Yellowstone National Park

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Yellowstone National Park is one of those famous destinations that actually exceeds expectations, when you visit it; no wonder so many people flock to Yellowstone.

Natural wonders
The Old Faithful geyser, right, has become the emblem of this famous Park, and seeing it blow its stack at a predictable time is definitely a high point. Yet -- to this visitor-- other natural wonders are even more magnificent. The Mammoth Terraces are stunning, with otherworldly beauty; the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is awesome. And some of the "geothermal" features, such as hot springs, are lovely too.

Lodgings
This Park has man-made beauties, too, with three unique historic inns: the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel; the magnificently rustic Old Faithful Inn; and the classy Lake Yellowstone Hotel.

Wildlife
More elusive, but thrilling when spotted, are the Park's living creatures. With luck, you'll glimpse a wolf or grizzly bear. Certainly, you'll see elk and herds of bison.

National Icon: A Park for All
But perhaps the real emblem of Yellowstone should be the massive gate that commemorates the world's first national park, engraved with the words "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People."

The creation of Yellowstone National Park by President Ulysses Grant in 1872 marked a turning point in how nature was viewed by people.

Those words, "Benefit and Enjoyment of the People" were weighty ones: before 1872, an expanse of land like Yellowstone would have benefited only the few individuals who discovered and got rich from it. Dedicating a huge park for "the People" was a true breakthrough.

This giant gate, leading into the National Park's 2.2 million acres, is a kind of Statue of Liberty for the environment.

Continue to Yellowstone National Park photos and info:
-click photos to see larger pictures
Park lodgings: introduction	Yellowstone Lake Hotel	Mammoth Terraces
geothermal wonders	wildlife	Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

All Images (c) by Teresa Plowright.

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