Ranger Programs

Park naturalists lead slide shows, films, guided walks, kids’ programs, campfire talks, and other activities at the campgrounds and visitor centers. These are always favorites of visitors, and on summer days you can choose from a multitude of Yellowstone activities, all of which are half-day.

Ranger Adventure Hikes are offered most summer days. These hikes fill up very quickly, so sign up early at any park visitor center. Get a complete listing of ranger programs in the Yellowstone Today paper you receive upon entering the park or online at www.nps.gov/yell. Evening slide programs are also offered in winter at [node"54188 link Mammoth] and Old Faithful.

For a more in-depth look at the park, take a class through the Yellowstone Association Institute (406/848-2400, www.yellowstoneassociation.org) or join one of its popular Lodging and Learning packages.

Supporting Yellowstone Park

The Yellowstone Association (406/848-2400, www.yellowstoneassociation.org) is a nonprofit organization that assists with education, research, publishing, and book sales inside the park. The organization also teaches dozens of classes through the acclaimed Yellowstone Association Institute.

The Yellowstone Park Foundation (406/586-6303, www.ypf.org) is another nonprofit group that works with the National Park Service by providing funds for projects and programs that would not be otherwise supported. Its biggest project was helping to raise $15 million for the new visitor center at Old Faithful. All funding comes from individuals and corporations, not from the government.

The primary environmental group involved with protecting Yellowstone and the surrounding public lands is the Greater Yellowstone Coalition (406/586-1593, www.greateryellowstone.org), based in Bozeman, Montana. This private nonprofit organization is involved in all sorts of environmental issues within the 10-million-acre Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, including such hot-button issues as logging, gas development, winter use, and bison management. It represents more than 17,000 members and produces a monthly email newsletter detailing various issues. Annual membership costs $35.

Park Services

For a complete directory of the many Yellowstone visitor services, see Yellowstone Today, which you receive upon entering the park. You can also download a copy at www.nps.gov/yell.

A year-round post office is in a 1930s-era stone building at Mammoth Hot Springs, with seasonal post offices at Old Faithful, Lake Village, Canyon Village, and Grant Village. Worship services are held at various Yellowstone locations all summer; details are available at any park visitor center.