Why Every American Should Visit Yellowstone National Park?

What if I told you that there exists a place so beautiful, so mind-boggling, and so powerful that President Ulysses S. Grant himself said it was the one great sight which every American should see? What if I told you this wonderful place was in the United States of America, and that it was free to visit? Well, take my word for it—it’s real! That place is Yellowstone National Park!

What Makes Yellowstone So Special?

At first glance, Yellowstone doesn’t seem like a place that would warrant so much attention. Compared to some of America’s other top national parks, it’s small in terms of size, and there aren’t any natural landscapes within its borders as beautiful as those found at Yosemite or Zion. But just because Yellowstone doesn’t have jaw-dropping mountains and ancient trees doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting; quite on the contrary. 

The Grand Canyon is often considered one of America’s most beautiful natural wonders, but Yellowstone might be more important for preserving our nation’s history. The park contains one of Earth’s largest supervolcanoes (meaning an eruption could cover all of North America in ash), which last erupted over 640,000 years ago. A smaller eruption occurred just 2 million years ago, and another is expected soon!

Wildlife in Yellowstone

One of America’s national treasures, Yellowstone’s Yellowstone National Park boasts thousands of miles of pristine hiking trails, free from cars and paved roads. It’s also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts—nature photographers, birdwatchers, geologists, and campers alike. But Yellowstone isn’t just about seeing nature; it’s about experiencing it. Hop on a hike through these mountains of majesty and marvel at an idyllic landscape devoid of light pollution: Nighttime stargazing sessions are surprisingly common among park visitors who want to gaze up at millions of twinkling stars unobstructed by light pollution. 

A Night in Yellowstone

When I was a kid, Yellowstone National Park had two major attractions: Old Faithful and its wildlife. There’s a lot more to do in Yellowstone today: You can take ranger-led geyser tours, hike through wildflower meadows, raft along rivers, streams, and hot springs, go birding, spot bison, elk, and other wildlife (from above); visit galleries and museums. But there’s no way you’ll want to miss Old Faithful while you’re there—I don’t care what time of year it is, a 2-hour wait for an eruption seems like an eternity when you’re a kid!

Is Yellowstone Really America’s Best State Park?

If you’re going to spend a few days at just one park, why not choose one that has it all: wildlife, waterfalls, geysers, and great hiking. Unfortunately, many tourists bypass our state parks on their cross-country road trips because they think they’ve already been everywhere. But state parks aren’t like other public lands. They’re underfunded and often underutilized (which means fewer crowds). You can even camp for free in most of them! 

Conclusion

There are a lot of natural wonders in America, but few compare to Yellowstone. If you live close enough, try to get out there at least once or twice a year. Even if you don’t love camping, it’s worth visiting at least once. Experiencing nature and taking in Yellowstone is something everyone should do before they die! Be sure to stay safe on your adventure and have fun!