The trail to the Grand Prismatic Overlook is closed due to hazardous snow conditions. Fairy Falls Trail remains open, and you can still view Grand Prismatic Spring from Midway Geyser Basin.
Biscuit Basin Closed Due to Hydrothermal Explosion
The parking lot and boardwalk at Biscuit Basin, located north of Old Faithful, is closed until further notice due to the possibility of another event at the site of a hydrothermal explosion that occurred July 23, 2024. More
Left image
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center in summer
Credit: NPS/Neal Herbert
Right image
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center in winter
Credit: NPS/Dave Krueger
A look at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center in the summer (left) and in the winter (right).
Ten visitor centers and information stations are found throughout the park. Step inside one to talk with a ranger, discover more about the park's resources through exhibits and interpretive offerings, or get oriented to the park.
Join a park ranger to further your understanding about this special place.
Visitor Center Hours and Information
Albright Visitor Center
Here you can gather park information, orient yourself to the rest of the park (including road conditions, and campground and lodge availability), shop for souvenirs, explore exhibits to learn more about the wildlife and history of Yellowstone, join a ranger program, pick up a fishing permit (fees are payable by debit or credit card), or use the restrooms. This visitor center also has free Wi-Fi.
Physical Address
Grand Loop Road Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
The Albright Visitor Center is located at Mammoth Hot Springs, five miles south of the North Entrance at the northern part of the upper loop of the Grand Loop Road.
It is housed in one of the old stone buildings of Fort Yellowstone, a US Army fort built during the early days of the national park.
Every Day:9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Albright Visitor Center is located in the northern part of the park near the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces. Park information can be found on bulletin boards posted at the visitor center, as well as by using the NPS Yellowstone app.
Front of the Albright Visitor Center NPS/Jim Peaco
Canyon Visitor Education Center
Stop by the Canyon Visitor Education Center to learn more about the geologic story of the area, including the Yellowstone volcano, and view a room-size relief map of Yellowstone. You can also get orientation information, pick up a fishing permit (fees are payable by debit or credit card), shop for a souvenir, find out what ranger programs are available, watch a 20-minute film, or use the restrooms. Restrooms are available 24 hours a day.
Physical Address
Grand Loop Road Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
The Canyon Visitor Education Center is located in the Canyon Village complex near the center of the Grand Loop Road system. It can be accessed from three different directions.
Current Hours (April Hours)
April 18–April 30
Every Day:9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Standard Hours
Every Day:8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Canyon Visitor Education Center is located north of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Park information can be found on bulletin boards posted at the visitor center, as well as by using the NPS Yellowstone app.
Visit the Canyon Visitor Education Center to learn about geology of the Yellowstone volcano and get park orientation information. NPS/Jacob W. Frank
The large relief map in Canyon Visitor Education Center gives visitors a way to comprehend the landforms of Yellowstone. NPS/Jacob W. Frank
The lobby and restrooms of Canyon Visitor Education Center are open in the winter. NPS/Diane Renkin
Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Trailside Museum
The distinctive stone-and-log architecture of this old building—known as "parkitecture"—was one of several prototypes for park buildings around the country. Today, the visitor center and museum highlight the ecology of Yellowstone Lake, focusing on birds. Also stop by to visit with a ranger and find out when ranger programs are scheduled, buy a fishing permit (payable by debit or credit card), pick up a souvenir, or take in some truly stunning views of Yellowstone Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Physical Address
Grand Loop Road Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
Fishing Bridge Museum is situated near the north shore of Yellowstone Lake on the East Entrance Road. It can be accessed from the east and west directions.
Closed today
Current Hours (Winter Closure)
September 28–May 22
Every Day:Closed
Standard Hours
Every Day:8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Park information can be found on bulletin boards posted at the visitor center, as well as by using the NPS Yellowstone app.
Visitors walk toward the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Trailside Museum to get park information or learn about the ecology of Yellowstone Lake. NPS/Jim Peaco
The Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Trailside Museum is located in a beautiful grove of coniferous trees. NPS/Jim Peaco
The historic building housing the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Trailside Museum was built in 1931. NPS/Jim Peaco
Grant Visitor Center
Fire plays an important, natural role in the ecosystems found in Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding region. Learn more about this and the fires of 1988 in the exhibit hall, gather park information and trip ideas, shop for souvenirs at the park store, join a ranger program, buy a fishing, boating, or backcountry camping permit (fees are payable by debit or credit card), or use the restrooms.
Physical Address
Grand Loop Road Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
Grant Visitor Center is located on the western shore of Yellowstone Lake, a short distance south of the West Thumb Geyser Basin. There are two directions from which to access Grant Village.
Closed today
Current Hours (Winter Closure)
September 28–May 22
Every Day:Closed
Standard Hours
Every Day:8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Park information can be found on bulletin boards posted at the visitor center, as well as by using the NPS Yellowstone app. Visitor center opening date subject to change. Check locally if in the park. Check back frequently for updates.
At the Grant Visitor Center you can learn how forest fires play an important part in keeping Yellowstone healthy. NPS/Diane Renkin
Madison Information Station and Trailside Museum
Located about halfway between Old Faithful and West Yellowstone, you can stop here for park information as visitors have been doing since 1930. The structure is an example of "parkitecture" or designing a building in a way that reflects the surrounding ecosystem. You can also shop for souvenirs in the park store, attend a ranger program, purchase a fishing permit (fees are payable by debit or credit card), or use the restrooms.
Physical Address
Grand Loop Road Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
Located just south of Madison Junction. Madison can be reached from two different directions, so check your map carefully before driving.
