
A 52-foot-tall basalt arch spans the Gardiner road, its rough-hewn blocks forming a stout gateway. The main opening measures 30 by 25 feet with 12-foot-wide flanking towers, all built in a rustic aesthetic from locally quarried stone. This is a man-made monument, dedicated in 1903 and tied to Theodore Roosevelt’s entrance-era vision for Yellowstone, inscribed with the park’s foundational phrase. The rock’s volcanic origin ties the arch to Yellowstone’s deep-time volcanic history even ...
Open year-round to vehicles; sunrise light hits the arch, and the golden hour provides strong photography opportunities.
Gardiner, MT; North Entrance Road Historic District; Yellowstone River
Generally accessible for driving and walking; Arch Park provides open space
Open area; keep children close to road edges; watch for traffic and nesting swallows
Arch Park; Gardiner amenities; north entrance gate facilities
Based on 2109 Google reviews
Debashri Manna
A place of strength and beauty! Roosevelt Arch, a rustic-style monument is the formal North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park at Gardiner, Montana, has a rich history. We drove from Mammoth Hot Springs to see this monument; it's a scenic but challenging drive with steep grades and sharp turns. We walked inside on either side of the wood covered doorways and paused to read the inscription, "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People," feeling gratitude for the foresight to protect this land for everyone.
vasista k.j
A Historic and Iconic EntranceThe Roosevelt Arch is a beautiful and iconic monument that serves as a historic entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Inscribed with the powerful message "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People," the stone structure is a perfect photo spot to begin your park adventure.The arch itself is a historic gem, with its grand stone blocks and classic design. The sentry entrances are a feature that adds to its historic charm, making it a fun discovery for visitors of all ages. Be sure to keep an eye out for nearby wildlife as you approach the arch. It’s not just an entry point, but a symbol of the national park system and a must-see for its historic and photogenic qualities.
Corey Twardoski
If you drive/walk through the Roosevelt Arch and you don't feel inspired, you're probably in the wrong place. I'm from St. Louis, so obviously I'm an Arch expert... And I can honestly say the Roosevelt Arch is probably my favorite man made arch. It's not the coolest or the most fascinating or even the most impressive, but the immensely powerful message this archway makes is everything. Yellowstone will remain one of the most influential natural wonders of the world, and the Roosevelt Arch reminds us that some of the most beautiful and unique places on earth belong to EVERYONE. The gateway is open, come on through!
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Yes—parking can be tight during peak season; arrive early or use nearby Gardiner options and plan a short walk if needed.
Yes; it’s a historic marker built from local basalt, dedicated by Roosevelt, and it anchors Yellowstone’s northern entrance in the park’s conservation-era narrative.
Yes; it’s a drive-up feature with pedestrian access around Arch Park. Keep children close and leashed pets, and obey park traffic rules.
There are no historical plaques detailing the arch on-site; study the arch’s significance beforehand to understand Roosevelt’s dedication and the 1872 act inscribed into Yellowstone’s history.
Parking near the arch can be crowded in peak season; consider arriving early and using pullouts when the lots fill.
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