Grant Visitor Center | Yellowstone Visitor Info

Grant Visitor Center at Yellowstone National Park with a wooden entrance and surrounding pines.

Get oriented, pick up backcountry permits, and refuel planning with lakefront views. This center houses the Grant Village Backcountry Office, free Unigrid maps, and a Yellowstone Association bookstore.

Park information & permits, plus an exhibit center, souvenir shop & sweeping lake views.

Quick facts

Daily Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Seasonal Hours: Typically open late May to late September or early October, weather permitting
Seasonal Operation: Open May to Sep/Oct depending on weather
Phone: (307) 242-2650

Hours & contact

Daily Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Seasonal Hours: Typically open late May to late September or early October, weather permitting
Seasonal Operation: Open May to Sep/Oct depending on weather
Phone: (307) 242-2650
Phone Available: 1
Email: YELL_Information@nps.gov
Best Contact Method: Central Backcountry Office: 307-344-2160 for backcountry permits outside the Grant Village Backcountry Office season

Services

Rangers Available: 1
Ranger Programs: Ranger-led programs are offered, often meeting at the amphitheater or on the back porch
Free Park Maps: 1
Trail Maps: 0
Permit Issuance: fishing
boating
backcountry camping permits
Permit Types: fishing, boating, backcountry camping permits
Backcountry Permits: 1

Facilities

Restrooms: yes
Restroom Type: Flush toilets (Indoor)
Water Fountain: 0
Gift Shop: yes
Bookstore: 1
Wi-Fi Available: 0
Cell Service: Limited cellular service
Accessibility: ADA compliant with ramps and accessible restrooms
ADA Compliant: 1

Exhibits & nearby

Has Exhibits: 1
Exhibit Topics: Fire ecology, the 1988 fires, and the park's natural and cultural history
Interpretive Films: Approximately every 30 minutes during summer; film duration about 22–25 minutes
Junior Ranger: 1
Nearby Campgrounds: Grant Village Campground nearby
Nearby Lodging: Grant Village Lodge nearby

Planning advice

Best For: Permits and last-minute maps
Highlights: Grant Village Backcountry Office inside the complex, free Unigrid maps, lakefront location with exhibits and film theater
Why Visit: Get backcountry permits, see fire-ecology exhibits, and enjoy sweeping Yellowstone Lake views
Parking Reality: The main lot fills by 9:30 AM. RVs have dedicated spots but vanish first. If full, park at the Transit Center and walk about 10 minutes
Facility Intel: Flush toilets are available. While potable water filling stations aren’t explicitly documented, restroom facilities imply water access. Public WiFi is unavailable; cell service is limited
Best Time To Visit: Arrive early to avoid crowds; mornings are quieter and parking is easier.
Tips Advice: Film runs every ~30 minutes in summer
Parking fills by 9:30 AM; if full, park at the Transit Center andwalk 10 minutes
Backcountry permits issued inside the Grant Village Backcountry Office during season

More details

Park Area: Yellowstone National Park
Parking Availability: Ample parking; can fill during peak times
Parking Capacity: Ample parking; can fill during peak times
Parking Peak Time: Main lot fills by 9:30 AM
Parking Notes: RV parking available; RV spots vanish first; overflow parking not explicitly mentioned
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 May to Sep/Oct depending on weather
Accessibility Features: ADA compliant with ramps and accessible restrooms
Exhibits Displays: Exhibits and displays available
Has Bookstore: 1
Bookstore Operator: Yellowstone Association
Ranger Talks: 1
Ranger Talk Schedule: Ranger-led programs are offered, often meeting at the amphitheater or on the back porch
Film Presentations: 1
Film Schedule: Approximately every 30 minutes during summer; film duration about 22–25 minutes
Park Newspapers: 0
Safety Info Available: 0
Park Maps Available: 1
Permit Protocol: Backcountry permits are issued at the Grant Village Backcountry Office within the visitor center complex during its operating season. For current needs outside that window, contact the Central Backcountry Office at 307-344-2160
Climbing Permits: 0
Nearest Trailheads: Trails around the visitor center and West Thumb Geyser Basin nearby
Nearby Dining: General store nearby
Nearby Facilities: Grant Village Lodge, Campground, general store
Notable Features: Lakefront Grant Village area, on-site backcountry office, film theater, and free Unigrid maps
Best Visit Time: Arrive early to avoid crowds; mornings are quieter
Insider Tips: Arrive early to secure parking
Use the backcountry office inside the complex for permits
The film is worth the time; plan around showtimes
Family Friendly Notes: Junior Ranger information available; family-friendly exhibits and planning space
Current Conditions Info: Check official Yellowstone alerts for current conditions; status can vary with weather
Recent Updates: Seasonal operation from late May to late September or early October; lakefront location with panoramic views
Stop If Skip If: ✅ STOP IF: You need backcountry permits or orientation. ❌ SKIP IF: You’re just passing by for a quick photo—this stop helps with planning
Review Summary: Visitors praise the lake views, informative displays, and the helpful staff; expect crowds later in the day and limited cell service

Location

Photos

Grant Visitor Center overlook at Yellowstone National Park, with pine trees and Yellowstone Lake in view.

Grant Visitor Center area at Yellowstone National Park offers a lakeside view of Yellowstone Lake with snow-capped ranges.

Pebble beach along Yellowstone Lake with pine trees and calm blue water near the Grant area.

Yellowstone National Park geothermal pool in the Grant Visitor Center area with a vivid blue center and mineral terraces under a clear sky.

Frequently asked questions

Is there Wi-Fi at Grant Visitor Center?

Public Wi‑Fi is not available.

Where can I get backcountry permits?

Backcountry permits are issued at the Grant Village Backcountry Office within the visitor center complex during its season. For off-season needs, contact the Central Backcountry Office at 307-344-2160.

Are restrooms available here?

Yes. Flush toilets are located inside the visitor center.

What maps are available here?

Free Unigrid maps are available at the center.

What nearby services are there?

Nearby Grant Village Lodge, campground, and a general store provide lodging, camping, and supplies.