French Fries - by Idaho...on National French Fry Day

Idaho potatoes have a rich history closely intertwined with the state of Idaho, earning them the reputation of being some of the finest potatoes in the world. On this National French Fry Day, let's take a quick journey through the history of Idaho potatoes and their contribution to the beloved French fry.

The story of Idaho potatoes begins in the mid-19th century when settlers, including European immigrants, arrived in Idaho. They discovered that the region's volcanic soil, ample water supply from mountainous regions, and ideal climate created perfect conditions for growing high-quality potatoes. Soon, the cultivation of potatoes became a significant part of Idaho's agricultural industry.

In 1935, the Idaho Potato Commission was established to promote and protect the state's potato industry. The commission played a crucial role in educating farmers about best practices, conducting research, and implementing quality standards, all of which contributed to the consistent production of excellent potatoes.

Over the years, Idaho potatoes gained recognition for their exceptional taste, texture, and versatility. The potatoes' high starch content, low moisture, and low sugar levels make them ideal for frying, resulting in perfectly crispy and fluffy French fries.

In the 1950s, with the rise of fast-food culture, French fries became immensely popular across the United States. Restaurants and food chains started seeking out Idaho potatoes specifically for their superior quality, leading to an increase in demand for Idaho-grown potatoes.

To ensure consumers could easily identify genuine Idaho potatoes, the Idaho Potato Commission introduced the "Grown in Idaho" seal in 1957. This distinctive seal served as a mark of authenticity, guaranteeing that the potatoes were grown in Idaho's fertile soil.

Today, Idaho remains the leading producer of potatoes in the United States. The state's potato farms stretch across vast areas, benefiting from the unique geography and favorable growing conditions. The commitment to quality and the stringent standards set by the Idaho Potato Commission have helped maintain the reputation of Idaho potatoes as the gold standard for French fries.

On National French Fry Day, it's a fitting occasion to celebrate the rich history of Idaho potatoes and the delightful contribution they have made to our beloved French fries. So, whether you're enjoying a plate of crispy fries at a local diner or indulging in your favorite fast-food treat, remember to savor the deliciousness that stems from Idaho's treasured spuds.

And as always, if you are looking for a place to enjoy your best Idaho French Fries, check out our cabins at www.VisitIslandParkIdaho.com.

Yellowstone Must See while staying in Island Park

Note about Yellowstone Must See Areas: Yellowstone National Park is so big. It becomes overwhelming just trying to figure out what you should stop and see and what you should pass on. We have been into the park hundreds of times and have a list of our must-sees that we recommend to people who either don’t have a lot of time to spend in the park or want an idea of what they shouldn’t miss. Either way, these places listed below are what we wouldn’t want you to miss while visiting Yellowstone National Park.

Firehole Canyon Drive, just a couple of miles after you turn right toward Old Faithful after you cross the Gibbon River, on the right

This is a one-way drive through a beautiful canyon. Look up on the canyon walls as we have seen elk and other animals there. Stop and take a photo at Firehole Falls. There is a swimming area further down the road from the falls, but it has not been open the last couple of years because of COVID. Because of the warmer water in the geyser-fed Firehole River, the water temperature is great for swimming.

When you reach the end of the road, there are falls to your right that start the Firehole Canyon. It is worth a quick photo since you are already there.
 

Grand Prismatic Spring, Midway Geyser Basin (West entrance, at Madison Junction, turn toward Old Faithful)

This is our number one pick. The beautiful colors of this spring can’t be missed and because of that, crowds are usually terrible unless you leave early and hit the spring before most tourists are out of bed. It’s a beautiful place to watch the sun rise.

You can view the spring from two locations. One is the boardwalk at Midway Geyser Basin and the other is further down the road where you access the trail to the overlook. I would recommend both. It is just a little different perspective from above as it is at eye-level with the spring.

 So, you’ll know where to overlook is, you’ll see it halfway up the hill when you are facing the spring from the boardwalk at Midway Geyser Basin. Just look directly over the spring and about half-way up the hill and you’ll see it nestled in the trees.

After you leave Midway, turn right which will take you around a curve to the right (on the road). Once around this curve, you’ll see a parking lot by a steel bridge, walking over this bridge takes you to the upper lookout trail. It is well-trafficked, so you can’t miss it. There are several geysers to see near the parking lot and the Firehole River near the bridge is one of my favorite places to fly fish in the park. We have seen grizzly bears here so be mindful and carry your bear spray when taking the trail to the overlook, especially if there aren’t very many people around.

