Yellowstone
First national park in the world, established in 1872.
Frank Schulenburg · CC BY-SA 4.0
Yellowstone National Park is a national park of the United States, located mainly in the northwest corner of Wyoming, with small portions extending into Montana and Idaho. Established in 1872, it is widely understood to be the first national park in the world, known for its geothermal features, especially the Old Faithful geyser, and its abundant wildlife.
- Established
- March 1, 1872
- Location
- Primarily Wyoming, with portions in Montana and Idaho
- Known for
- Old Faithful geyser, geothermal features, wildlife, first national park
Lore & Background
Non-native mountain men visited during the early-to-mid-19th century, but organized exploration by non-natives began in the late 1860s. The park was established by the 42nd U.S. Congress through the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872. Management originally fell under the U.S. Department of the Interior, with the U.S.
Reader's Guide
Yellowstone Lake is one of the largest high-elevation lakes in North America and covers part of the Yellowstone Caldera, the largest super volcano on the continent, which is considered dormant. Well over half of the world's geysers and hydrothermal features are in Yellowstone, fueled by ongoing volcanism. The park is the centerpiece of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest remaining nearly intact ecosystem in the Earth's northern temperate zone. Hundreds of species of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians have been documented, including grizzly bears, cougars, wolves, and free-ranging herds of bison and elk. The Yellowstone Park bison herd is the oldest and largest public bison herd in the United States. The park offers numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and sightseeing.
Did You Know?
- Yellowstone was the first national park in the US and is widely understood to be the first national park in the world.
- Well over half of the world's geysers and hydrothermal features are in Yellowstone.
- The Yellowstone Park bison herd is the oldest and largest public bison herd in the United States.
Common Misconceptions (Editorial)
1. Some assume Yellowstone is exclusively in Wyoming, but it also extends into Montana and Idaho.
2. It is a common error to think Yellowstone was the first national park in the United States—it was the first in the world, not just the U.S.
Why It Matters (Editorial)
Yellowstone set the global precedent for preserving natural wonders as public trusts, a legacy that continues to shape conservation efforts. Its geothermal features and wildlife offer rare, direct encounters with the planet’s primal forces, making it an enduring symbol of what can be saved when a society chooses foresight over exploitation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Yellowstone National Park officially established?
Yellowstone was signed into law on March 1, 1872, making it the first federally protected national park in the United States. It predates every other park in the country by decades.
What is Old Faithful and why is it so famous?
Old Faithful is a large geyser in Yellowstone that erupts on a roughly predictable schedule, blasting superheated water and steam high into the air. It became one of the park's most recognizable landmarks and a major draw for early visitors.
What wildlife can visitors expect to see in Yellowstone?
Yellowstone supports large herds of bison, elk, and mule deer alongside predators such as wolves, grizzly bears, and black bears. Its relatively intact ecosystem makes it one of the best places in North America to observe these animals in the wild.
More in US National Parks 1-22
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