Closed today
Current Hours (Winter Closure)
September 28–May 31
Every Day:Closed
Standard Hours
Every Day:9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Park information can be found on bulletin boards posted at the visitor center, as well as by using the NPS Yellowstone app.
Visitors can get park information at the Madison Information Station or simply enjoy the view from the back patio. NPS/Jim Peaco
Museum of the National Park Ranger
Once a US Army outpost built in 1908, this visitor center houses exhibits that celebrate the history of the park ranger profession. To enhance the story of the park ranger experience, this visitor center is staffed by volunteer retired rangers. The current structure replaced previous structures dating back to 1884.
Physical Address
Grand Loop Road Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
Located off the Grand Loop Road at the entrance to Norris Campground.
Closed today
Current Hours (Winter Closure)
September 1–June 29
Every Day:Closed
Standard Hours
Every Day:10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Park information can be found on bulletin boards posted at the Norris Geyser Basin Museum, as well as by using the NPS Yellowstone app.
The Museum of the National Park Ranger is housed in a former soldier station built in 1908 when the US Army was in charge of Yellowstone. NPS/Diane Renkin
Wildlife frequent the meadows near the Museum of the National Park Ranger. NPS/Jim Peaco
Norris Geyser Basin Museum and Information Station
Situated on the ridge overlooking the Norris Geyser Basin, this historic building is staffed during the summer with rangers who provide park information and facilitate ranger programs. Visitors have been seeking information here since 1930 when the museum was built as a "trailside museum" to serve people traveling in their own automobiles without a guide. Restrooms are located in the parking lot.
Physical Address
Grand Loop Road Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
The Norris Geyser Basin Museum is located 1/4-mile west of Norris Junction just off the Grand Loop Road. It can be accessed from three directions so check a map carefully before planning your trip.
Closed today
Current Hours (Winter Closure)
October 5–May 17
Every Day:Closed
Standard Hours
Every Day:9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Park information can be found on bulletin boards posted at the visitor center, as well as by using the NPS Yellowstone app.
Visitors can enjoy the view from the Norris Geyser Basin Museum and in summer ask a ranger a question. NPS Photo
The open-air foyer of Norris Geyser Basin Museum provides great views of the basin. NPS/Neal Herbert
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
Located near Old Faithful Geyser, this visitor center offers views of the geyser's eruption from the tall, windowed front of the visitor center. Additionally, you can gather park information, talk with a park ranger at the front desk, shop for souvenirs in the park store, delve into the natural wonders of Yellowstone in the exhibit hall, join a ranger program, or use the restrooms.
Physical Address
Grand Loop Road Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
Located in the Upper Geyser Basin, Old Faithful Visitor Education Center can be accessed from two different directions so check your map before traveling.
Current Hours (Spring Hours)
April 18–May 25
Every Day:9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Standard Hours
Every Day:8:00 AM–8:00 PM
Park information can be found on bulletin boards posted at the visitor center, as well as by using the NPS Yellowstone app.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
March and April Closure
March 16–April 17
Every Day:Closed
Closed between the winter and summer seasons.
Spring Hours
April 18–May 25
Every Day:9:00 AM–5:00 PM
September Hours
September 3–September 30
Every Day:8:00 AM–6:00 PM
October Hours
October 1–October 31
Every Day:9:00 AM–5:00 PM
November and December Closure
November 1–December 14
Every Day:Closed
Closed between seasons.
Winter Hours
December 15–March 15
Every Day:9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Lobby, Exhibits, Yellowstone Forever bookstore, Public Restrooms
Rangers in the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center provide predictions for the next Old Faithful eruption during visitor education center open hours. NPS/Neal Herbert
The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center is a LEED certified building completed in 2010. NPS/Neal Herbert
The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center is accessed in winter by oversnow vehicle. NPS/Diane Renkin
West Thumb Information Station
A small facility at the start of the West Thumb Geyser Basin boardwalks, where you can visit with a park ranger and gather park information, shop for souvenirs in the park store, or join a ranger program. The structure was built in 1925 and is an example of historic ranger-station architecture in Yellowstone.
Physical Address
Grand Loop Road Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
A few miles north of Grant Village on the western shore of Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb can be accessed from three different directions.
Closed today
Current Hours (Winter Closure)
September 28–May 22
Every Day:Closed
Standard Hours
Every Day:9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Park information can be found on bulletin boards posted at the visitor center, as well as by using the NPS Yellowstone app.
Visitors can join rangers for programs starting at the West Thumb Information Station. NPS/Diane Renkin
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center (NPS Desk)
Located in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana, there is a desk and backcountry office staffed by National Park Service rangers (summer and winters only). The building is open year-round and a second desk is staffed by the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce. Stop by to obtain backcountry and fishing permits (fees are payable by debit or credit card), to get park information, or to use the restrooms. Call 307-344-2876 for additional information.
Physical Address
Chamber of Commerce of West Yellowstone 30 Yellowstone Avenue West Yellowstone, MT59758
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY82190
Located inside the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce
Current Hours (Spring Hours)
April 18–May 25
Every Day:8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Standard Hours
Every Day:8:00 AM–8:00 PM
Park information may be found on bulletin boards posted at the visitor information center, with rangers stationed outside the visitor information center, as well as by using the NPS Yellowstone app.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Spring Closure
March 16–April 17
Every Day:Closed
Spring Hours
April 18–May 25
Every Day:8:00 AM–4:00 PM
September Hours
September 3–September 30
Every Day:8:00 AM–6:00 PM
October Hours
October 1–October 31
Every Day:8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Fall Closure
November 1–December 14
Every Day:Closed
Winter Hours (Open daily; closed during lunch hour, 12 to 1 pm)