Old Faithful Geyser and Old Faithful Inn

One of Yellowstone’s most iconic landmarks – both the Inn and the geyser. There is a great visitor’s center there as well and a great spot to check out the interior of the Inn and grab an ice cream.

Watching the geyser is best from the front rows so arrive 20-30 minutes early to get the best spots. You can also arrive early enough that you can hike to the upper look-out which is a strenuous hike, but worth the perspective of watching the geyser go off from above surrounded below by many colorful people.

Note: There is an app I recommend for approximate geyser eruptions. The app is NPS Geysers. They have not been updating this in recent months, but hopefully they will during the coming summer. It’s great to plan your outing in this area around eruption times.

Old Faithful Inn was built in 1903 and is one of the oldest lodges in Yellowstone. It is the largest log structure in the world and the interior is truly impressive. There are tours of the lodge and run several times a day. You can simply make a reservation upon your arrival. Go inside and look up, it really is amazing.

 I highly recommend spending some time walking around the geyser basin near Old Faithful. There are some cool geysers (details below).

Upper Geyser Basin and Morning Glory Pool

Upper Geyser Basin is home to Old Faithful and contains 25% of the world’s geysers. There are lots of walking paths passing many geysers and thermal features. Make sure you take some time to explore this area. I suggest you hike until you reach Morning Glory Pool which has amazing colors. Along the way you might be lucky enough to see one of the many geysers erupt. Castle Geyser is one of my favorites and so is Daisy. A twenty-minute walk from Old Faithful and there is hardly anyone around, 40 minutes and you have the place to yourself.



Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is one of our favorite destinations to watch abundant wildlife. It is home to antelope, bison, wolves, moose, bears, etc. It is often overlooked because of its remote location – that is probably why we like it so much. The landscapes are amazing. If you have the time, drive past Soda Butte toward the Northeast Entrance and beyond. You’ll be rewarded with stunning mountain views.

If you are in the mood for a short hike, you can hike up to Trout Lake which is off to your left as you head out of Lamar Valley up Soda Butte Creek.

The Lamar River is one of our favorite fishing spots, but to be successful catching the abundant Yellowstone Cutthroat, you will need to hike. The further off the road you can get, the better the fishing will be. We recommend the trail from where the Lamar and Soda Butte Creek join, then up the Lamar. We go back about four miles toward Cache Creek, and you will catch more Native Yellowstone Cutthroat trout than you ever imagined. Keep in mind the river blows out quickly in storms which shuts down the fishing. Look up the valley and if it looks like rain, don’t bother hiking. Watch for bears and carry your bear spray.



Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone Falls

There are several lookouts to see Yellowstone Falls. You can visit both sides of the canyon – the North Rim and the South Rim. Both sides are accessible by car or foot.

Uncle Tom’s Trail has you climbing down 328 steps to get a view of the Lower Falls. The Lower Falls can also be seen from Artist Point which is the most photographed. You can easily access the viewpoint by parking and walking on the paved path.

Brink of the Lower Falls is not for those who have a fear of heights! It is also a strenuous climb down a switch-backed trail. You will descend 600 feet in 3/8 of a mile. Once down the path, you have a view of the falls crashing into thin air right below your feet! It’s an incredible view.

Any of these locations is a great place to take a family photo and there are enough people around that someone is always happy to snap a quick photo of your group. Don’t be shy about asking for help.

Hayden Valley

Probably the most popular place to see wildlife in Yellowstone. This is where bison really love showing tourists who is in charge. Buffalo jams are common in this area. Remember, bison are dangerous, and you should never approach them, touch them, or otherwise antagonize them. It always surprises me how many visitors to the park are injured by getting too close to bison. Please don’t be one of those people. We like our guests.




Mammoth Hot Springs (Upper and Lower Terraces)

Another truly unique area of Yellowstone. It is completely different than any other place in the park. You’ll find a large variety of thermal features, very different from the Upper or Midway Geyser Basins.

There are two main areas of Mammoth the Upper and Lower Terrace, both are worth a walk around. I especially like the Upper Terrace as the thermal features are unusual.

The Visitor’s Center and Store are fun places to stop and browse. The artwork in the Visitor’s Center Museum is alone worth the stop.

