Travel through Yellowstone began at the end of the last Ice Age, after the glaciers and continental ice sheet covering what is now the park melted. For close to 11,000 years, Yellowstone was the site of important natural resources such as game, obsidian, and medicinal plants. It was a seasonal as well as a permanent home for Native American peoples, and a part of trade routes.
Yellowstone became the first national park in 1872, less than 100 years after first being explored by European Americans. A regiment of the U.S. Army Cavalry managed the park between 1886 and 1918, and private transportation companies soon built traveling infrastructure. Tourists arrived at Yellowstone by train, travelled through the park on wagons, stagecoaches, and steamboats, and overnighted at lodges and hotels.
Yellowstone became the first national park in 1872, less than 100 years after first being explored by European Americans. A regiment of the U.S. Army Cavalry managed the park between 1886 and 1918, and private transportation companies soon built traveling infrastructure. Tourists arrived at Yellowstone by train, travelled through the park on wagons, stagecoaches, and steamboats, and overnighted at lodges and hotels.
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Native American TravelYellowstone was a crossroads in Native American travel, with many groups accessing resources, trading, and following animal migrations.
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Park BeginningsYellowstone National Park became the first national park in 1872. It was managed by a U.S. Cavalry regiment from 1886 to 1918.
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Early TourismEarly tourists arrived at the park by train, took sightseeing tours by stagecoach or wagon, and lodged at campsites or luxury hotels.
Last updated: June 3, 2024