Larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined, Yellow-stone was the nation's first—and remains its most famous—national park. As you journey through the park, remind your children that Yellowstone's biggest attraction is actually below their feet as the park sits on a giant underground volcano that is still very active! But don't worry—experts say the Yellowstone Caldera won't erupt for several thousand more years. It first erupted about two million years ago with such amazing force that tens of thousands of geothermal features still abound in the park, including hot pools, mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and most amazing of all, three hundred or so geysers.
Many visits take the form of a loop, and you should allow two or three days just to see the park's main attractions and spots. Be sure to build in time to explore on foot; you'll find peace just a few miles off the main roads, which are often overcrowded in the summer with traffic. Once your children get out on a trail, up close to see wildflowers or spot enormous bison, they will begin to appreciate the real Yellowstone.
Old Faithful, the world's most famous geyser, sends thousands of gallons of water thundering into the sky and is definitely worth seeing. To avoid summer crowds plan a visit early in the day. En route to Old Faithful, at the end of short scenic loop called Firehole River Drive, is a park-service-approved swimming hole warmed by hot springs; it makes for a great side trip.
The park has many programs for families, from campfire talks to guided nature walks. Check the publication Discover Yellowstone (available at all visitor centers) for schedules; it also lists the summer work-shop schedule for the Madison Museum Art Center, with excellent hands-on classes covering topics from printmaking to sculpture. Also pick up a Junior Ranger newspaper, which suggests such activities and attractions as predicting geyser eruptions and guessing animal tracks, and your kids can try to earn a junior ranger patch. Also recommended is the Some off-the-beaten-track recommendations from veteran park visitors: Fountain Flat Road, which isn't on the main loop so has little traffic, curves all the way to Midway Geyser Basin and is flat and great for bike riding. You can also bike or hike on the partly paved path for two miles into Lone Star Geyser, whose twelve-foot-high cone is constantly splashing and gurgling. Emerald, Rainbow, and Opalescent pools are all located in the Black Sand Basin and worth a visit.
Western-style activities and attractions in the park include horseback riding, stage-coach rides, and dinner cookouts via covered wagon or horseback. Guided horseback rides for children age eight and older (one hour $17, two hours $27) are available June through August at Mammoth, Roosevelt, and Canyon. An Old West Cookout and stagecoach rides are available at Roosevelt.
Yellowstone Lake has excellent fishing and a marina with boat rentals (rowboats, outboards, and charters) . One-hour leisurely sightseeing cruises, past an island shipwreck, in June through September on Yellow-stone Lake cost $4 for children five through eleven and $7.50 for adults. Rowboat rentals cost $5 per hour, outboards $22 per hour; cabin cruisers can be chartered for $40 per hour (one to six people). You can also hire a guide and fish on the lake for cutthroat trout. If you have a canoe, try the scenic paddle from Lewis to Shoshone Lake. Call 307—344—7311 for information about all activities and attractions.
Yellowstone has a variety of accommodations and activities and attractions to fit any family's budget. Make summer reservations well in advance; if it is difficult to get through by phone, try calling in the evenings or on week-ends.
Note: In addition to the lodgings listed below, see the description of the Cliff Lake Lodge, a lakefront resort near Yellowstone and the description of Chico Hot Springs lodge located 30 miles from the north gate of Yellowstone.
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