4 reasons to visit Yellowstone National Park as it celebrates 150 years

By: Kristin Finan
June, 2022

​Yellowstone National Park has an allure that’s hard to put into words.

From the fact that it’s home to half of the world’s geysers – including, of course, Old Faithful — to its wildlife ranging from bison and moose to black bears and bighorn sheep, to traverse this park is to uncover a new wonder around every corner.

Hikes are a great way to discover Yellowstone National Park. Kristin Finan photo

Sure, Yellowstone is popular: It was the 12th most-visited national park in 2021. But that’s for good reason. After all, Yellowstone was the first national park in the United States and is considered by many to be the first national park in the world.

RELATED: Uncovering the magic and mystery of Washington state

As the park this year celebrates the 150th anniversary of its establishment, many people have it on their radar. Want to go? Here are 4 reasons to plan a visit.

The geothermal features

Yellowstone has the most active, diverse and intact collections of combined geothermal features found anywhere, with more than 10,000 hydrothermal sites and half the world’s active geysers. Among the highlights of our visit last summer were excursions to the Norris Geyser Basin, which is the hottest geyser basin in the park; Grand Prismatic, which is Yellowstone’s largest hot spring and delights with its rainbow of colors; and Old Faithful, which is arguably the most famous geyser in the world.

Yellowstone National Park is home to half of the world’s geysers and a variety of other geothermal features. Kristin Finan photo

We woke early to beat the crowds at Old Faithful, which offers predicable eruptions every 1.5 hours that last for approximately 1-5 minutes and reach heights of about 130 feet. The excitement among visitors who crowded the benches at 8 a.m. was palpable as we waited for Old Faithful to awake, only to be rewarded with the most magnificent display of heat, water and steam we could have imagined.

The wildlife

When it comes to wildlife, you can find it all during a visit to Yellowstone, which is home to one of the largest elk herds in North America; the largest free-roaming wild herd of bison in the United States; and one of the few grizzly populations in the contiguous United States. You can even experience rare sightings of wolverine and lynx.

Yellowstone National Park is home to a variety of wildlife. Kristin Finan photo

We found morning hikes and afternoon drives to be an ideal way to spot the animals as they were out and about. In terms of hikes, I highly recommend the challenging but rewarding hike to Lower Yellowstone Falls, where the firsthand views of the crashing waterfall were awe-inspiring.

The opportunity to unplug

We booked a relatively last-minute stay at Grant Village Lodge, which is located directly on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. One thing you should know, particularly if you’re traveling with kids, is that both WiFi and cell service throughout the park are extremely spotty. Even in areas that were supposed to have it, including our lodge, it was unreliable. That, combined with the fact that there was no TV in our room, was jarring to the kids at first.

However, once we surrendered to the fact that we would be unplugging, we were able to fully enjoy the wonders of the park, from a viewing of sunrise over Yellowstone Lake to a picnic lunch and games of Uno after a visit to The Museum of the Yellowstone.

Grant Village Lodge is located on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Kristin Finan photo

Side note: If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss the Junior Ranger program, a self-guided program that allows them to complete tasks as they learn about the park and leave with their very own ranger badge. 

Kids will enjoy the junior ranger program at Yellowstone National Park. Kristin Finan photo

The people

Even with all of the natural beauty and all of the incredible wildlife, perhaps my favorite thing about Yellowstone National Park was the people we met along the way. Yellowstone has a magic that draws people back again and again, as though there is a magnet hidden among all its other features that pulls you to it after your initial visit.

Take, for example, Pam, who greeted us when we checked into Grant Village Lodge. She worked at the park from 1970-72 and met her husband there, then had returned, at age 70, for another summer. She admitted dorm life had been a transition but said being back at the park had been amazing and was positively giddy about driving out to Old Faithful that night to see the full moon with her new friends on staff. From offering us use of her personal cell phone when ours didn’t have reception to creating a handwritten list of can’t-miss Yellowstone experiences, she set a friendly and reverent tone for our trip that we would encounter repeatedly among park staff.

If You Go

Getting there:

There are multiple flights available from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which is about an hour from Yellowstone National Park.

Stay:

A variety of lodging and camping options are available throughout the park. We loved Grant Village Lodge for its lakeside views and its easy access to Old Faithful.

Do:

If you’re looking for a discount on admission, buy a National Parks Pass, or go on a day when admission is free to the park, such as Aug. 4, the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, or Sept. 24, National Public Lands Day. 

Follow Austin Travels


Austin Travels is a women-owned, Austin-based travel magazine committed to highlighting destinations in Texas and beyond through the lenses of diverse and talented writers.

