Stretching across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone National Park is more than just the first national park in the world—it’s a living, steaming, bison-strolling, geyser-spouting wilderness classroom. It is a place where fire and ice, wildlife and wonder, and nature and nurture coexist—and it’s exactly the kind of place that inspires both awe and action.
A Little History
Yellowstone was established on March 1, 1872, by President Ulysses S. Grant as the first national park in the world. But its story began long before that.
For more than 11,000 years, Indigenous peoples—including the Shoshone, Crow, Bannock, Blackfeet, and Lakota—called this land home. They understood what scientists would later prove: that Yellowstone sits atop a massive supervolcano, with a caldera spanning 45 miles across.
The park was first explored by the U.S. government during the 1871 Hayden Geological Survey, whose detailed illustrations and photographs convinced Congress that the land should be preserved, not privatized. Since then, Yellowstone has served as the blueprint for public land preservation around the world.
“At Yellowstone, we learn that true leaders don’t control nature—they listen to it.”
What to See and Do
With over 2.2 million acres to explore, Yellowstone is filled with “bucket list” experiences. But it’s also full of small, quiet moments that stick with you longer than a geyser blast.
1. Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
The most famous geyser in the world erupts about every 90 minutes. Nearby, you’ll find Grand Prismatic Spring—a rainbow-colored hot spring almost too vibrant to seem real.
2. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Carved by the Yellowstone River, this stunning canyon features the Upper and Lower Falls, dramatic rock formations, and the iconic Artist Point overlook.
3. Lamar Valley
Known as the “Serengeti of North America,” this is your best chance to see wolves, bison, elk, and bears in the wild. Bring binoculars and patience.
4. Yellowstone Lake
One of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America, perfect for a scenic picnic, short hike, or some lakeside journaling.
5. Mammoth Hot Springs
Terraced limestone formations created by centuries of hot water bubbling up through the Earth’s crust—a lesson in time and transformation.
6. Hayden Valley & Mud Volcano Area
Watch for bison roaming across steaming plains and explore mud pots and fumaroles that smell like rotten eggs but fascinate every visitor.
Tips for Your Visit
Timing: Late May to early October offers the most accessible weather and open roads.
Traffic: Be prepared for “bison jams.” Wildlife gets the right of way here!
Safety: Stay on boardwalks near geothermal features—some areas can be dangerously thin crust over boiling water.
Lodging: Reserve early. Choices range from historic inns like Old Faithful Inn to campgrounds and park lodges.
Connectivity: Don’t count on cell service. Yellowstone is one of the few places you truly unplug.
Leadership Tie-In
Yellowstone is more than a national park—it’s a leadership incubator in disguise. Here, students and educators alike can:
Explore Complexity: Yellowstone’s geothermal system, wildlife management, and conservation policies require balanced thinking and long-term vision.
Practice Stewardship: Visitors are constantly reminded that their behavior matters—from bear-safe food storage to staying on trails.
Embrace the Unexpected: Geysers erupt without warning. Bison walk into your path. Plans change—just like leadership.
Closing Thought
Yellowstone reminds us that the best leaders are explorers—curious, aware, respectful, and willing to look beneath the surface to understand the forces shaping our world. Whether you’re staring into a canyon, listening to a geyser, or guiding students through a trail, this park will leave its mark on you.