Fort Yellowstone

Q: Where can I get backcountry permits?

Backcountry permits are issued downstairs at the Mammoth Backcountry Office in the Albright Visitor Center

Q: Is there WiFi at the center?

Public WiFi is available for purchase at the Mammoth Dining Lounge adjacent to the visitor center

Q: Is the center accessible for wheelchairs?

The center has accessible ramps and is generally accessible; some sidewalks in the historic district may pose hazards

Q: What films are shown here?

Films include The Challenge of Yellowstone (25 min) and Yellowstone Moran (12 min); shown every 30 mins in summer and on request in winter

+2 more

Hours

8:00 am–6:00 pm (summer); 9:00 am–5:00 pm (rest of year)

Phone

(406) 581-7071

Highlights

Flush restrooms, backcountry permits downstairs, films on Yellowstone history

WiFi

Overview

Stop If / Skip If

✅ STOP IF: You need backcountry permits, Junior Ranger badge, or a ranger talk. ❌ SKIP IF: You just want a drive-through stop and no planning help

Why Visit

Your first stop for park history and planning; backcountry permits are downstairs in the Mammoth Backcountry Office

Highlights

Best For

Permits, orientation, and first-time visitors

Highlights

Flush restrooms, backcountry permits downstairs, films on Yellowstone history

Hours

8:00 am–6:00 pm (summer); 9:00 am–5:00 pm (rest of year)

Parking Reality

Main lot near the center; no capacity data; peak times can fill; consider arriving before midday

Permit Protocol

Backcountry permits issued at the Mammoth Backcountry Office downstairs; line can be long during busy periods

Facility Intel

Flush toilets, potable water; WiFi available for purchase at the Mammoth Dining Lounge; cell service is spotty; Verizon tends to have the strongest signal

Best Time to Visit

Mornings before lunch rush or late afternoon when crowds thin

Seasonal Variations

Open year-round

Tips

Backcountry permits downstairs in Mammoth Backcountry Office.
Free Unigrid maps at the desk.
Films: 25-min The Challenge of Yellowstone and 12-min Yellowstone Moran; summer showings every 30 mins; winter on request.

Contact

Phone

(406) 581-7071

Details

Amenities

Restrooms: Flush toilets (Indoor)
Bookstore
WiFi Available
Park Maps Available

Services & Programs

Exhibits & Displays: Yellowstone history: Native Americans, mountain men, early exploration, Army era, early National Park Service; wildlife and predator-prey relationships
Ranger Programs: Ranger programs and tours originate from the center; times vary
Interpretive Films
Permits: Backcountry permits issued downstairs at Mammoth Backcountry Office; fishing and boating permits also available here

Accessibility

Ramps available; generally accessible; some historic district sidewalks may pose hazards

Getting There

Parking: Parking near the visitor center; exact capacity not provided

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.7 /5

Based on 391 Google reviews

Based on 391 guest reviews

" Visitors praise the rangers, the historical context, and clean facilities; crowds are common during peak hours"

Reviews from Google

Nice visitor center. They are starting to restore some of the buildings that are there. Nice place to get out and stretch. Some of the buildings are really cool and have been well maintained.

We were here in mid March. The road is open year round to Cook City. Visitor center and gift shop only open in Monmouth, Kinda quiet, not many people. Winter time is a nice time to go, very quiet some trails closed, they are open to snowshoeing. We would definitely come back at this time again.

Fort Yellowstone is largely forgotten but the buildings are in great shape and have been converted to use by the National Park service. Not much to see, but as you walk around the town of Mammoth, be sure to recognize that you are walking through an old fort area! The National Park visitor center is located in one of the old fort buildings.

Showing 3 of 391 reviews

FAQs

Are topographic maps available at this center?

Topographic maps are not listed as available here; free Unigrid maps are provided at the desk

Where can I get backcountry permits?

Is there WiFi at the center?

Is the center accessible for wheelchairs?

What films are shown here?

📖 yellowstonenationalpark.com 📖 yellowstone.co 📖 wanderlog.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 yellowstoneexplored.com 📖 yellowstonetrips.com 📖 shakaguide.com 📖 yellowstone.org 📖 outdoor-society.com 📖 livelarq.com 📖 yellowstonepark.com 📖 yellowstonenationalparklodges.com 📖 bestofyellowstone.com 📖 yellowstonevacations.com 📖 planetware.com 📖 reddit.com ⭐ Google Reviews 🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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