
Get oriented to Yellowstone’s geysers, pick up free maps, and sign kids up for Junior Ranger; convenient restrooms and water before heading to the boardwalks
First-time orientation, bathrooms, and general park information
Film theater (orientation films), free Unigrid maps, Junior Ranger program
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Old Faithful lot is huge but fills early; best chance before 9 am; peak season July/August is busiest
Backcountry permits are not issued here; Grant Village is the closest backcountry office
Flush toilets and water bottle filling station available; cell service unreliable; WiFi not stated
Arrive before 9 am for the best parking chances; mornings are quieter and eruption predictions can be checked at the front desk.
Parking: moderate
Address
View Avenue, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA
Based on 3516 Google reviews
Gaurav
Old Faithful truly lives up to its name as the most predictable geyser in Yellowstone, erupting roughly every 90 minutes. Watching its powerful eruption is a spectacular experience and a highlight of any visit.The Visitor Center nearby is excellent—rangers are very helpful and can guide on eruption timings for Old Faithful and other geysers. Inside, you’ll find a display board showing estimated eruption times for five major geysers: Castle, Daisy, Grand, Riverside, and Great Fountain. If time allows, explore Geyser Hill, a fascinating area with numerous thermal features; plan 1–2 hours to cover it. Grand, Castle, and Daisy geysers are worth visiting (each involves a 0.5–1 mile walk), while Riverside is harder to catch since it erupts only twice a day.Don’t miss the historic Old Faithful Inn—a beautiful lodge offering a unique dining experience. Vegetarian options are available, but dinner requires a reservation. We enjoyed both lunch and dinner here: the Tofu Power Bowl and Tomato Basil Soup for dinner were excellent, and the Chickpea Wrap at lunch was also very good.If you’re collecting National Park passport stamps, make sure to get the special Old Faithful stamp at the Visitor Center—it’s a great keepsake!The visitor center also has a theatre that shows movies (The Bird and the Tree and Experience Yellostone) every 30 minutes.Plan ahead, enjoy the eruptions, boardwalk trails, and savor this iconic Yellowstone wonder!
Steve Farb
Several large free parking lots for viewing Old Faithful Geyser. Several restaurants, upscale hotel. Visitor's Center with films, displays, gift shop. Auto repair facility, medical clinic. Things close in early evening. Geyser always free to see at anytime. Erupts 15 times per day. Upper Geyser Basin paved and wooden footpaths to a number of geysers. The Castle Geyser has the largest cone and is much older and a bigger performer than Old Faithful, but erupts only twice daily. Plan on two or three hours to give the Upper Geyser Basin a walk about and viewing of Old Faithful.
Brian Ingle
My son and I had the most amazing time visiting Yellowstone and being able to see the geyser erupt. They have the time of the eruptions inside this place to let you know when to go out and wait. The guys are erupts plus or minus 10 minutes and hours is plus 10 minutes, was totally worth checking out.
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Backcountry permits are NOT issued here. The closest backcountry office is Grant Village.
Yes. Books and badges are available, and rangers can sign kids up.
WiFi availability is not stated; cell service is generally poor in the park, so expect limited connectivity.
Yes, free Unigrid maps are available at this center.
Summer 8:00 am - 8:00 pm; other periods 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; open daily year-round with seasonal road closures.
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