Fort Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs
The red-roofed, multi-chimneyed buildings found in Mammoth Hot Springs once housed the U.S. Calvary. Why did Yellowstone need an army post? The park's small staff was no match for the poachers, souvenirs hunters and developers that sought to exploit America's first national park in its early years. To protect Yellowstone, the Secretary of the Interior turned to the Secretary of War. Fort Yellowstone was established in 1886 and Yellowstone National Park was protected by the Calvary for the next 30 years to 1916. And while the buildings erected by the Calvary no longer house officers and enliste... Read Mored men they serve as park headquarters, visitor center and museum.
Fort Yellowstone
Jim Peaco, courtesy of National Park Service
Fort Yellowstone
J. Schmidt, courtesy of National Park Service
Elk Calf, Mammoth Hot Springs
Jim Peaco, courtesy of National Park Service
Fort Yellowstone
J. Schmidt, courtesy of National Park Service
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Getting There
Fort Yellowstone and Albright Visitor Center are located in Mammoth Hot Springs. Mammoth Hot Springs is 5 miles (8 km) south of Gardner, MT, 49 miles (79 km) northeast of the West Yellowstone, MT and 47 miles (76 km) west of Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance.
Hours & Times
Albright Visitor Center is open daily year around. The visitor center is open 9:00 - 18:00 mid-April through mid-May, 8:00 - 19:00 mid-May through end October, and 9:00 - 17:00 November through mid-April. The center is closed on Veterans Day and Thanksgiving (both in November). Ranger-led tours of Fort Yellowstone are offered in summer, winter and fall.
Things to Keep in Mind
Junior ranger booklets are available at the visitor center. Tickets for Ranger Adventure Hikes can be booked at Albright Visitor Center.
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