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high elevation late in North America. The water temperature is too low for swimming without risking hypothermia. The lake is best explored by boat and Lady of the Lake makes twice daily excursions.

The historic Lake Hotel has a nice upscale restaurant if you have the time. Make sure you visit the West Thumb Geyser Basin (see below) for more information.

You can hire a fishing guide and fish for Lake Trout which are an invasive species and are being eradicated to protect the native cutthroat population.

West Thumb Geyser Basin

One of the smallest geothermal areas of Yellowstone, West Thumb Geyser Basin is not to be missed. Located on the western side of Yellowstone Lake, it offers a good view of the lake and has some interesting thermal features including some that are in the lake itself. Abyss Pool is here, and it is the deepest hydrothermal pool in the park.

Norris Geyser Basin

Norris is not one of the best places in Yellowstone, but it shouldn’t be missed. Ideally, you should see this before you go to Upper and Midway Geyser Basins. If you see it first, it will impress you more.

The hottest geyser basin in Yellowstone. There are two basins, and they couldn’t be more different than each other. The star of this area is Steamboat Geyser which regularly spits water up to 40 feet. It is an area of the park that is constantly changing, and you never know what you’ll find.

Mount Washburn

Hiking up to the top of Mt. Washburn is considered one of the best things to do in Yellowstone. The views from 10,243 feet are incredible and if you are lucky, you might see some Big Horn Sheep.

There are two trails leading to the top. The main trail starts at Dunraven Pass and is about 3.2 miles. The second option is Chittenden Road Trail that follows a nice wide service road to the top. This trail is 2.5 miles one way and is easier to hike, but the views along this route aren’t as impressive.

Check the road closures when you enter the park or ask the ranger when you go through the booth. They are good sources of information like, latest bear sightings, closures, etc.

Carry lots of water and snacks on the hike.

Tower Falls

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Yellowstone. It is worth a short stop. You can’t see the waterfall in all its glory anymore because they do not let you hike to the bottom of the falls like they used to, nevertheless, it is still beautiful.

They have had this section of the road closed for a couple of years now, so check road closures to get the latest information.


Boiling River

Boiling River’s parking lot is where the Gardiner River crosses the road when you go down the grade from Mammoth to Gardiner and cross the 45th Parallel (there is a sign). Park on either side of the road, but the trail is on the upstream side of the bridge (or the right side of the road) if you are heading toward Gardiner.

This is one of the few areas of the park you can soak in hot water. This is because it mixes with the Gardiner River. The last two years it has been closed because of COVID and it is usually not opened until after the 4th of July because of high water. Frankly, the park uses every possible reason they can to keep Boiling River closed.

The trail is easy and flat. Boiling River is best accessed with river shoes (or tennis shoes you don’t mind getting wet). There is a changing room at the parking lot.
 

Firehole Lake Loop

Firehole Lake Road is a three-mile, one-way road off the Grand Loop between Old Faithful and Madison. Geysers and hot springs are visible from the road and boardwalk.

Great Fountain Geyser is one of my favorites and it is especially beautiful at sunset – photo at right.

There is a boardwalk that you can use to walk around Firehole Lake itself which is fun to walk through the plumes of steam on a windy day.

White Dome Geyser is another fun one, especially if there is a storm brewing behind it. The contrast makes for great photos.

The drive is not open to buses or RVs, so you pretty much have it to yourself with a car.

Fairy Falls
One of Yellowstone’s highest waterfalls. There are two ways to get there. One is to use the same parking lot as Grand Prismatic Spring and hike the 5.4-mile easy round-trip hike or park at the end of Fountain Flat Drive for a 10-mile roundtrip hike.

Most of the hike is through lodge pole pines and it is possible to encounter a bear or other wildlife on the trail, so carry bear spray and know how to use it. There is some bear spray for your use on the back porch of the cabin in the higher shelves.

IF you continue on and cross the field to the adjacent trail you will come to the Imperial Geyser.  No one knows about this geyser and it is cooler than OF even!  You can even have your picnic here.

Blacktail Plateau Drive
This drive is one of my favorites, because it is seldom used, but it is often closed. This is a 7-mile one way dirt road that parallels the road between Mammoth and Tower. If you are lucky, you can see bison, elk, and bear. It is a fun enjoyable ride with beautiful scenery. We have spotted a lot of black bears in this area over the years.

