YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Imagine a place where the ground hisses with steam, colourful hot springs bubble like magic cauldrons, and wild animals roam free across vast open valleys. This is not a scene from a fairy tale — it’s Yellowstone National Park, and here’s something amazing: it is the world’s very first national park!
On March 1, 1872, U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act, making history. For the first time, a large area of land was set aside not for cities or farms, but to protect its natural wonders for everyone — forever. This bold step inspired the creation of national parks all over the globe.
Where is Yellowstone?
Yellowstone lies mostly in Wyoming, with parts stretching into Montana and Idaho. Covering about 8,991 square kilometers, it’s bigger than some countries!
A Land of Fire and Water
Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal wonders — powered by the hidden Yellowstone supervolcano beneath the ground.
Some magical sights include:
Old Faithful Geyser: Erupts every 60–90 minutes, shooting boiling water high into the sky.
Grand Prismatic Spring: A rainbow-colored hot spring, the largest in the U.S.
Mudpots & fumaroles: Bubbling mud pools and steaming vents that look like scenes from another planet.
Beauty Beyond Imagination
The park’s landscapes are breathtaking:
Yellowstone Lake: One of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: A colorful, deep canyon with powerful waterfalls.
Lamar Valley: Called “America’s Serengeti” for its amazing wildlife sightings.
Home to the wild
Yellowstone is a safe haven for hundreds of animal species:
Bison: The only place in the U.S. where they have lived continuously since prehistoric times.
Grizzly and black bears
Elk, moose, wolves, coyotes, and pronghorn
Over 300 bird species, including bald eagles.
A place with a story: Long before it became a park, Native American tribes lived here for thousands of years, honoring and respecting the land. Today, millions of visitors from around the world come each year to see its wonders.
Did You Know?
The Yellowstone supervolcano last erupted about 640,000 years ago.
The park experiences 1,000–3,000 earthquakes every year (most too small to feel).
It has over 10,000 geothermal features — more than anywhere else on Earth.
Why Yellowstone matters: Yellowstone isn’t just a beautiful place — it’s a living classroom. It teaches us about geology, wildlife, and the importance of protecting nature for the future.
By preserving Yellowstone back in 1872, people set an example for the whole world: some treasures are too precious to lose, and must be protected forever.
