Here are some fun and interesting facts about Yellowstone National Park that are great for kids:
- First National Park: Yellowstone National Park, established on March 1, 1872, is the first national park in the world!
- Location: The park is mainly in Wyoming, but it also extends into Montana and Idaho.
- Supervolcano: Yellowstone is home to one of the largest active supervolcanoes in the world. The caldera, or large volcanic crater, is 30 miles wide.
- Geysers: Yellowstone has over 500 geysers, which is more than half of the world’s geysers! The most famous one is Old Faithful, which erupts about every 90 minutes.
- Hot Springs: The park is filled with colorful hot springs, like the Grand Prismatic Spring, which is the largest hot spring in the United States and third largest in the world. It’s known for its brilliant rainbow colors.
- Wildlife: Yellowstone is home to a variety of animals including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, bison, elk, and many more. It’s one of the best places in the U.S. to see wildlife.
- Lakes and Waterfalls: Yellowstone Lake is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America, and the park has over 290 waterfalls, with the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River being the most famous and tallest at 308 feet.
- Forests and Mountains: The park contains beautiful forests and is surrounded by mountain ranges, making it a great place for hiking and exploring nature.
- Continental Divide: The Continental Divide, which is a natural boundary line separating the waters that flow into the Pacific Ocean from those that flow into the Atlantic Ocean, runs through Yellowstone.
- Historic Sites: The park has many historic structures and sites, including the Old Faithful Inn, which was built in 1904 and is one of the largest log buildings in the world.
These facts show just how unique and special Yellowstone National Park is, making it a fascinating place for both kids and adults to learn about and visit!