamar Valley is known as the “Serengeti of North America” because of its large populations of wildlife.
  23. The park is a great place for stargazing, with over 1,000 visible stars on a clear night.
  24. Yellowstone is home to several unique species of fish, including the Yellowstone cutthroat trout and the mountain whitefish.
  25. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its unique natural beauty and ecological importance.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Yellowstone Park!

Yellowstone Park Facts

About Yellowstone Park – Geography and Geology

In addition to the fun facts about Yellowstone Park, here are some details about Yellowstone’s geography and geology.

Yellowstone National Park is located in the northwestern part of the United States, primarily in the state of Wyoming, with smaller portions extending into Montana and Idaho. The park covers an area of over 2.2 million acres and includes a diverse range of landscapes, from towering mountain peaks to vast meadows and grasslands.

Yellowstone is primarily a high-elevation plateau, with an average elevation of around 8,000 feet above sea level. The park’s highest point is Eagle Peak, which stands at 11,358 feet. The park is home to several mountain ranges, including the Absaroka Range to the east, the Gallatin Range to the north, and the Teton Range to the south.

One of the most distinctive features of Yellowstone’s geography is its geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles. These features are the result of the park’s unique geology, which is characterized by a massive volcanic caldera.

The Yellowstone Caldera is one of the largest active volcanic systems in the world, covering an area of around 40 by 25 miles. It was created by a series of volcanic eruptions that occurred over the past two million years, the most recent of which occurred around 640,000 years ago. The caldera is still considered active today, with the park’s many geothermal features being evidence of ongoing geologic activity.

Yellowstone’s geothermal features are caused by a combination of magma chambers, underground water sources, and geologic fractures that allow hot water and steam to escape to the surface. The park is home to over 10,000 geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser, which erupts regularly to the delight of park visitors.

In addition to its geothermal features, Yellowstone is also known for its rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. The park is home to the Yellowstone River, which is the longest undammed river in the contiguous United States, as well as Yellowstone Lake, which is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America. The park has over 300 waterfalls, including the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, which is one of the park’s most famous attractions.

About Yellowstone Park – How it Got Its Name

Another fun facts about Yellowstone National Park is that it was named after the Yellowstone River, which flows through the park. The river was named by French-Canadian trappers who explored the region in the early 19th century. The name “Yellowstone” comes from the yellow-colored rock formations that line the river’s banks, which the trappers called “Roche Jaune” or “Yellow Rock.”

The park itself was named after the river, as it encompasses much of the river’s headwaters and is home to several of its major tributaries. When Yellowstone was established as the world’s first national park in 1872, it was named “Yellowstone National Park” in honor of the river and the distinctive landscape that surrounds it.

Yellowstone’s name has since become synonymous with the park’s unique geothermal features, including its geysers, hot springs, and mudpots. Today, Yellowstone is known throughout the world as a symbol of America’s natural beauty and environmental heritage.

About Yellowstone Park – Plants

In addition to the fun facts, Yellowstone National Park is home to a diverse range of plant life, including over 1,000 species of native plants. The park’s vegetation varies widely depending on elevation, soil type, and moisture levels, resulting in a range of different plant communities.

In the park’s lower elevations, visitors can find grasslands, sagebrush, and cottonwood trees. These areas are home to a variety of grasses and wildflowers, including lupine, Indian paintbrush, and sagebrush. In the mid-elevations, visitors can find forests dominated by lodgepole pine and Douglas fir, as well as aspen groves and meadows. These areas are home to wildflowers such as fireweed, aster, and daisies.

At higher elevations, the park’s plant communities transition to alpine tundra, where plants must be adapted to harsh conditions such as freezing temperatures, strong winds, and low moisture levels. These areas are home to hardy plants such as alpine forget-me-nots, alpine buttercups, and moss campion.

Yellowstone is also home to several unique plant species that are found nowhere else in the world, such as the Yellowstone sand verbena, Yellowstone sulfur flower, and Yellowstone bladderpod. These plants have adapted to the park’s unique geothermal environment, where they are able to grow in soils with high acidity and mineral content.

Visitors to Yellowstone are able to enjoy the park’s plant life through a variety of hiking trails and boardwalks that wind through the park’s various plant communities. However, visitors are encouraged to leave the plants undisturbed and to follow park regulations to ensure the protection of Yellowstone’s unique plant life for generations to come.

