Visitor Center

Fort Yellowstone

Visitor CenterOPERATIONAL★ 4.7
Fort Yellowstone Visitor Center at Yellowstone National Park sits among red-roofed clapboard buildings with flags out front.

Orientation hub for Yellowstone history and park info. Backcountry permits are downstairs; ranger talks and films run from here; expect crowds during peak hours.

Fort established in 1891 with 35 remaining structures, now featuring museums & a visitor center.

Quick facts

Daily Hours
8:00 am–6:00 pm (summer); 9:00 am–5:00 pm (rest of year)
Seasonal Hours
Open year-round; hours adjust by season
Seasonal Operation
Open year-round
Phone
(406) 581-7071

Hours & contact

Daily Hours
8:00 am–6:00 pm (summer); 9:00 am–5:00 pm (rest of year)
Seasonal Hours
Open year-round; hours adjust by season
Seasonal Operation
Open year-round
Phone
(406) 581-7071
Phone Available
1
Best Contact Method
In-person at the Albright Visitor Center

Services

Rangers Available
1
Ranger Programs
Ranger programs and tours originate from the center; times vary
Free Park Maps
1
Trail Maps
0
Permit Issuance
  • Backcountry permits issued downstairs at Mammoth Backcountry Office; fishing and boating permits also available here
Permit Types
Backcountry permits issued downstairs at Mammoth Backcountry Office; fishing and boating permits also available here
Backcountry Permits
1

Facilities

Restrooms
Flush toilets (Indoor)
Restroom Type
Flush toilets (Indoor)
Water Fountain
1
Bookstore
1
Wi-Fi Available
1
Cell Service
Spotty overall; Verizon strongest in some areas
Accessibility
Ramps available; generally accessible; some historic district sidewalks may pose hazards
ADA Compliant
0

Exhibits & nearby

Has Exhibits
1
Exhibit Topics
Yellowstone history: Native Americans, mountain men, early exploration, Army era, early National Park Service; wildlife and predator-prey relationships
Interpretive Films
The Challenge of Yellowstone (25 min) and Yellowstone Moran (12 min); shown every 30 mins in summer; on request in winter
Junior Ranger
1
Nearby Campgrounds
Camping options exist within Yellowstone; Mammoth area offers lodging and dining, camping details not listed here
Nearby Lodging
Lodging options in the Mammoth Hot Springs area

Planning advice

Best For
Permits, orientation, and first-time visitors
Highlights
Flush restrooms, backcountry permits downstairs, films on Yellowstone history
Why Visit
Your first stop for park history and planning; backcountry permits are downstairs in the Mammoth Backcountry Office
Parking Reality
Main lot near the center; no capacity data; peak times can fill; consider arriving before midday
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
Tips Advice
  • 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.

More details

Park Area
Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park
Parking Availability
Parking near the visitor center; exact capacity not provided
Parking Capacity
Parking near the visitor center; exact capacity not provided
Parking Notes
RV/trailer parking not specified
Operating Hours
8:00 am–6:00 pm (summer); 9:00 am–5:00 pm (rest of year)
Seasonal Variations
Open year-round
Accessibility Features
Ramps available; generally accessible; some historic district sidewalks may pose hazards
Exhibits Displays
Yellowstone history: Native Americans, mountain men, early exploration, Army era, early National Park Service; wildlife and predator-prey relationships
Has Bookstore
1
Bookstore Operator
Yellowstone Forever
Ranger Talks
1
Ranger Talk Schedule
Ranger programs and tours originate from the center; times vary
Film Presentations
1
Film Schedule
The Challenge of Yellowstone (25 min) and Yellowstone Moran (12 min); shown every 30 mins in summer; on request in winter
Park Newspapers
0
Safety Info Available
1
Park Maps Available
1
Permit Protocol
Backcountry permits issued at the Mammoth Backcountry Office downstairs; line can be long during busy periods
Climbing Permits
0
Nearest Trailheads
Self-guided Fort Yellowstone Historic District tour begins in front of the Albright Visitor Center
Nearby Dining
Dining options in the Mammoth Hot Springs area
Nearby Facilities
Lodging and dining in Mammoth; backcountry office downstairs
Notable Features
Albright Visitor Center; Mammoth Backcountry Office downstairs; films and ranger-led programs
Best Visit Time
Mornings or late afternoons to avoid lunch crowds
Insider Tips
  • The backcountry office is downstairs—line up early.
  • Grab a free Unigrid map at the desk.
  • Summer film showings run every 30 minutes; winter times vary.
Family Friendly Notes
Junior Ranger booklets and badges available; kid-friendly ranger talks and activities
Current Conditions Info
Check the official NPS status pages for Albright Center conditions and closures
Recent Updates
Open year-round; hours shift with season; Thanksgiving Day closures noted
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
Review Summary
Visitors praise the rangers, the historical context, and clean facilities; crowds are common during peak hours

Location

Fort Yellowstone Visitor Center in Yellowstone National Park, housed in a stone building with a red tile roof and shaded by trees.Fort Yellowstone Visitor Center at Yellowstone National Park greets visitors with arched stone entries and a white facade under a blue sky.Elk graze on the Fort Yellowstone Visitor Center lawn in Yellowstone National Park.Elk herd lounging on the grassy yard in front of Fort Yellowstone Visitor Center, Yellowstone National Park.

Frequently asked questions

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?

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

Is there WiFi at the center?

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

Is the center accessible for wheelchairs?

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

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

Cody Firearms Museum

Cody Firearms Museum – firearms history in Cody; not a Yellowstone permit center.

Fairy Falls

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

Old Trail Town

Desk and maps only—quick bathroom break and map check.

Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.