Subscribe

Rest and rejuvenation during a mother-daughter wellness retreat in Mexico

Rest and rejuvenation during a mother-daughter wellness retreat in Mexico

Travel to Tortola for brilliant beaches, high peaks and boatable BVIs

Travel to Tortola for brilliant beaches, high peaks and boatable BVIs

A month in paradise: St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

A month in paradise: St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

In her footsteps: Past meets present at Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta

In her footsteps: Past meets present at Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta

Book now to save big on your family’s ski trip to Winter Park Resort

Book now to save big on your family’s ski trip to Winter Park Resort

On the road: A Family RV Adventure

On the road: A Family RV Adventure

Charm City Delights: 4 fun things to do in Baltimore

Charm City Delights: 4 fun things to do in Baltimore

5 reasons families will love Colorado’s Keystone Resort

5 reasons families will love Colorado’s Keystone Resort

Finding new family-friendly adventures at Winter Park Resort

Finding new family-friendly adventures at Winter Park Resort

Three holiday-themed staycations to check off your list

Three holiday-themed staycations to check off your list

The perfect long weekend in Sugar Land, Texas

The perfect long weekend in Sugar Land, Texas

Costa Rica: Finding Pura Vida on a Family Vacation

Costa Rica: Finding Pura Vida on a Family Vacation

Maui delights: Learning and living during a Hawaiian getaway

Maui delights: Learning and living during a Hawaiian getaway

Corpus Christi: 7 Family-Friendly Summertime Musts in the Gulf Coast Capital

Corpus Christi: 7 Family-Friendly Summertime Musts in the Gulf Coast Capital

Take me out to the ballgame: Making sweet summer memories in Houston

Take me out to the ballgame: Making sweet summer memories in Houston

Heading to Dallas? Four fun finds for summer

Heading to Dallas? Four fun finds for summer

6 Hill Country Gems Perfect for a Spring Day Trip

6 Hill Country Gems Perfect for a Spring Day Trip

For a long weekend of family fun, meet me in St. Louis

For a long weekend of family fun, meet me in St. Louis

Traveling for Taylor? The Eras Tour is a love story for moms and daughters

Traveling for Taylor? The Eras Tour is a love story for moms and daughters

Capturing family memories at Copper Mountain Resort

Capturing family memories at Copper Mountain Resort

An insider’s guide to Universal Studios Hollywood

An insider’s guide to Universal Studios Hollywood

Visiting New Orleans? 10 Family-Friendly Must-do’s with the Kids

Visiting New Orleans? 10 Family-Friendly Must-do’s with the Kids

From jet boats to ski runs, family adventure awaits in Queenstown

From jet boats to ski runs, family adventure awaits in Queenstown

Where to eat — and how to bathe — when you’re in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Where to eat — and how to bathe — when you’re in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Embrace the most wonderful time of year at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Embrace the most wonderful time of year at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