Yellowstone Park Facts

About Yellowstone Park – Animals

In addition to the fun facts, Yellowstone National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including large mammals such as bison, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, wolves, coyotes, and bears. The park is also home to smaller mammals such as beavers, otters, marmots, and pikas, as well as numerous species of birds and fish.

Bison are one of the most iconic animals in Yellowstone and are often seen grazing on the park’s grasslands. The park is home to one of the largest wild bison herds in North America, with an estimated population of over 4,000 individuals. Elk are also common in the park and can be seen in meadows and along streams, particularly during the fall rutting season.

Wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995, and their population has since grown to over 100 individuals. Visitors to the park can sometimes spot wolves hunting or resting in the park’s open areas, particularly around dawn and dusk.

Yellowstone is also home to several species of bears, including black bears and grizzly bears. Visitors are advised to take precautions when hiking and camping in bear country and to follow park regulations to minimize the risk of bear encounters.

In addition to its larger mammals, Yellowstone is also home to a variety of smaller animals such as ground squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits, as well as numerous bird species such as bald eagles, ospreys, and sandhill cranes.

Visitors to Yellowstone are encouraged to enjoy the park’s wildlife from a safe distance and to follow park regulations to ensure the safety of both visitors and the park’s animals.

Fun Facts About Yellowstone Park – People and Cultures

Another fun facts about Yellowstone Park is that Yellowstone National Park is situated in a region that has been inhabited by indigenous people for thousands of years. The park is situated on the traditional lands of several Native American tribes, including the Shoshone, Bannock, Blackfeet, and Crow.

The park’s geothermal features, such as hot springs and geysers, have been important to Native American cultures for both spiritual and practical reasons. Many of the park’s geothermal features have names that reflect their importance to Native American cultures, such as “Old Faithful” and “Mammoth Hot Springs.”

In the 19th century, European American explorers and trappers began to explore the Yellowstone region. The first documented exploration of the park was conducted by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1806. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the park became a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, leading to the development of hotels, lodges, and other infrastructure within the park.

Today, Yellowstone is managed by the National Park Service and is visited by millions of people from around the world each year. The park is also surrounded by several gateway communities, including West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cody, which provide services and amenities for park visitors.

The park’s history and culture are celebrated through a variety of interpretive programs and events, including ranger-led programs, museum exhibits, and cultural demonstrations. The park also works closely with Native American tribes to preserve and promote their cultural heritage within the park.

About Yellowstone Park – Legends

Yellowstone National Park has a rich history, and over the years, several legends and stories have emerged about the park and its inhabitants. In addition to the fun facts about Yellowstone Park, here are a few examples:

  1. The Legend of the Lost Ship: According to this legend, a massive ship made of gold or silver was buried beneath the waters of Yellowstone Lake by Spanish explorers in the 16th or 17th century. Despite many attempts to find it, the ship has never been located.
  2. The Curse of the Petrified Forest: It is said that anyone who takes a piece of petrified wood from the park will be cursed with bad luck until they return the stone to its original location.
  3. The Mysterious Death of Truman Everts: In 1870, Truman Everts became separated from his expedition and spent 37 days lost in the park. When he was finally found, he was near death and had to have his toes amputated due to frostbite. Some say that Everts was haunted by his experience and never fully recovered from it.
  4. The Firehole River Monster: According to local legend, a giant monster lives in the Firehole River and has been known to attack swimmers and fishermen.
  5. The Legend of the Yellowstone Grizzly: In Native American legend, the Yellowstone grizzly bear is said to be a powerful and sacred animal that is associated with the earth and the spirit world.

About Yellowstone Park – Symbols

Yellowstone National Park has several symbols that are associated with its unique natural features and cultural heritage. In addition to the fun facts about Yellowstone Park, here are a few examples:

  1. Old Faithful: This iconic geyser is one of the most recognizable symbols of Yellowstone Park. It erupts at regular intervals, shooting a column of water and steam high into the air.
  2. Bison: Yellowstone is home to one of the largest bison herds in the world, and these majestic animals have become a symbol of the park’s wildlife and natural beauty.
  3. Grand Prismatic Spring: This stunning hot spring is the largest in the United States and is known for its vibrant colors, including deep blues, greens, and oranges.
  4. Yellowstone Caldera: The Yellowstone Caldera is a massive volcanic crater that measures 30 miles across. It is a symbol of the park’s geologic history and the powerful forces that shape the natural world.
  5. The Roosevelt Arch: This iconic archway is located at the north entrance to the park and features the inscription “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.” It is a symbol of the park’s history and the importance of public lands to the American people.
  6. Cutthroat Trout: This species of trout is found only naturally in the waters of the Yellowstone River and its tributaries. It is a symbol of the park’s unique ecosystem and the importance of protecting native species.

