Old Faithful Inn
Step back in time at the iconic Old Faithful Inn, a historic lodge with stunning architecture and prime views of the famous geyser.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fall colors
Old Faithful Inn
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the iconic Old Faithful Inn, a historic lodge with stunning architecture and prime views of the famous geyser.
"A one of a kind experience of staying inside the old house section of the Inn. This historical building has so many stories to tell."
Book Dining Early
Reservations for the dining room are highly recommended, especially during peak season. :forkandknife:
Explore the Old House
Stay in the original 'Old House' section for the most authentic historic experience. :housewithgarden:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Lobby
Main Lodge
Marvel at the massive log lobby, soaring ceilings, and iconic fireplace. A true architectural wonder.
Old Faithful Geyser Views
Front Veranda & Upper Decks
Witness the legendary geyser eruptions from the hotel's prime vantage points. Unforgettable!
Historic Architecture Tour
Lobby
Discover the fascinating construction and stories behind this early 1900s masterpiece.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Well in Advance
Embrace the Historic Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Making the Most of Old Faithful Inn
Book Dining Early
Reservations for the dining room are highly recommended, especially during peak season. :forkandknife:
Explore the Old House
Stay in the original 'Old House' section for the most authentic historic experience. :housewithgarden:
old faithful inn worth it?
Checking into Old Faithful for one night from Jackson, WY. What attractions can I hit while at Old Faithful that require no driving?
Pack for Comfort
Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the inn and surrounding geyser basin. :athletic_shoe:
Limited Wi-Fi
Cell service can be spotty; expect limited or no Wi-Fi. Embrace the digital detox! :iphone:
How to see Old Faithful and the pools? (noob)
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Dining Early
Reservations for the dining room are highly recommended, especially during peak season. :forkandknife:
Explore the Old House
Stay in the original 'Old House' section for the most authentic historic experience. :housewithgarden:
Pack for Comfort
Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the inn and surrounding geyser basin. :athletic_shoe:
Limited Wi-Fi
Cell service can be spotty; expect limited or no Wi-Fi. Embrace the digital detox! :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Old Faithful Inn's unparalleled historic charm, stunning architecture, and prime location next to the iconic geyser. The grand lobby and views of Old Faithful are major highlights. However, some find the rooms basic, Wi-Fi unreliable, and dining options pricey.
"Old Faithful Inn is one of the most beautiful and iconic hotels I’ve ever visited. Built in the early 1900s, it’s full of history and charm. The log-and-stone design, tall wooden beams, creaky floors, and giant fireplace give it a warm, cozy feeling that takes you back in time. You can really feel the age and character of the place in the best way. The location is perfect—right next to the famous Old Faithful geyser. The lobby is grand, and the views from the upper deck are amazing. It’s a true Yellowstone experience and a must-stay if you love nature and history."
Kranthi Muthavarapu
"One of a kind experience of staying inside the old house section of the Inn. This historical building has so many stories to tell about the craftsmanship of men who braved the seasons to create this masterpiece in the center of nowhere in 1903-04.
Beautiful details. Don't miss their Architecture/history tours that happen multiple times everyday to know how it was built and how people lived here in old days.
We stayed on the first floor of the old house. Rooms are dark but cool. Bathrooms are shared, however very clean and I didn't have to wait even once to use the restroom or bathroom during our 2 nights stay. There's a washbasin inside the rooms, room service refreshes towels and beds everyday (which is generally becoming so rare these days)
All the staff we talked to were friendly. A lot of new staff were in their first couple weeks of summer jobs and were still learning, but still very kind and eager to help.
Live music during the evenings was like cherry on the top. Loved chill evenings here.
They update the times of Old Faithful eruptions. If you are too lazy to go out on the boardwalk, you can watch it from the front patio as well (or if you have room in the wing with the view, you can watch it from there)
Must visit!"
Tejaswini Lele
"The best way to summarize our stay at Old Faithful Inn is wow! The architecture and construction of the inn itself is worth going to see, but having it right beside Old Faithful just added so much to our vacation. The service was top notch and the meals in the dining room were fantastic. The shops were pleasant. The rooms are a little smaller than I’m used to, there was no WiFi in the building but there was cellular for Verizon, and changing the menu for buffets every once in a while would be nice."
