Yellowstone National Park
Authorized Permittee of the National Park Service
Yellowstone National Park was established and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872, and was the first national park in the world. Yellowstone covers over 3,468 square miles, and is part of the largest intact ecosystem in the earth's northern hemisphere. Half of the geothermal features of the world are in Yellowstone National Park, fueled millennia ago by the Yellowstone Caldera, our continent's largest super volcano. The Yellowstone Caldera is also home to Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America. The vast mountainous forests and grasslands of Yellowstone Park are home to some of our nations most spectacular and diverse wildlife. Bear, Wolves, Elk, Moose, Pronghorn, Bighorn Sheep, Deer, Coyotes, Mountain Lions, and other animals have been documented in the park. Free-ranging herds of Bison and Elk also live in Yellowstone, fed by many of the unique species of plants that call the park home. Trumpeter Swans and Bald Eagles are also common sights in Yellowstone. Many miles of paved roads offer access to numerous geothermal features and as well as many lakes and waterfalls. Recreational activities in Yellowstone include hiking, boating, fishing, camping, and sightseeing.