Kayak Island Park, Idaho

Island Park, Idaho, is a stunning vacation destination filled with beauty and adventure. One of the most popular activities in Island Park is kayaking. With more than 60 miles of scenic waterways, there are plenty of places to explore. Boaters have the opportunity to experience the varied landscapes of the area, from the meandering Henry’s Fork and Buffalo rivers to Island Park Reservoir and Henry’s Lake.

Kayaking in the Island Park caldera is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While there are no motorized boating restrictions, most of Island Park’s rivers are more suitable for kayaks, as well as canoes and inflatable rafts. The lack of motorized boats makes time on the rivers a peaceful and tranquil way to spend the day. Island Park Reservoir and Henry’s Lake both provide plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, and simply enjoying the outdoors for both kayakers and other boaters. 

Island Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and even moose. Kayakers will likely spot a few of these creatures while paddling around Big Springs and the Buffalo River. It’s important to remember to keep a safe distance between yourself and any wildlife you see while kayaking. Animals can still charge in the water and can get to you much faster than you can paddle away. 

A successful kayaking experience in Island Park means planning ahead. You’ll find that once you start paddling, it’s hard to find a reason to stop! Enjoy the day with sunscreen, food, and lots of water. It’s also helpful to bring a map of the river you’re on and to let someone know where you planned on boating before you leave. Doing so will allow you to relax and enjoy everything kayaking in Island Park has to offer. 

In addition to kayaking, many water recreationists will use paddleboards and inner tubes to float rivers while relaxing in the Idaho sunshine. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, there are plenty of challenging rapids and whitewater runs on the Snake River near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and on other rivers in western Montana. 

Getting out on the water anywhere in Island Park makes for an excellent opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. Spend a day, a weekend, or an entire summer kayaking in caldera country, and you’ll never regret it. 

Snowmobile Etiquette

Snowmobiling is the most popular winter activity in the Island Park caldera. There are many recreation areas for snowmobilers and plenty of powder to push through.

Proper snowmobile trail etiquette is vital to ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone on the trail. Some basic guidelines to follow include the points below.

• Respect other users: Snowmobile trails may also be used by skiers, snowshoers, and hikers. Be mindful of others and share the trail.

• Stay on marked trails: Avoid creating new trails, as this can cause damage to the environment and make it more difficult for others to navigate the area.

• Control your speed: Snowmobiling can be a fast-paced activity. It's common sense to be mindful of your speed and adjust it based on the conditions of the trail and other users.

• Avoid creating excessive noise: Snowmobile engines can be loud. Be mindful of your speed and throttle control to minimize noise and disturbance in areas where people might be living.

• Keep your distance from wildlife: Always keep a safe distance between yourself and animals. While some predators like bears are in hibernation, other animals might become aware of your presence and make it known that you are trespassing on their territory. Stay 25 yards (75 feet) away from animals like elk, deer, moose, and buffalo, and 100 yards (300 feet) away from predators like bears, wolves, and coyotes.

• Do not litter: Always carry out what you carry in and dispose of any trash.

• Follow signs and warnings: Pay attention to signs and warnings, such as those indicating danger, closed trails, or areas where snowmobiling is not allowed, such as wildlife preserves or private property.

• Know and follow local laws and regulations: Different areas may have different rules and regulations regarding snowmobiling. Familiarize yourself with them before heading out on the trail.

This last point is especially important. East Idaho is known worldwide for its abundance of elk, deer, and other wildlife that come down out of the mountains to winter in areas with more food. The Bureau of Land Management annually closes public access to areas where wildlife are known to find shelter. You can find updates on the most recent restrictions on the BLM Advisories and Closures web page.

If you follow these guidelines, you’re sure to have a great time in Island Park. Make sure to take lots of pictures to help you remember to come back next year! For more snowmobile tips and safety for the area check out our Tips and Safety for Island Park sledding post.

As always, if you need a place for your crew, book directly with us to avoid those pesky fees from the other booking platforms. Book your visit here.

Happy New year! Welcome 2023!

Happy New year! What is your 2023 adventure goal?

How do you take your Hot Chocolate? We have some fun suggestions...

