Photo of a hot spring. Text reads: 5 Big Questions About Yellowstone

The park’s largest hot spring, Grand Prismatic Spring, is bigger than a football field.

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5 Big Questions About Yellowstone

Yellowstone is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Here’s what you need to know about America’s first national park. 

February 28, 2022
By Lisa M. Herrington

1. How did Yellowstone become a national park?

The Yellowstone area has been home to Native people for thousands of years. When the first White explorers arrived in what is now northwestern Wyoming in the 1800s, they were in awe of its unusual hydrothermal features and variety of wildlife. 

In 1871, explorers teamed up with a photographer and artists to capture images of Yellowstone’s extraordinary natural wonders, including its very own Grand Canyon. Their efforts persuaded the U.S. government to protect the area. On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill establishing Yellowstone as America’s first national park.

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Yellowstone is bigger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined! 

2. What exactly is a national park? 

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A national park is an area where the land, waterways, and wildlife are officially protected by the government. The parks are open for the public to visit and explore. In the years after Yellowstone became the first national park, places such as the Grand Canyon in Arizona and the Everglades in Florida gained protection as national parks too. Yellowstone also became a model for preserving areas around the world.

“Today, we have 63 national parks in America, and most other countries have them as well,” explains Alicia Murphy, a park historian at Yellowstone. 

3. What makes Yellowstone such a special place? 

It may be hard to believe, but Yellowstone sits atop an active volcano. Much of the park is in a caldera. Molten rock, called magma, boils beneath the park’s surface. All that underground heat fuels the hydrothermal features that make Yellowstone famous.

The park’s countless hot springs are pools of boiling water. Some are filled with microscopic organisms that turn the water bright colors. Yellowstone is also home to more than 500 geysers (GYE-zuhrz), which are like natural tea kettles. Magma heats up water underground until it bubbles to the surface and blasts into the air.

As for the volcano, visitors don’t have to worry. The last major eruption took place more than 630,000 years ago.

“Scientists monitor Yellowstone carefully and don’t see any signs it will erupt anytime soon,” says Murphy.

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The Old Faithful geyser got its name because it’s very dependable. It erupts about every 90 minutes.

4. What kinds of wildlife are found in Yellowstone?

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For many visitors, the animals are the park’s main attraction. Herds of bison and elk are easiest to spot. But lucky visitors may also get a glimpse of the grizzly bears, black bears, gray wolves, and moose that roam throughout the park. 

Over the years, park officials have helped several endangered species make a comeback. One of them is the largest land animal in North America, the bison. By the late 1890s, these shaggy animals had been hunted to near extinction. The park bought bison from area ranchers to help rebuild the population. Today, more than 5,000 bison roam around Yellowstone. 

5. How popular is Yellowstone?

Last year, nearly 5 million visitors flocked to Yellowstone—the most ever. But big crowds can lead to traffic jams and more visitors wanting to take wildlife selfies. This can stress out the animals, putting them and people in danger. 

Park officials say it’s important for visitors to balance their enjoyment with respect for Yellowstone to protect it for future generations.

“It is critical that people follow the park rules,” Murphy says. “Do not litter, do not get close to animals, and be careful.”

1. What are two types of hydrothermal features found in Yellowstone?

2. How can big crowds affect Yellowstone’s wildlife?

3. How does the article’s question-and-answer format help readers?

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