West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center & Chamber of Commerce

Bathrooms, maps, backcountry permits—start here.

Insider tip

Stop here first to buy or pick up your park pass

Insider tip

Ask about the backcountry desk and line procedures

When to come

Mornings can be busy; arrive early for quicker service.

Visitor Center

Visitor CenterOPERATIONAL★ 4.7

This major hub is the first stop for first-time visitors needing orientation, backcountry permits, and restroom breaks before entering Yellowstone.

Ranger hut with brochures, souvenirs & films detailing the park & its best-known features.

Quick facts

Daily Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Seasonal Hours
Open year-round
Seasonal Operation
Open year-round; winter may include a 12-1 lunch hour closure
Phone
(406) 646-7701

Hours & contact

Daily Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Seasonal Hours
Open year-round
Seasonal Operation
Open year-round; winter may include a 12-1 lunch hour closure
Phone
(406) 646-7701
Phone Available
Yes
Email
Yell_information@nps.gov
Best Contact Method
In person at the desk; signage lists phone numbers and hours

Services

Rangers Available
Yes
Ranger Programs
Ranger-led programs available
Free Park Maps
Yes
Trail Maps
No
Permit Issuance
  • Backcountry permits
  • fishing permits (boat-related permits issued at ranger stations)
Permit Types
Backcountry permits, fishing permits (boat-related permits issued at ranger stations)
Backcountry Permits
Yes

Facilities

Restrooms
yes
Restroom Type
Flush (Indoor)
Water Fountain
Yes
Gift Shop
yes
Bookstore
No
Wi-Fi Available
Yes
Cell Service
Cell signal unknown
Accessibility
ADA ramps and doors; accessible stalls
ADA Compliant
Yes

Exhibits & nearby

Has Exhibits
Yes
Exhibit Topics
Wildlife (skins and skeletons), park history
Interpretive Films
Showtimes not listed; film is available at the center
Junior Ranger
Yes
Nearby Campgrounds
Dining and lodging options available in West Yellowstone
Nearby Lodging
West Yellowstone lodging options nearby

Planning advice

Best For
First-time orientation, Backcountry Permits, Bathroom breaks
Highlights
Backcountry and fishing permits issued here; Passport cancellation stamps available; Free Unigrid maps
Why Visit
First stop for orientation, park passes, backcountry permits, and restroom breaks before entering Yellowstone
Parking Reality
Ample street parking along the main street; busy times can occur, but no dedicated RV lot data available
Facility Intel
Flush toilets indoors; potable water filling stations and water fountains; Public WiFi available
Best Time To Visit
Mornings can be busy; arrive early for quicker service.
Tips Advice
  • Stop here before entering the park to purchase your park pass.
  • Backcountry and fishing permits issued here; go to the backcountry desk inside.
  • Check out passport stamps and grab a free map.
  • Parking is ample along the main street; arrive early if possible.

More details

Park Area
West Yellowstone, Montana
Parking Availability
Ample street parking along the main street near the venue
Parking Capacity
Ample street parking along the main street near the venue
Parking Notes
General street parking; no dedicated RV lot data available
Operating Hours
  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Seasonal Variations
Open year-round; winter may include a 12-1 lunch hour closure
Accessibility Features
ADA ramps and doors; accessible stalls
Exhibits Displays
Exhibits and displays available
Has Bookstore
No
Bookstore Operator
Yellowstone Forever
Ranger Talks
No
Ranger Talk Schedule
Times vary; check desk for daily schedule
Junior Ranger Info
Junior Ranger program available
Film Presentations
Yes
Film Schedule
Showtimes not listed; film is available at the center
Park Newspapers
No
Safety Info Available
Yes
Park Maps Available
1
Permit Protocol
Backcountry permits issued here; backcountry office inside the center
Climbing Permits
No
Nearest Trailheads
Nearby hiking trails accessible from West Yellowstone; easy to access from this center
Nearby Dining
Nearby restaurants and shops in West Yellowstone
Nearby Facilities
Shops and restaurants in West Yellowstone
Notable Features
Backcountry office inside; passport cancellation stamps; Junior Ranger program; free Unigrid maps
Best Visit Time
Mornings are busy; stop early for permits and orientation
Insider Tips
  • Stop here first to buy or pick up your park pass
  • Ask about the backcountry desk and line procedures
  • Passport stamps are available here
  • Film screening is a good starter before heading into the park
Family Friendly Notes
Junior Ranger book and badge; kid-friendly staff
Current Conditions Info
Status updates available at the center and online; check the NPS West Yellowstone page for live info
Recent Updates
Open year-round; Holiday closures: Thanksgiving (Nov 28) and November 11
Stop If Skip If
✅ STOP IF: You need backcountry or fishing permits, Junior Ranger book, or passport stamps. ❌ SKIP IF: You only want to casually pass through West Yellowstone without park info.
Review Summary
Visitors praise friendly, practical guidance on routes, weather, and wildlife. It's a solid orientation stop with permits and maps, though it lacks the extensive exhibits of larger centers.

Location

West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center sits beside a grassy lawn with a large Visitor Information sign in Yellowstone National Park.West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center in Yellowstone National Park, a wood-clad building with a covered entrance.Vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring radiates green center with an orange outer ring in Yellowstone National Park.Bald eagle perched among leafy branches at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center in Yellowstone National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get backcountry permits here?

Yes—the backcountry desk is inside this center and permits are issued here.

Are Unigrid maps free?

Yes, free Unigrid maps are available at this center.

Is there a Junior Ranger program here?

Yes, the Junior Ranger book is available and kid-friendly.

Is there a bookstore at this center?

Not here—the Yellowstone Forever bookstore is at the Albright Visitor Center.

Is there a bookstore at this center?

Not here—the Yellowstone Forever bookstore is at the Albright Visitor Center.

Fairy Falls

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

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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.