yell_information@nps.gov - Old Faithful Visitor Center

Entrance to a modern visitor center with glass front and stone base at Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park.

Get oriented to Yellowstone’s geysers and park logistics. Expect long lines and a busy parking lot; use the restrooms and water filling station. This center balances film sessions and exhibits with necessary permits not issued here.

Yellowstone museum with a store where educational exhibits such as volcanic geology are on display.

Quick facts

Daily Hours: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (summer: May 26 - September 2); 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (other periods)
Seasonal Hours: Open daily year-round; seasonal closures in fall and spring for road work
Seasonal Operation: Open daily year-round; fall (mid-Nov to mid-Dec) and spring (mid-Mar to mid-Apr) road closures
Entry Fees: Free

Hours & contact

Daily Hours: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (summer: May 26 - September 2); 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (other periods)
Seasonal Hours: Open daily year-round; seasonal closures in fall and spring for road work
Seasonal Operation: Open daily year-round; fall (mid-Nov to mid-Dec) and spring (mid-Mar to mid-Apr) road closures
Entry Fees: Free
Phone: (307) 344-2751
Phone Available: 0
Email: YELL_Information@nps.gov
Best Contact Method: Front desk at Old Faithful Village Visitor Center

Services

Rangers Available: 1
Ranger Programs: Times vary; summer and winter seasons
Free Park Maps: 1
Trail Maps: 1
Permit Issuance: Backcountry permits issued at Grant Village; other designated backcountry offices
Permit Types: Backcountry permits issued at Grant Village; other designated backcountry offices
Backcountry Permits: 0
First Aid Available: yes

Facilities

Restrooms: Flush toilets (indoor)
Restroom Type: Flush toilets (indoor)
Water Fountain: 1
Gift Shop: yes
Bookstore: 1
Wi-Fi Available: 0
Cell Service: Cell signal is generally poor within Yellowstone; not reliable
Accessibility: ADA compliant ramps and doors
ADA Compliant: 1

Exhibits & nearby

Has Exhibits: 1
Exhibit Topics: Hydrothermal sights (geysers, hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles), life in extreme environments, the Yellowstone volcano, ongoing scientific research
Interpretive Films: Interpretive films available
Junior Ranger: 1
Nearby Campgrounds: Old Faithful Village lodging and dining nearby
Nearby Lodging: Located in Old Faithful village; near Old Faithful Inn

Planning advice

Best For: First-time orientation, bathrooms, and general park information
Highlights: Film theater (orientation films), free Unigrid maps, Junior Ranger program
Why Visit: Get oriented to Yellowstone’s geysers, pick up free maps, and sign kids up for Junior Ranger; convenient restrooms and water before heading to the boardwalks
Parking Reality: The Old Faithful lot is huge but fills early; best chance before 9 am; peak season July/August is busiest
Facility Intel: Flush toilets and water bottle filling station available; cell service unreliable; WiFi not stated
Best Time To Visit: Arrive before 9 am for the best parking chances; mornings are quieter and eruption predictions can be checked at the front desk.
Tips Advice: Arrive before 9 am for parking.
Check eruption predictions at the front desk.
Use the restrooms and water filling station before moving on.

More details

Park Area: Yellowstone National Park – Old Faithful Area
Parking Availability: moderate
Parking Capacity: Massive lot adjacent to the center
Parking Peak Time: Lot often full by 10:30 am; arrive by 8 am for best chance
Parking Notes: RV/trailer parking in designated areas; specifics not listed
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 daily year-round; fall (mid-Nov to mid-Dec) and spring (mid-Mar to mid-Apr) road closures
Accessibility Features: ADA compliant ramps and doors
Exhibits Displays: Exhibits and displays available
Has Bookstore: 1
Bookstore Operator: Yellowstone Forever
Ranger Talks: 1
Ranger Talk Schedule: Times vary; summer and winter seasons
Film Presentations: 1
Film Schedule: Orientation films shown frequently in the theater; titles include Yellowstone of Fire and Water and Yellowstone Today
Park Newspapers: 0
Safety Info Available: 0
Park Maps Available: 1
Permit Protocol: Backcountry permits are not issued here; Grant Village is the closest backcountry office
Climbing Permits: 0
Nearest Trailheads: Trails into the Upper Geyser Basin start from the center
Nearby Dining: In Old Faithful village with dining options
Nearby Facilities: Old Faithful Inn, lodging, dining options
Notable Features: Hydrothermal exhibits, proximity to Upper Geyser Basin trailheads, Junior Ranger program, Passport stamp
Best Visit Time: Mornings before the crowd hits; check eruption predictions at the front desk
Insider Tips: Arrive early for parking.
Check eruption predictions at the front desk.
Use restrooms and water filling station.
Film showings are frequent; plan time accordingly.
Family Friendly Notes: Junior Ranger books/badges available; kid-friendly ranger talks; restrooms and water on site
Current Conditions Info: Check status at the front desk; hours vary by season
Recent Updates: Seasonal fall and spring road closures; 2024 holiday closures: Jan 1, Jan 20, Feb 17, Oct 14, Nov 11, Nov 28, Dec 25
Stop If Skip If: STOP IF: You need an orientation to Yellowstone’s geysers and for bathrooms/maps. SKIP IF: You’re just passing by and not seeking park information
Review Summary: Visitors value the orientation, exhibits, and Junior Ranger option, but long lines and crowded parking are common; prepare for busy mornings and weekends.