Yellowstone National Park is an incredibly beautiful and fascinating place, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year. Yet, there are many secrets and fun facts that are still unknown to even the most seasoned Yellowstone enthusiasts. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at 10 fun facts you may not have known about Yellowstone National Park.
1. One of the world’s largest volcanoes is located in Yellowstone National Park
Did you know that Yellowstone National Park sits on top of a supervolcano? The Yellowstone Caldera is one of the largest active volcanic systems in the world and spans almost 2.5 million acres. However, don’t worry about an eruption anytime soon, as the last major volcanic eruption occurred over 640,000 years ago.
2. Yellowstone National Park is home to the largest concentration of geysers in the world
Yellowstone has almost 300 geysers, which is more than half of all the geysers in the world! The most famous is, of course, Old Faithful, which erupted for the first time in 1870 and is still erupting today.
3. You can walk on Grand Prismatic Spring
Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most visually stunning sights in Yellowstone National Park, with its vibrant colors and ever-changing landscape. While visitors cannot swim or touch the spring, they can walk on a boardwalk that circles the outer edge, providing a unique perspective on this natural wonder.
4. Yellowstone is home to the largest herd of free-roaming bison in the world
The bison, also known as buffalo, is an iconic symbol of the American West, and Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times. Today, Yellowstone is home to over 4,000 bison, making it the largest herd of free-roaming bison in the world.
5. The park’s rivers are filled with unique species of fish
Yellowstone National Park is home to a variety of fish species, including cutthroat trout, grayling, and mountain whitefish. However, the park is also home to several unique fish, such as the Yellowstone cutthroat trout, the Arctic grayling, and the fluvial Arctic grayling.
6. Yellowstone National Park was the first national park in the world
Yellowstone National Park was established as the world’s first national park in 1872, setting the stage for the creation of other national parks around the world. Today, there are over 6,000 national parks around the world, with over 400 in the United States alone.
7. Yellowstone National Park spans three states
While most of the park is located in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park also extends into Montana and Idaho. In fact, the park’s most famous landmark, Old Faithful, is actually located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
8. Yellowstone is home to some of the largest hot springs in the world
Yellowstone National Park is home to some of the largest hot springs in the world, including Grand Prismatic Spring, which is larger than a football field and more than 160 feet deep. The hot springs are a result of the park’s unique geology and are home to a variety of microorganisms that can survive in extreme conditions.
9. The park has a rich and varied human history
Yellowstone National Park has not only a rich natural history but also a fascinating human history. The park has been home to a variety of Native American tribes for thousands of years and was later explored by European explorers in the early 19th century. In the late 1800s, Yellowstone became a popular tourist destination, and numerous hotels and lodges were built to accommodate visitors.
10. Yellowstone is a true winter wonderland
Most people associate Yellowstone with summer, but the park is just as magical in the winter months. In fact, Yellowstone is one of the few national parks that are open year-round, and visitors can experience cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching in the winter months.
In conclusion, Yellowstone National Park is a truly unique and breathtaking destination, full of surprises and secrets. We hope these ten fun facts have helped you discover something new and interesting about this incredible place. Whether you are planning your first trip or your tenth, there is always something new to discover in Yellowstone National Park.
