Seventeen million years ago, an intense period of volcanism began near present day’s Nevada – Oregon – Idaho tri-state border in the United States. Just over 2 million years ago the first of three eruptions occurred in the area we now know as Yellowstone, and one of the largest ever super volcanoes was discovered. The Yellowstone caldera is in almost constant motion, and while experts don’t expect another eruption anytime soon, that underground “hotspot” continues to shape the park we see today.

The winter months are the perfect chance to see Yellowstone National Park’s popular geothermal features without the rush of summer crowds. The park has two winter lodges to warm up in after an action-packed day of exploration, both offering cozy fireplaces, on-site ski shops, and daily tours that provide easy access to popular sights in the park. At Old Faithful Snow Lodge you’ll find an outdoor skating rink with free skate rentals.

America’s first national park, designated in 1872, Yellowstone National Park offers truly unique experiences like spectacular hiking trails, beautiful views, the chance to see Old Faithful, and geysers shooting water 100 feet in the air. Peppered with colorful hot springs, mudpots, and waterfalls, the park sits atop a dormant volcano and is home to more geysers and hot springs than anywhere else on earth.

The country’s first national park, established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park spreads across three states: Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Home to the largest group of geysers in the world – of which Old Faithful is a definite must-see – this area contains over two million acres (810,000ha) of incredible landscape, including alpine lakes, waterfalls, canyons, forests and mountains.

The iconic geothermal features at Yellowstone National Park make this destination an easy choice for families. But the near-certain chance of seeing animals such as elk, bison, or mule deer is an equally compelling reason to take your kids to Yellowstone. Drive through the Hayden or Lamar valleys and tackle family-friendly hikes to the Grand Prismatic Spring and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. You’re sure to come away with countless memories of the critters you encountered along the way.

America’s first national park is bigger than Rhode Island and has been a jewel in the NPS's crown since 1872. Critters are everywhere in Yellowstone; geysers spurt regularly; sulphurous lakes bubble and boil; and massive waterfalls glint in the sun. And don’t be surprised if you spot buffalo wandering right down the center divider of the two-lane road that connects the park. With challenging hikes into the backcountry as well as ADA-accessible wooden boardwalks, everyone can revel in the magic.

Yellowstone National Park was the world's first national park. Here you'll find bison, grizzly bears, erupting geysers, bubbling mud pots, and technicolor hot springs in this massive 3,500-square-mile expanse of protected land.

With the delicate Yellowstone ecosystem at its most fragile in winter, most roads are closed to wheeled traffic (OSVs only) from November through April. So plan ahead for a guided tour of the park by snowmobile, which may be the only way to cover a lot of ground in winter. But if seeing Yellowstone’s winter majesty up close is more your speed, skiing and snowshoeing are still the best options. Many trails are suitable; consult the trail maps designed specifically for these winter activities.

Yellowstone National Park was the first national park, commissioned by Ulysses S Grant in 1872. The picturesque views of towering mountains and powerful waterfalls are certainly picture-worthy, and camping among them would be almost any child’s dream. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the natural inhabitants of the park, including deer, bison, elk and bears. Yellowstone sits atop a volcanic hot spot, sections of the park appear almost otherworldly, with various geothermic features.