What to See and Do

Visiting Yellowstone for the first time? Here is a guide to help you discover some fun things within the park. Our first-timer’s guides show you what to do, what to see, and some dos and don’ts for visiting Yellowstone National Park.

WHAT TO DO

Yellowstone National Park is brimming with adventures. Whether you join a guided tour led by a knowledgeable park expert or explore on your own, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences waiting for you. With so much to see and do, deciding where to start can be overwhelming. To make it easier, we’ve rounded up five of our favorite “must-do” activities!

1. Adventures on Water

Yellowstone Lake has 140 miles of shoreline to be explored. From Bridge Bay Marina you can rent a motorboat, charter a guided boat for fishing and exploring, or take a scenic cruise aboard the MV Lake Queen II to see the sights on the lake and hear the history of Yellowstone Lake.

2. “Wake Up to Wildlife” Tour

Yellowstone is home to more free-roaming wildlife than almost anywhere else in the Continental U.S. The “Wake Up to Wildlife” tour is the perfect way to experience Yellowstone’s incredible wildlife at its most active time—dawn. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll journey to the stunning Lamar Valley, known as the “Serengeti of North America,” for the best chance to spot iconic animals like bison, elk, eagles, birds, and more. With expansive views and expert insights, this tour offers a unique and unforgettable glimpse into the park’s wild side.

Herd of Bison at sunrise in Lamar Valley

3. Stargazing

Since the park focuses on minimizing light pollution, you won’t have to go too far from any developed area or lodge to find a truly dark location from which to enjoy “the show.” Take our Steam, Stars, and Winter Soundscapes tour for a truly magical evening during the winter.

Castle Geyser erupts against the night sky.

4. Tour the Iconic Lodges of Yellowstone

Don’t miss the chance to connect with Yellowstone’s legacy in a truly unforgettable way!

Step back in time and experience history at Lake Yellowstone Hotel, the oldest lodge in Yellowstone National Park, welcoming guests since 1891. This elegant hotel exudes charm and timeless beauty, offering a glimpse into the park’s storied past.

The iconic Old Faithful Inn stands as a masterpiece of rustic architecture, often hailed as the symbol of national park design.

Both of these historic lodges provide FREE daily tours during the summer, where you can uncover fascinating stories, architectural details, and the rich heritage that makes these lodges so special.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel at dusk

5. Stagecoach Adventure

Step into the past and experience Yellowstone like early visitors did with the Stagecoach Adventure! Climb aboard a replica Tally-Ho stagecoach and journey along an old stagecoach road through the picturesque sage-covered meadows of Pleasant Valley. This 45-minute tour, departing from the Roosevelt Corral, offers a unique glimpse into the park’s history while immersing you in its stunning natural beauty.

WHERE TO EAT

For an upscale dining experience, visit: Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room

For iconic atmosphere, visit: Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

For the best view, visit: Grant Village Dining Room

For the best value, visit: Wylie’s Canteen at Lake Lodge

For a Western Experience, reserve the: Old West Cookout

Dinner reservations are required for the dining rooms listed above. Breakfast and lunch are first come, first served.

DOS AND DONT’S

Yellowstone is a big place. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to help you make the most of your visit!

• Do bring your camera. Yellowstone has stunning scenery, captivating wildlife, and many natural wonders.
• Do hike in groups of three or more people.
• Do watch for wildlife, fresh tracks and scat. Always be alert.
• Do carry bear spray when hiking.
• Do give wildlife their space. Stay a minimum 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards for all other wildlife.
• Do explore & have fun. Yellowstone is the world’s first national park with over 2.2 million acres to explore.

• Don’t feed ANY animals—even birds and squirrels.
• Don’t forget to wake up early. Dawn is the best time for wildlife spotting.
• Don’t take anything, including wildflowers, from its natural setting in the park.
• Don’t speed. The park speed limit is 45 mph (73 kph), except where posted slower.
• Don’t wander off boardwalks and designated trails. Water in geysers and hot springs can severely burn you. Keep hands and feet out.
• Don’t run from bears. They have an instinct to chase.

WHAT TO SEE

At 2.2 million acres, knowing where to start when visiting Yellowstone can be challenging. Here are our top five must-see destinations in Yellowstone National Park.

1. Old Faithful Area

The world’s largest concentration of active geysers is here. View Old Faithful Geyser, then walk past hundreds of active geysers and hot springs along the Firehole River.

2. Lamar Valley

One of the best places for spotting wildlife in Yellowstone. Its broad vistas provide great opportunities to spot wildlife grazing along the Lamar River and open hillsides.

3. Canyon Village

The Canyon Village area is a great central “basecamp” for exploring all of Yellowstone including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, watching wildlife in Hayden Valley, and hiking to the top of Mt. Washburn.

The summit of Mt. Washburn

4. Norris Geyser Basin

It’s the hottest, oldest and most dynamic geyser basin in Yellowstone. Norris includes Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest geyser (300 to 400 feet). While parking might be challenging, we promise it’s worth it. Please follow any posted signs or ranger instructions on where to park for Norris Geyser Basin.

5. Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is North America’s largest high-elevation lake (above 7,000 feet). It has 141 miles of shoreline and is more than 400 feet deep. Whether you get out on the lake or simply drive along the shoreline to its many viewpoints, Yellowstone Lake gives a different dimension to Yellowstone National Park.

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Want to experience Yellowstone in-depth? See what makes Yellowstone National Park a great place to work for a season or longer!