Visiting The Grant And Canyon Visitor Centers In Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park has ten visitor centers and information stations and we hit a lot of them during our visit.  You can read about the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center here and the Museum of the National Park Ranger here.

This post will focus on the Grant And Canyon visitor centers.

The Canyon Visitor Education Center (44.7347, -110.49184) is located north of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River in the Canyon Village complex.

Grant Visitor Center (44.3936, -110.55636) is located on the western shore of Yellowstone Lake, a short distance south of the West Thumb Geyser Basin.

The Grant Visitor Center was named for President Ulysses S. Grant who signed the bill creating Yellowstone National Park in 1872. The facility was constructed during the 1970s.

The exhibits here focus on fire ecology and the 1988 fire.

The Canyon Visitor Education Center is much larger and has some great displays.

Featured exhibits here discuss the Yellowstone volcano, its geysers and hot springs, and the geologic history that shapes the park.

The room-size relief map of Yellowstone and the 9,000-pound, rotating globe that illustrates volcanic hotspots found around the world is impressive.

The visitor centers have park staff and rangers who can provide information about the park’s attractions, wildlife, hiking trails, road conditions, and more. They can help you plan your visit and answer any questions you may have.

Rangers can also stamp your passport and sign the little ones up for the Junior Ranger program.

Like many facilities within Yellowstone National Park, these visitor centers operate seasonally.

Opening and closing dates can vary from year to year, so it’s a good idea to check with the park service for current operating hours when planning your visit.

When they are open hours are 8 am-6 pm.

A small theater is located in each visitor center.

In the Grant Visitor Center, they show screenings of Experience Yellowstone and Ten Years After the Fire.

In the Canyon Visitor Education Center, they show screenings of Yellowstone: Land to Life.

In the small gift shops, you can find books, maps, souvenirs, and other items related to Yellowstone National Park.

Restrooms, trashcans, and a water bottle filling station are all available here too.

Stopping at any visitor center in Yellowstone National Park is an excellent way to start your exploration of this massive natural wonder. They provide valuable information and resources that can enhance your park experience and help you make the most of your visit.