Visitor Center

Norris Geyser Basin Museum

Visitor CenterOPERATIONAL★ 4.8
Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park features steaming mineral pools and pale terraces.

Orientation hub for Yellowstone's geothermal geology, parking, and Junior Ranger program; pick up maps and get the lay of Norris Geyser Basin.

Stone & log building houses exhibits on geothermal geology plus a bookstore & information desk.

Quick facts

Daily Hours
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Seasonal Hours
Late May through late September; generally April–October
Seasonal Operation
May 15 – Sept 30
Phone
(307) 344-2812

Hours & contact

Daily Hours
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Seasonal Hours
Late May through late September; generally April–October
Seasonal Operation
May 15 – Sept 30
Phone
(307) 344-2812
Phone Available
0
Best Contact Method
Visit the information desk at Norris Geyser Basin or check NPS.gov for current details.

Services

Rangers Available
1
Ranger Programs
Check desk or NPS.gov for current schedule.
Free Park Maps
1
Trail Maps
0
Permit Issuance
  • Film
  • Photography
  • Sound Recording
  • First Amendment
  • Scattering of Ashes
  • Wedding & Ceremony
Permit Types
Film, Photography, Sound Recording, First Amendment, Scattering of Ashes, Wedding & Ceremony
Backcountry Permits
0

Facilities

Restrooms
Flush toilets in the parking lot near the museum
Restroom Type
Flush toilets in the parking lot near the museum
Water Fountain
0
Bookstore
1
Cell Service
Cell service is limited around Norris Geyser Basin; expect intermittent coverage. WiFi is available at some Yellowstone visitor centers and lodges, but speeds are slow and best used for basic email or messaging.
Accessibility
ADA accessible; portions of the boardwalks accessible with assistance
ADA Compliant
1

Exhibits & nearby

Has Exhibits
1
Exhibit Topics
Geothermal geology; Norris Geyser Basin; thermal flora and fauna.
Interpretive Films
Summer season; shown at regular intervals near the nearby Museum of the National Park Ranger.
Junior Ranger
1
Nearby Campgrounds
Norris Campground nearby

Planning advice

Best For
First-time visitors; those seeking geothermal geology context and park orientation; Junior Ranger.
Highlights
Flush toilets in the parking lot; free Unigrid maps; Junior Ranger information.
Why Visit
Get oriented to Yellowstone's geothermal geology and pick up maps while you're here.
Parking Reality
The main lot has 143 spaces; fills quickly; arrive before 8 AM or use overflow lot; oversized spaces available
Facility Intel
Flush toilets in the parking lot; potable water status unknown; cell service unknown; WiFi status unknown
Best Time To Visit
Arrive before 8 AM to beat crowds and secure parking; late afternoon is quieter.
Tips Advice
  • Arrive before 8 AM to beat crowds and grab a parking spot.
  • Use the parking lot restrooms before heading to the boardwalks.
  • Check the desk for Junior Ranger information and badge activities.

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park – Norris Geyser Basin Area
Parking Availability
moderate
Parking Capacity
Main parking lot: 143 spaces, 17 oversized vehicle spaces
Parking Peak Time
Lot fills by 8 AM; peak times can be busy
Parking Notes
Oversized vehicle spaces available; overflow lot further away
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
May 15 – Sept 30
Accessibility Features
ADA accessible; portions of the boardwalks accessible with assistance
Exhibits Displays
Geothermal geology; Norris Geyser Basin; thermal flora and fauna.
Has Bookstore
1
Bookstore Operator
Yellowstone Association
Ranger Talks
1
Ranger Talk Schedule
Check desk or NPS.gov for current schedule.
Film Presentations
1
Film Schedule
Summer season; shown at regular intervals near the nearby Museum of the National Park Ranger.
Park Newspapers
0
Safety Info Available
0
Park Maps Available
1
Permit Protocol
Permits information not clearly issued at Norris; refer to NPS.gov for backcountry and other permits
Climbing Permits
0
Nearest Trailheads
Norris Geyser Basin boardwalks: Porcelain Basin and Back Basin (start from the museum area)
Nearby Dining
No restaurants directly near Norris Geyser Basin; Canyon Village is 12 miles east, Mammoth Hot Springs 21 miles north, West Yellowstone 28 miles west
Nearby Facilities
Norris Campground nearby; parking lot restrooms
Notable Features
Stone-and-log building; proximity to the Norris Geyser Basin boardwalks; Yellowstone Association bookstore nearby
Best Visit Time
Early morning before 8 AM or late afternoon for quieter experience
Insider Tips
  • Arrive before 8 AM to beat crowds
  • Use the parking lot restrooms before exploring
  • Check at the desk for Junior Ranger information
Family Friendly Notes
Junior Ranger information; kid-friendly exhibits; restrooms in the parking lot
Current Conditions Info
Check NPS.gov for current hours and accessibility; seasons may shift
Stop If Skip If
✅ STOP IF: You need bear spray, a Junior Ranger badge, or a shuttle. ❌ SKIP IF: You just want to drive Norris Geyser Basin—you don't need to stop here to enter.
Review Summary
Visitors value the geothermal context and maps; mornings are busy; plan ahead for parking and hours.

Location

Norris Geyser Basin steam vent at Yellowstone National Park releases steam over a barren, rocky area with dead trees.Norris Geyser Basin Museum sign at Yellowstone National Park, showing a map and geyser information.Trail through evergreen pines toward Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park, with distant geothermal features visible.Map and information panels at a geyser basin display inside Yellowstone National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the restrooms?

Flush toilets are in the parking lot near the museum.

Are maps available for free?

Free Unigrid maps are available at many Yellowstone visitor centers.

Is the Norris Geyser Basin Museum a good starting point for a boardwalk hike?

Yes, the Norris Geyser Basin area starts nearby, with Porcelain Basin and Back Basin boardwalks accessible from the museum area.

Can I get backcountry permits at Norris?

Backcountry permits are not clearly issued at Norris; check NPS.gov for backcountry and other permit information.

Is there a book store on site?

There is a Yellowstone Association bookstore located nearby, outside the museum itself.

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.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.