Roosevelt Arch
Wooden sign reads Leaving Yellowstone National Park with National Park Service emblem, near a stone arch and distant mountains.
Stone Roosevelt Arch stands over a paved road under a starry night sky in Yellowstone National Park, with dry grassy hills in the background.
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Roosevelt Arch

Natural Attr★★★★☆
Last Updated: January 2026

Overview

About This Attraction

A 50-foot-tall arch of columnar basalt frames the North Entrance at Gardiner, with a 30-by-25-foot opening. The inscription 'For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People' is carved on the stone, tying the entry to park legislation. Built in 1903 under Theodore Roosevelt's initiative, this is a man-made gateway rather than a natural feature, yet its basalt echoes Yellowstone's volcanic roots.

Best Time to Visit

Open year-round. For the best light, aim for early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower and the area is less crowded.

Visitor Tips

  • Parking near the arch can fill up in peak season.
  • Walk around the arch to frame photos with the inscription.
  • The North Entrance stays open year-round; plan for wildlife activity in the meadows.
  • Drive past slowly to absorb the history; beware of traffic.
ℹ️ Data Sources

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