Yellowstone National Park Celebrates 150 Years

The first National Park in the United States to be dedicated celebrated a birthday to start the month of March. March 1st marked 150 years since the establishment of the most iconic of American National Parks: Yellowstone.

With a footprint that extends into three different states, distinct wildlife, and natural beauty, Yellowstone has everything any tourist or adventurer could want.

Here are some fun facts about the history of Yellowstone and the park itself as we celebrate 150 years of Old Faithful and more.

Per the National Parks site:

"Signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant, America's first national park was set aside to preserve and protect the scenery, cultural heritage, wildlife, geologic and ecological systems and processes in their natural condition for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations."

It has surely done that, captivating visitors from the United States and abroad for well over a century.

Among some fun facts about America's first National Park include that it is home to the oldest wild Bison herd in the country, has roughly half of the world's hydrothermal features (including Old Faithful), and has the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states, per doi.gov.

The park has an elevation change of more than 6,000 feet and is located mostly in Wyoming. Montana and Idaho also can claim the park, but Wyoming is home to roughly 96% of the acreage. Speaking of states, did you know that Yellowstone is larger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined? Crazy stuff.

Personally, I haven't yet made the trip to see Yellowstone in person, but it is on my shortlist of places to see in the near future. Here's to another 150 Years for the oldest National Park in the United States!

Sources: National Parks, doi.gov, Visit Big Sky

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