Hot cocoa and snowy days go together like peanut butter and jelly! We have some ideas on what to add to make it even better! ⁣

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☕ Cinnamon and Cayenne for a kick ⁣

☕Orange zest for a little brightness⁣

☕White chocolate or Nutella rim for more flavor with each sip⁣

☕Caramel for decadence⁣

☕Peppermint for holiday magic⁣

☕Maple syrup for a breakfast surprise

Island Park Souvenirs and Gifts

Love Island Park, Idaho? Want to show the world? We have the gear for that! ⁣

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Check out our Visit Island Park, Idaho Shop online! ⁣

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https://visit-island-park-idaho.square.site/s/shop

Merry Christmas and Happy holidays from our family to yours!

Merry Christmas and Happy holidays from our family to yours!

Snowed in? Close To Yellowstone?

Snowed in? We have some ideas on what to do when it's just too snowy to go outdoors.

Which one is your favorite snowed-in activity? ⁣

❄️Board games⁣

❄️Get crafty⁣

❄️Bake cookies⁣

❄️Do yoga⁣

❄️Build a fort⁣

❄️Have a movie marathon⁣

❄️Make a pretend campfire indoors⁣

❄️Throw a dance party⁣

❄️Have a pajama party⁣

❄️Play charades⁣

❄️Read a book alone or out loud together

Snowshoeing... Close To Yellowstone. Island Park, Idaho

Snowshoeing has some great health benefits:⁣

❄️Exceptional cardiovascular workout – burn up to 1,000 calories per hour!⁣

❄️Low-impact muscle building.⁣

❄️Endurance building.⁣

❄️Balance strengthening and agility.⁣

❄️Improves your sense of well-being by connecting to nature⁣

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And Island Park, Idaho, has some fantastic and beautiful places to snowshoe. Check out these 3 trails for some beautiful scenery!⁣

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Ranch Loop- Harriman State Park⁣

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Moose Snow Loop at Caribou-Targhee National Forest⁣

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Harriman Hounds Winter Trail at  Harriman State Park

Discover Island Park, Idaho Close to Yellowstone

Booking a cabin in advance is the best way to get the most out of your trip to Island Park, Idaho, and Yellowstone. ⁣

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->Book⁣

->Plan⁣

->Save⁣

->Visit!⁣

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Start planning today at visitislandparkidaho.com!

Warming Huts Close To Yellowstone...

Chilly on the trail? Yellowstone has warming huts where you can warm up, grab a bit and rest before continuing your winter adventure! ⁣

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Here are the huts you can find!

For more details about entering Yellowstone during the winter, be sure to visit NPS.gov website.

What's the big deal about Island Park, Idaho Close to Yellowstone?

What's the big deal about Island Park, Idaho? Only everything! But here are 10 reasons we think you should visit!⁣

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1. The wildlife⁣

2. Access to the outdoors⁣

3. Views of the stars and low light pollution⁣

4. Peace and quiet- no city noises⁣

5. White water, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes⁣

6. Wildflowers⁣

7. Scenic drives⁣

8. Fishing⁣

9. Cozy cabins⁣

10. Friendly locals

Where are the wildlife in Yellowstone in the winter?

Did you know that winter is considered the prime time to spot wildlife in the Yellowstone area because wildlife is easily spotted against the white snow background?⁣

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This means the average visitor to Yellowstone during the winter potentially won’t even need to leave the vicinity of their tour to see a wild wolf and other critters!⁣

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Although the bears hibernate, bison, elk, mule deer, moose, wolves, coyotes, and so many more roam the park.

Be sure to contact our friends for tours. Tied to Nature at https://tiedtonature.com

Winter at The Gathering Place Close to Yellowstone

If you're looking for a place to gather and connect with your whole family, the Gathering Place is where you need to be this holiday season. So book it for your winter get away while it's still available! ⁣

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Book now at https://visitislandparkidaho.com

Are you the planner in the group? Start Planning now...

Spring may feel like an eternity away but now is the perfect time to start planning your excursions and adventures for 2023!⁣

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Want some local tips and ideas? Search our blog at https://visitislandparkidaho.com/blog!

Book your cabins close to Yellowstone here at www.VisitIslandParkIdaho.com and pick the perfect cabin for you and your friends and family.

World Pear Day

Pears are used in all sorts of recipes including pies, cakes, breads, salads, jams, quesadillas, pancakes, and cocktails. Some put pears on their pizza and eat them on sandwiches. Others pickle their pears. What are some ways you enjoy pears?

Pear cobbler is one the the best holiday desserts if you ask me. My favorite is to use asian pears for the cobbler. Speaking of recipes, here is a five star pear cobbler recipe here: Pear Cobbler.

