Old Faithful Visitor and Education Center

Bathrooms, free Unigrid maps, and Junior Ranger badges—start here.

Insider tip

Arrive early for parking.

Insider tip

Check eruption predictions at the front desk.

When to come

Arrive before 9 am for the best parking chances; mornings are quieter and eruption predictions can be checked at the front desk.

Visitor Center

Visitor CenterOPERATIONAL★ 4.7

Get oriented to Yellowstone’s geysers and park logistics. Expect long lines and a busy parking lot; use the restrooms and water filling station. This center balances film sessions and exhibits with necessary permits not issued here.

Yellowstone museum with a store where educational exhibits such as volcanic geology are on display.

Quick facts

Daily Hours
8:00 am - 8:00 pm (summer: May 26 - September 2); 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (other periods)
Seasonal Hours
Open daily year-round; seasonal closures in fall and spring for road work
Seasonal Operation
Open daily year-round; fall (mid-Nov to mid-Dec) and spring (mid-Mar to mid-Apr) road closures
Entry Fees
Free

Hours & contact

Daily Hours
8:00 am - 8:00 pm (summer: May 26 - September 2); 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (other periods)
Seasonal Hours
Open daily year-round; seasonal closures in fall and spring for road work
Seasonal Operation
Open daily year-round; fall (mid-Nov to mid-Dec) and spring (mid-Mar to mid-Apr) road closures
Entry Fees
Free
Phone
(307) 344-2751
Phone Available
No
Email
YELL_Information@nps.gov
Best Contact Method
Front desk at Old Faithful Village Visitor Center

Services

Rangers Available
Yes
Ranger Programs
Times vary; summer and winter seasons
Free Park Maps
Yes
Trail Maps
Yes
Permit Issuance
  • Backcountry permits issued at Grant Village; other designated backcountry offices
Permit Types
Backcountry permits issued at Grant Village; other designated backcountry offices
Backcountry Permits
No
First Aid Available
yes

Facilities

Restrooms
Flush toilets (indoor)
Restroom Type
Flush toilets (indoor)
Water Fountain
Yes
Gift Shop
yes
Bookstore
Yes
Wi-Fi Available
No
Cell Service
Cell signal is generally poor within Yellowstone; not reliable
Accessibility
ADA compliant ramps and doors
ADA Compliant
Yes

Exhibits & nearby

Has Exhibits
Yes
Exhibit Topics
Hydrothermal sights (geysers, hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles), life in extreme environments, the Yellowstone volcano, ongoing scientific research
Interpretive Films
Interpretive films available
Junior Ranger
Yes
Nearby Campgrounds
Old Faithful Village lodging and dining nearby
Nearby Lodging
Located in Old Faithful village; near Old Faithful Inn

Planning advice

Best For
First-time orientation, bathrooms, and general park information
Highlights
Film theater (orientation films), free Unigrid maps, Junior Ranger program
Why Visit
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
Parking Reality
The Old Faithful lot is huge but fills early; best chance before 9 am; peak season July/August is busiest
Facility Intel
Flush toilets and water bottle filling station available; cell service unreliable; WiFi not stated
Best Time To Visit
Arrive before 9 am for the best parking chances; mornings are quieter and eruption predictions can be checked at the front desk.
Tips Advice
  • Arrive before 9 am for parking.
  • Check eruption predictions at the front desk.
  • Use the restrooms and water filling station before moving on.

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park – Old Faithful Area
Parking Availability
moderate
Parking Capacity
Massive lot adjacent to the center
Parking Peak Time
Lot often full by 10:30 am; arrive by 8 am for best chance
Parking Notes
RV/trailer parking in designated areas; specifics not listed
Operating Hours
  • 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
Seasonal Variations
Open daily year-round; fall (mid-Nov to mid-Dec) and spring (mid-Mar to mid-Apr) road closures
Accessibility Features
ADA compliant ramps and doors
Exhibits Displays
Exhibits and displays available
Has Bookstore
Yes
Bookstore Operator
Yellowstone Forever
Ranger Talks
Yes
Ranger Talk Schedule
Times vary; summer and winter seasons
Film Presentations
Yes
Film Schedule
Orientation films shown frequently in the theater; titles include Yellowstone of Fire and Water and Yellowstone Today
Park Newspapers
No
Safety Info Available
No
Park Maps Available
1
Permit Protocol
Backcountry permits are not issued here; Grant Village is the closest backcountry office
Climbing Permits
No
Nearest Trailheads
Trails into the Upper Geyser Basin start from the center
Nearby Dining
In Old Faithful village with dining options
Nearby Facilities
Old Faithful Inn, lodging, dining options
Notable Features
Hydrothermal exhibits, proximity to Upper Geyser Basin trailheads, Junior Ranger program, Passport stamp
Best Visit Time
Mornings before the crowd hits; check eruption predictions at the front desk
Insider Tips
  • Arrive early for parking.
  • Check eruption predictions at the front desk.
  • Use restrooms and water filling station.
  • Film showings are frequent; plan time accordingly.
Family Friendly Notes
Junior Ranger books/badges available; kid-friendly ranger talks; restrooms and water on site
Current Conditions Info
Check status at the front desk; hours vary by season
Recent Updates
Seasonal fall and spring road closures; 2024 holiday closures: Jan 1, Jan 20, Feb 17, Oct 14, Nov 11, Nov 28, Dec 25
Stop If Skip If
STOP IF: You need an orientation to Yellowstone’s geysers and for bathrooms/maps. SKIP IF: You’re just passing by and not seeking park information
Review Summary
Visitors value the orientation, exhibits, and Junior Ranger option, but long lines and crowded parking are common; prepare for busy mornings and weekends.

Location

Wolf exhibit inside a Yellowstone National Park visitor center with display panels and visitors nearby.Old Faithful geyser eruption near the Old Faithful area in Yellowstone National Park rises high with steam against a blue sky.Old Faithful geyser venting steam near the Old Faithful area, Yellowstone National Park.Upper Geyser Basin map board at a Yellowstone visitor center showing trails and features around Old Faithful area.

Frequently asked questions

Is backcountry permit available at this center?

Backcountry permits are NOT issued here. The closest backcountry office is Grant Village.

Are Junior Ranger books available?

Yes. Books and badges are available, and rangers can sign kids up.

Is there free WiFi here?

WiFi availability is not stated; cell service is generally poor in the park, so expect limited connectivity.

Are free park maps available?

Yes, free Unigrid maps are available at this center.

What are the hours?

Summer 8:00 am - 8:00 pm; other periods 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; open daily year-round with seasonal road closures.

Fairy Falls

Trailhead to Fairy Falls/Grand Prismatic Overlook; no restrooms, water, or on-site maps.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.