The first national park created in the US is a fun-filled vacation spot for families looking for a noncommercial trip. Yellowstone Park is a natural setting that has become a hub for the park travel industry. Because it is so popular, families can easily find lodging, activities and even food to appease everyone. Despite the luxuries nearby, family fun in Yellowstone comes in the form of geysers, hot springs, canyons and many more natural wonders.
Trip Significance
Yellowstone Park was established in 1872 and is home to the famous Old Faithful geyser. It is also home to wildlife that isn’t viewable outside of the zoo in many areas of the US. They include elk, buffalo, bears and more. The educational component and hands-on activities make it easy to fill a few days or even weeks with fun inside the park.
Where to Stay
You choice depends on the type of vacation you plan to have. Camping out is possible within the park or in areas outside of it. According to the National Park Service, Xanterra Parks and Resorts handle all accommodations inside and just outside the park. This includes campgrounds and hotels near Lake Yellowstone. Some of them are historic, built in the 1800’s when the park was established. This includes Lake Yellowstone Hotel, a Victorian-styled establishment and Old Faithful Inn. There are also cabins and lodges available.
Activities
This is not your average park. In addition to hikes and sightseeing, Yellowstone Park also offers horseback riding tours, fishing, history tours, photography safaris, boating and even cycling trails. The park offers a Junior Ranger program that allows kids the opportunity to explore the park from a ranger’s viewpoint. During the winter, there’s skiing, snowboarding, and lessons on how to do both.
Important Details
The National Parks Service’s website for Yellowstone Park is updated on the latest in legislation governing the park. Review the site before leaving to accustom yourself to these law changes. The site also tracks traffic to and from, inside and outside, the park. Not all visitor’s centers and entrances are open for business during the same hours. They also vary by the season.
Considerations
Pets are not allowed in all areas of the park. In areas such as parking lots, roads and some public areas where they are allowed, they must be leashed. You must remember, for the pet and the children in your group, that Yellowstone is bear and wolf country and can be dangerous if you do not follow that rules of the park. This includes sticking to designated areas and taking along a map or participating in a guided tour on the first day at least.