These symbols are just a few examples of the many natural and cultural wonders that make Yellowstone National Park a beloved and cherished destination for visitors from around the world.

Yellowstone Park Facts

What is Yellowstone Park Most Known For?

Another fun fact about Yellowstone National Park is that it is most known for its geothermal features, including its famous geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles.

The park is home to over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including the world-renowned Old Faithful geyser, which erupts at regular intervals, shooting a column of water and steam high into the air.

Visitors to the park are also drawn to the park’s diverse wildlife, including bison, elk, wolves, and grizzly bears, as well as its stunning natural scenery, including canyons, waterfalls, and rivers.

Yellowstone National Park was the world’s first national park, established in 1872, and is considered to be one of the most iconic and important natural landmarks in the United States.

How Big is Yellowstone Park?

Another fun fact about Yellowstone National Park is that Yellowstone National Park covers an area of 2.2 million acres, or about 3,468 square miles (8,983 square kilometers).

The park is located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, but it also extends into Montana and Idaho. The park’s size makes it one of the largest national parks in the United States, and it contains a diverse range of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, lakes, rivers, canyons, and mountains.

Yellowstone is also home to the largest high-altitude lake in North America (Yellowstone Lake) and the tallest waterfall in the park system (Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River). The park’s vast size and varied terrain make it a popular destination for hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and other outdoor activities.

Other Interesting Things About Yellowstone Park – Economy

In addition to the fun facts about Yellowstone Park, Yellowstone National Park has a significant impact on the local and regional economy. The park generates revenue through entrance fees, camping fees, and other fees and permits, which are used to support the park’s operations and maintenance. According to the National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park received over 4.2 million visitors in 2020, and the park’s economic impact was estimated to be over $540 million.

The park’s tourism industry also creates jobs and supports local businesses in the surrounding communities. Many visitors to the park stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, and shop for souvenirs and other goods, providing a significant boost to the local economy. In addition, the park’s natural resources and cultural heritage provide opportunities for research, education, and conservation efforts.

The park’s location in the western United States has also led to the development of industries such as ranching, mining, and timber harvesting in the surrounding areas. However, these industries have sometimes come into conflict with the park’s conservation goals and efforts to protect its natural resources.

Other Interesting Things About Yellowstone Park – Movies

Yellowstone National Park’s stunning natural beauty and unique geologic features have made it a popular location for filmmakers over the years. In addition to the fun facts about Yellowstone Park, here are a few examples of movies and TV shows that have been set or filmed in Yellowstone:

  1. Yellowstone: This popular TV series, starring Kevin Costner, is set on a fictional ranch adjacent to Yellowstone National Park.
  2. A River Runs Through It: This classic 1992 film, directed by Robert Redford, was partially filmed in and around Yellowstone National Park.
  3. Wild: This 2014 film, based on the memoir by Cheryl Strayed, was partially filmed in the park and features several iconic locations, including the Old Faithful geyser.
  4. 127 Hours: This 2010 film, based on the true story of a hiker who becomes trapped in a remote canyon, includes scenes that were filmed in and around the park.
  5. Star Trek: Generations: This 1994 film, part of the Star Trek franchise, includes scenes filmed in the park’s geothermal areas.
  6. Dante’s Peak: This 1997 disaster film, starring Pierce Brosnan, was filmed in part in Yellowstone National Park and features scenes of a volcanic eruption.

These are just a few examples of the many films and TV shows that have been set or filmed in Yellowstone National Park. The park’s unique landscapes and natural wonders make it a popular location for filmmakers and a beloved destination for visitors from around the world.

About Yellowstone Park – Quotes

In addition to the fun facts about Yellowstone Park, here are a few quotes about Yellowstone National Park:

  1. “The Yellowstone Park is one of the greatest wonders of the world.” – John Muir
  2. “Yellowstone is the finest and most comprehensive example of the temperate zone of earth.” – John Muir
  3. “There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children’s children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred.” – Theodore Roosevelt
  4. “The Yellowstone is a river of fire underneath the snow.” – Aldo Leopold
  5. “Yellowstone National Park is not just a park, it is a laboratory for the earth.” – Jane Goodall

These quotes illustrate the awe-inspiring natural beauty and scientific significance of Yellowstone National Park, as well as the importance of preserving it for future generations.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Yellowstone Park!

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Yellowstone Park Facts

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Yellowstone Park!

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