Richard Petersen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Faithful Inn is located within Yellowstone National Park. Access is via the park's main roads. Driving is the most common method, with parking available near the inn. During peak season, shuttle services and guided tours may also be options. Check the National Park Service website for current road conditions and access information.
While there isn't direct public transport to the inn itself, Yellowstone National Park offers some shuttle services and tour options that may stop at or near Old Faithful. It's best to check with the park's official transportation providers for the most up-to-date information on routes and schedules.
The closest major airports are Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana and Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Wyoming. From either, you'll need to rent a car or arrange for shuttle services to drive into Yellowstone National Park to reach the inn.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no separate ticket required to enter the Old Faithful Inn itself. However, you will need a valid Yellowstone National Park entrance pass to drive into the park.
It is highly recommended to book your room at Old Faithful Inn as far in advance as possible, often up to a year, especially for stays during the peak summer season. Rooms in the historic 'Old House' section are particularly popular.
Old Faithful Inn is typically open year-round for lodging and dining, though services may be limited during the winter months. The lobby and common areas are generally accessible during daylight hours. Check the official Yellowstone National Park Lodges website for specific operating hours for dining and other facilities.
Yes, Old Faithful Inn offers rooms in the historic 'Old House' section, which are more basic and may have shared bathrooms, and rooms in the newer 'New Wing,' which offer private bathrooms and some geyser views.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the grand lobby, enjoy views of Old Faithful geyser from the veranda, attend architecture tours, dine at the restaurant, and relax in the lounge. It's also a perfect base for exploring the Upper Geyser Basin.
Some rooms in the 'New Wing' offer direct views of Old Faithful geyser. Even if your room doesn't have a view, the hotel's front veranda and upper decks provide excellent vantage points.
Yes, the inn offers daily architecture and history tours that delve into the building's fascinating past and construction. These are highly recommended for understanding the inn's significance.
Wi-Fi is very limited and often unreliable at Old Faithful Inn. Cell service can also be spotty. It's best to prepare for a digital detox and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Absolutely! Families love staying at Old Faithful Inn. The proximity to the geyser, the historic atmosphere, and the chance to see wildlife make it a memorable experience for all ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Old Faithful Inn features a main dining room offering sit-down meals, a lounge for drinks and lighter fare, and a deli for grab-and-go options. The dining room is known for its historic ambiance.
Reservations are highly recommended for the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room, especially during peak season. You can make reservations in advance to secure your spot.
Dining at Old Faithful Inn can be on the pricier side, as is common for restaurants within national parks. However, many guests find the quality and experience to be worth the cost.
While menus can change, national park dining facilities typically offer some vegetarian options. It's advisable to check the current menu or speak with your server about dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand lobby with its log architecture, the exterior views with Old Faithful geyser in the background, and the surrounding geyser basin offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The veranda at sunset is particularly stunning.
Early morning and late afternoon/evening offer the best light for photographing the inn and the geyser. Sunrise and sunset can create dramatic skies.
Yes, the inn's location provides excellent opportunities to photograph Old Faithful geyser eruptions from the front veranda and some rooms.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for the lobby and general shots. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the architecture, and a telephoto lens is useful for geyser eruptions if you want to get closer shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History & Architecture Buffs
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Digital Detoxers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The Old House
Staying in the 'Old House' offers a truly immersive historical experience. Rooms here are intentionally kept simple, reflecting the era of its construction. Many feature shared bathrooms, a common feature of historic lodges, and the rooms themselves are often described as cozy and dark, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. Despite the basic amenities, guests rave about the unique charm and the feeling of stepping back in time. The inn's design was a deliberate choice to create a sense of awe and connection to the wilderness, making it more than just a place to stay, but a destination in itself.
Experiencing Old Faithful: Beyond the Eruption
Evenings at the Old Faithful Inn are often enhanced by live music in the lobby, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a drink in the lounge or simply soak in the ambiance of the historic space. The inn also offers architecture and history tours, providing fascinating insights into its construction and the lives of those who built and stayed there in the early days. These tours are highly recommended for anyone interested in the heritage of Yellowstone and the inn itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit