Yellowstone was the nation’s first National Park, and it has changed in many ways over the years. Take a look at these historic photos of Yellowstone to see just how the park differs from when it was first surveyed and established. After seeing some of the sights scattered throughout, you’ll realize why Yellowstone is the most popular national park to visit in Wyoming.

While many of the stunning features of the park have remained the same over the years, the iconic Mammoth Hot Springs often remind us that they are a natural wonder.

LOC / LC-DIG-ppmsca-68723

Recently, the famous Canary Springs went dormant. This side-by-side photo shows how it can change in as little as one year!

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Other natural features stay the same, no matter how long it has been.

Library of Congress / LC-DIG-ppmsca-18930

Liberty Cap was formed by mineral spring water, and looks very similar to photos taken of the cap in the earliest days of the park.

Flickr / J Brew

Transportation has transformed Yellowstone. Early on, rough roads made it hard to visit, and the opening of maintained roads was cause for celebration!

Library of Congress /LC-USZ62-97312

Yellowstone must have loved that early enthusiasm, because the park has worked hard on highway upkeep ever since.

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One of the most striking differences between the early days of the park and today is the way wildlife is treated.

Library of Congress / LC-USZ62-130631 This photo shows President and Mrs. Coolidge hanging out with bears at Roosevelt Lodge

Today, it’s an important park rule that visitors must keep their distance from wildlife. By following precautions, anyone in the park can ensure their safety and the safety of bears, elk, and bison as well.

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Camping has really changed - as you can see from many historic photos of Yellowstone that show primitive campgrounds and small auto-lots.

Library of Congress / LC-USZ62-93258

Today, you can enjoy backcountry camping, or go all-out with a glamping experience. The earliest visitors would have been stunned by today’s full-service setups!

Flickr / Steve Wasler

One thing that certainly hasn’t changed, though, is the way people use horses to get around the park!

Library of Congress / LC-USZ62-137258

While in the old days it was necessary to travel by horseback, now visitors can choose to travel this way and experience Yellowstone from a unique perspective.

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What are your favorite memories of Yellowstone National Park, perhaps the best national park to visit in Wyoming? Let us know in the comments below! If you want to learn more about the history of Yellowstone and why it’s the best national park to visit Wyoming, read about the more than 10,000 hydrothermal natural wonders in Yellowstone National Park.

LOC / LC-DIG-ppmsca-68723

Facebook / Yellowstone National Park

Library of Congress / LC-DIG-ppmsca-18930

Flickr / J Brew

Library of Congress /LC-USZ62-97312

Library of Congress / LC-USZ62-130631

This photo shows President and Mrs. Coolidge hanging out with bears at Roosevelt Lodge

Library of Congress / LC-USZ62-93258

Flickr / Steve Wasler

Library of Congress / LC-USZ62-137258

 

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Address: Yellowstone National Park, United States

The OIYS Visitor Center

national park to visit in Wyoming May 04, 2022 Kim Magaraci What is the most historic national park to visit in Wyoming? Yellowstone is one of the most historic national parks in the world. Not only was it the first-ever National Park, but the landscape has natural wonders and thermal features you won’t find anywhere else. The tallest geyser on the planet, Steamboat Geyser, erupts here occasionally, and the world’s largest log building is the century-old Old Faithful Inn. History is just about everywhere you look at Yellowstone. Which are the most beautiful hiking trails in Wyoming? Wyoming is home to thousands of gorgeous hiking trails, but some of the most popular include Fairy Falls, Mystic Falls, and the geyser basin boardwalks in Yellowstone National Park. Each of these trails takes to you a remarkable natural wonder and showcases thermal features that make Yellowstone one of the best parks in Wyoming. What are the must-visit spots in Yellowstone National Park? If you’ve only got a few days to spend in Yellowstone, there are a few places you’ve got to make sure you see. Old Faithful Inn, the Lake Hotel, and the buildings of the former Fort Yellowstone are three of the must-see building complexes in the park. If you’re looking for things to do outside in Wyoming, the Norris Geyser Basin Boardwalk Trail and the paths around Mammoth Hot Springs make for remarkable sights. Be sure to spend some time in Lamar Valley at dawn or dusk, and sunrise in the Canyon area is an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

The OIYS Visitor Center

national park to visit in Wyoming

May 04, 2022

Kim Magaraci

What is the most historic national park to visit in Wyoming? Yellowstone is one of the most historic national parks in the world. Not only was it the first-ever National Park, but the landscape has natural wonders and thermal features you won’t find anywhere else. The tallest geyser on the planet, Steamboat Geyser, erupts here occasionally, and the world’s largest log building is the century-old Old Faithful Inn. History is just about everywhere you look at Yellowstone. Which are the most beautiful hiking trails in Wyoming? Wyoming is home to thousands of gorgeous hiking trails, but some of the most popular include Fairy Falls, Mystic Falls, and the geyser basin boardwalks in Yellowstone National Park. Each of these trails takes to you a remarkable natural wonder and showcases thermal features that make Yellowstone one of the best parks in Wyoming. What are the must-visit spots in Yellowstone National Park? If you’ve only got a few days to spend in Yellowstone, there are a few places you’ve got to make sure you see. Old Faithful Inn, the Lake Hotel, and the buildings of the former Fort Yellowstone are three of the must-see building complexes in the park. If you’re looking for things to do outside in Wyoming, the Norris Geyser Basin Boardwalk Trail and the paths around Mammoth Hot Springs make for remarkable sights. Be sure to spend some time in Lamar Valley at dawn or dusk, and sunrise in the Canyon area is an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Yellowstone is one of the most historic national parks in the world. Not only was it the first-ever National Park, but the landscape has natural wonders and thermal features you won’t find anywhere else. The tallest geyser on the planet, Steamboat Geyser, erupts here occasionally, and the world’s largest log building is the century-old Old Faithful Inn. History is just about everywhere you look at Yellowstone.

Which are the most beautiful hiking trails in Wyoming?

Wyoming is home to thousands of gorgeous hiking trails, but some of the most popular include Fairy Falls, Mystic Falls, and the geyser basin boardwalks in Yellowstone National Park. Each of these trails takes to you a remarkable natural wonder and showcases thermal features that make Yellowstone one of the best parks in Wyoming.

What are the must-visit spots in Yellowstone National Park?

If you’ve only got a few days to spend in Yellowstone, there are a few places you’ve got to make sure you see. Old Faithful Inn, the Lake Hotel, and the buildings of the former Fort Yellowstone are three of the must-see building complexes in the park. If you’re looking for things to do outside in Wyoming, the Norris Geyser Basin Boardwalk Trail and the paths around Mammoth Hot Springs make for remarkable sights. Be sure to spend some time in Lamar Valley at dawn or dusk, and sunrise in the Canyon area is an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.