To Los Angeles, with love

To Los Angeles, with love

Finding family-friendly adventures in Cape Cod

Finding family-friendly adventures in Cape Cod

A beginner’s guide to Universal Orlando with kids

A beginner’s guide to Universal Orlando with kids

From rockets to caverns, 5 fun adventures in Huntsville, Alabama 

From rockets to caverns, 5 fun adventures in Huntsville, Alabama 

Destin delights: How to spend a long weekend on the Florida Panhandle

Destin delights: How to spend a long weekend on the Florida Panhandle

Discoveries down under: A new way to cave at Natural Bridge Caverns

Discoveries down under: A new way to cave at Natural Bridge Caverns

Dreaming of Disney World? 10 takeaways for a less daunting, more magical trip

Dreaming of Disney World? 10 takeaways for a less daunting, more magical trip

36 hours of family fun in New Orleans

36 hours of family fun in New Orleans

Seeking out adventure and finding respite at Horseshoe Bay Resort

Seeking out adventure and finding respite at Horseshoe Bay Resort

Soaking in family fun in Seattle

Soaking in family fun in Seattle

Seeing Santa Fe, the City Different

Seeing Santa Fe, the City Different

Nine Nearby, Natural Spots to Keep Cool this Summer

Nine Nearby, Natural Spots to Keep Cool this Summer

4 reasons to visit Yellowstone National Park as it celebrates 150 years

4 reasons to visit Yellowstone National Park as it celebrates 150 years

Camping out at Enchanted Rock

Camping out at Enchanted Rock

Family friendly fun during a quick trip to New York City

Family friendly fun during a quick trip to New York City

A Mother’s Day getaway to charming Charleston

A Mother’s Day getaway to charming Charleston

5 fun family-friendly experiences on the Texas Coast

5 fun family-friendly experiences on the Texas Coast

Spring and summer stops in Southern Colorado

Spring and summer stops in Southern Colorado

Grab the kids for these Spring Break ideas near Austin

Grab the kids for these Spring Break ideas near Austin

4 reasons to visit Container City, a new shipping container glamping resort

4 reasons to visit Container City, a new shipping container glamping resort

10 energizing spots for family fun around San Francisco

10 energizing spots for family fun around San Francisco

Sweet spots for family fun in Santa Barbara, California

Sweet spots for family fun in Santa Barbara, California

10 Denver Must-Dos with Kids

10 Denver Must-Dos with Kids

8 Tips for Skiing with Kids

8 Tips for Skiing with Kids

Family fun: 5 can’t-miss attractions when visiting St. Louis

Family fun: 5 can’t-miss attractions when visiting St. Louis

A winter retreat at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

A winter retreat at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

Family travel: Calm and cool in Los Angeles

Family travel: Calm and cool in Los Angeles

Mother-daughter getaway: Finding MGK, music and magic in Cleveland

Mother-daughter getaway: Finding MGK, music and magic in Cleveland

Stars in our eyes at Space Center Houston’s Galaxy Lights

Stars in our eyes at Space Center Houston’s Galaxy Lights

Five reasons Colorado’s Winter Park Resort should be on your family’s ski trip list

Five reasons Colorado’s Winter Park Resort should be on your family’s ski trip list

Fishing up old memories and making new ones at Inks Lake State Park

Fishing up old memories and making new ones at Inks Lake State Park

Go to Garner this fall for the Frio, foliage and family fun

Go to Garner this fall for the Frio, foliage and family fun

Big Easy delights: Food, fun and family in New Orleans

Big Easy delights: Food, fun and family in New Orleans

Heeding the call of Nashville’s siren song

Heeding the call of Nashville’s siren song

The buzz on being beekeeper for a day at Two Hives Honey in Manor

The buzz on being beekeeper for a day at Two Hives Honey in Manor

7 ideas for family fun in Panama City Beach, Florida

7 ideas for family fun in Panama City Beach, Florida

Keeping it cool in Grand Teton and Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Keeping it cool in Grand Teton and Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Summertime in Colorado: 4 spots ripe for family fun

Summertime in Colorado: 4 spots ripe for family fun

Birthday bliss at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort

Birthday bliss at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort

Dive in: 7 swimming holes and natural spots to splash into near Austin

Dive in: 7 swimming holes and natural spots to splash into near Austin

Splash into summer at La Cantera Resort and Spa

Splash into summer at La Cantera Resort and Spa

Did you know you can daytrip to a medieval castle in the Texas countryside?

Did you know you can daytrip to a medieval castle in the Texas countryside?

New Mexico road trip: 10 top experiences, from Albuquerque to White Sands

New Mexico road trip: 10 top experiences, from Albuquerque to White Sands

Daytrip to Dreamland in Dripping Springs: Plus 5 nearby day trips perfect for summer

Daytrip to Dreamland in Dripping Springs: Plus 5 nearby day trips perfect for summer

Finding a ranch to call home in Granby, Colorado

Finding a ranch to call home in Granby, Colorado

It’s fun to stay at the YMCA (Estes Park)

It’s fun to stay at the YMCA (Estes Park)

7 magical things to do with kids in Big Bend and West Texas

7 magical things to do with kids in Big Bend and West Texas

7 family-friendly Austin-area hikes perfect for spring

7 family-friendly Austin-area hikes perfect for spring

Ready for Mother’s Day? Austin-area staycations all about celebrating Mom

Ready for Mother’s Day? Austin-area staycations all about celebrating Mom

Escape to Los Angeles: 5 fun things to do in Southern California

Escape to Los Angeles: 5 fun things to do in Southern California

Unique hotels: Sleeping in a treehouse at Cypress Valley

Unique hotels: Sleeping in a treehouse at Cypress Valley

A ghost town, geese and riverfront bliss at 7A Ranch in Wimberley

A ghost town, geese and riverfront bliss at 7A Ranch in Wimberley

Discovering Surfside Beach, a Texas Gulf Coast treasure

Discovering Surfside Beach, a Texas Gulf Coast treasure

If you’re heading west, 5 reasons to visit the California gem of Terranea

If you’re heading west, 5 reasons to visit the California gem of Terranea

Traveling this summer? 10 tips for road tripping with the kids

Traveling this summer? 10 tips for road tripping with the kids

California escape: Peace, harmony and inspiration in Joshua Tree and Palm Springs

California escape: Peace, harmony and inspiration in Joshua Tree and Palm Springs

When the snow melts and winter crowds leave, these Colorado spots are the coolest

When the snow melts and winter crowds leave, these Colorado spots are the coolest

Dreaming of the RV life? Lessons learned from a 10-day national park road trip

Dreaming of the RV life? Lessons learned from a 10-day national park road trip

10 Tips for Camping with Kids

10 Tips for Camping with Kids

8 Great State Parks for Camping with Kids

8 Great State Parks for Camping with Kids

Relax and relish the coastal charms of Rockport

Relax and relish the coastal charms of Rockport

Whether North Rim or South Rim, life is grand in the Grand Canyon

Whether North Rim or South Rim, life is grand in the Grand Canyon

Finding hope and healing in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Finding hope and healing in Hot Springs, Arkansas