When our first national park was established in 1872, the protection act signed by Ulysses S. Grant stated, “The headwaters of the Yellowstone River…is hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale…and dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”
Nearly 150 years later, the park remains a “pleasuring-ground” that benefits millions yearly. And, while its geysers are undoubtedly its most famous feature, it offers so much more than that. Select from hiking trails spanning more than 900 miles, take a scenic drive and watch for wildlife like bison, grizzlies, elk, wolves, lynx and badgers.
Be sure to bring your camera or your plein air painting kit, because Yellowstone’s mountainous peaks, rainbow hot springs, green forests and crystal-clear lakes are sure to inspire you. The park is so extensive — 2.2 million acres — that while it’s mostly located in Wyoming, parts of it expand into both Montana and Idaho!