According to this website there are some pretty cool facts about pears. See them below:

• There are 3,000 varieties of pears around the world

• A medium pear contains 100 calories

• Producers handpick all pears in the United States.

• Because of its soft, butter-like texture, pears used to be called butter fruit

• Pears are rich in dietary fibers, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, copper, and potassium

• Pears are considered one of the healthiest foods and can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer

• Some of the most popular kinds of pears include Bartlett, Anjou, Asian, and Comice, which is also called the Christmas Pear

• China considers pears the symbol of immortality.

Island Park: Where is the island and is it a park?

Island Park, Idaho, is one of the best getaway destinations in the Mountain West. After all, that’s why you’re here, right? But what do you know of Island Park? Let’s dive in to what the park is and how it came to be. 

How Island Park Was Made

Island Park is actually a lot like Hawaii in the sense that both were formed by volcanic activity. Millions of years ago, hot magma under the earth pushed up skyscraping volcanoes out of the ground. These volcanoes regularly erupted until the hot magma was no longer underneath them. Many of the tall buttes southwest of Island park were formed in this way. However, massive eruptions in the Island Park area created circular valleys called a calderas. These calderas, some of the largest in the entire world, are what now form the mountainous walls of Island Park and Yellowstone National Park. 

Who First Lived in Island Park?

Island Park was traversed by Blackfeet, Bannock, Shoshone and Sheepeater Native Americans for thousands of years. However, none of these tribes held any permanent settlements in Island Park, as the area receives a lot of snow in the winter, making year-round living difficult. Native Americans would continue to pass through Island Park up until the late 1800s. 

Between 1810 and 1840, the Island Park area was dominated by mountain men looking for beaver furs, of which they obtained hundreds of thousands in the areas. Following the decline in the fur trade, ranching and tourism became the main use of Island Park. Even today, ranching cattle and recreational tourism are still the central means of occupation for Island Park residents, especially near Henry’s Lake. 

One of the largest cattle ranches in Island Park was that of the Herriman family, owned by Edwin Herriman, president of the Union Pacific railroad. He was one of many industrial barons from the East Coast that gained a fondness for the Yellowstone and Island Park areas of the Mountain West. Like other generous landowners who would come to build summer homes and businesses in Island Park, the Herriman family eventually gifted much of their land for recreational use. 

Another businessman-turned-philanthropist was A. S. Trude, a lawyer from Illinois who came through the area after touring Yellowstone National Park. It was Trude who helped establish the first conservation efforts within Island Park. Before he died, he gave his land to the Federal Government. The land was flooded according to his wishes, creating the beautiful Island Park Reservoir. 

In the century since Island Park was settled, millions have come to love the land. Visitors like yourself return many times, year after year, to enjoy the natural, wild beauty of the park. If this is your first Island Park experience, we hope that it won’t be your last. 

Looking for a place to stay? Check out our cabins available here or keep reading this blog for more things to do in Island Park, Idaho and the greater area as well.

It's Wolfenoot Day! ... What's that?

Back in 2018 the creator of Wolfenoot Day decided it was a day to honor kindness to all things including the wolves. The people around jumped all in and it is now official. So celebrate today by being kind to all things human and animal - especially kind to dogs as they are relatives of the wolf.

For more information check out Wolfednoot Day.

We like to go the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone to see Wolves up close and personal. Check them out while you are here. Ohhhh! And if you buy entrance, it is good for the next day too! Perfect as you are entering or exiting YNP the following day, you can stop into the center for free with the prior days’ pass! - Awesome!

Ready to plan your vacation close to Yellowstone?

Book now at www.VisitIslandParkIdaho.com with no booking fees.

Winter in Yellowstone... what?

Many people think of Yellowstone vacations as a summertime activity, but winter in Yellowstone is one of the best times to visit! ⁣

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Wintertime in Yellowstone is a wonderland of snowy woods, icicles, geyser rain, frozen waterfalls, and animals! Animals move to lower elevations in winter to roam around so you can get a better view of elk, mule deer, moose, wolves, and coyotes. The contrast between the dark fur of the animals and the white snow makes it easy to spot these majestic creatures. ⁣

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In winter, only the road between the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, to the park’s northeast entrance near Silver Gate and into Cooke City, Montana, remains open to visitors’ vehicles. You can also take advantage of Yellowstone’s snow to explore the park with skis and snowshoes.