We have so much to be thankful for in Yellowstone: more than 10,000 hydrothermal features, 500 active geysers, the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states, Native American culture and heritage, national park rangers. Here’s our list—in no particular order—of 10 Reasons to be Thankful for Yellowstone.

 

Bison  

Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times. While you can’t see a live dinosaur, you can see a herd of wild and woolly Yellowstone bison, and that’s almost just as good. Learn more

 

Geysers & Hot Springs

Having heard this statistic before doesn’t make it any less mind-blowing: Yellowstone has more geysers and hot springs than the rest of the world combined. We’ll probably never manage to see all 10,000 of these hissing, bubbling, colorful, or odd-smelling phenomena. But we can try! Learn more

 

Native American Culture and Heritage

For thousands of years prior to being established as a national park, Yellowstone was the home of—and is still culturally significant to—many Tribal Nations. Currently, 27 Tribes are recognized as having cultural association with the park. Yellowstone’s ethnographic resources are the natural and cultural features that are significant to Tribes. They include sites, plant and animal species, objects associated with routine or ceremonial activities, and migration routes.  Learn more

 

Old Faithful Inn

It has been called the world’s largest log cabin. While we can’t confirm that distinction, it is indeed magnificent! When you visit, it’s hard not to feel like a kid in your own giant, fantasy treehouse. Learn more

 

Grizzlies

Grizzly bears currently occupy only 2% of their historic range in the lower 48 states. We are thankful that Yellowstone provides habitat where this remarkable creature can endure. Learn more

 

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The canyon has inspired many artists, but the true artist is Mother Nature, having carved this extraordinary masterpiece with volcanic activity and water over the course of millennia. Learn more

 

Yellowstone Lake

Although we can’t witness the eruption of the Yellowstone volcano, we can see one of its byproducts. Yellowstone Lake is part of the caldera formed after the last major eruption 640,000 years ago. Today, we can enjoy boating, fishing, or just marveling at its 136 square miles of splendor. Learn more

 

Yellowstone Rangers

Those high-tech companies might have ping-pong tables, but if you want to meet someone with a true passion for their workplace, all you need to do is talk to a Yellowstone ranger. They are always happy to share their immense knowledge and enthusiasm for the park. Learn more

 

Trails

With more than 1,000 miles of trails, there is a hike to suit every taste. The only bad thing we can say is that it’s so very hard to choose which trail to take! Want some hiking ideas and inspiration? Learn more

 

Wolves

Since the wolves were reintroduced in 1995, Yellowstone is one of the best places worldwide to watch wolves in the wild. Today, the park provides the optimal place to research how this amazing predator affects many aspects of the ecosystem. The Yellowstone Wolf Project has been funded by Yellowstone Forever since 1996. Learn more

 

Bonus: YOU!

Yellowstone Forever’s members are true caretakers of the country’s first national park. Through their generous donations they fund projects that protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone for future generations such as wolf research, bison conservation, trail maintenance, visitor safety, and more! Learn more

 

Double Bonus: YF Staff & Volunteers

We could not accomplish all we do without our fantastic staff and volunteers across the park. The dedication and passion of our talented educators, fundraising professionals, retail and warehouse associates, campus volunteers, and beyond are vital to fulfilling Yellowstone Forever’s mission to protect and preserve Yellowstone for future generations. Thank you, team!