Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
Witness the iconic Old Faithful geyser and explore Yellowstone's geothermal wonders at this educational hub. Discover the science behind the steam.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful viewing, fewer crowds
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
Best Time
Peaceful viewing, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the iconic Old Faithful geyser and explore Yellowstone's geothermal wonders at this educational hub. Discover the science behind the steam.
"A must-visit for understanding Yellowstone's geothermal marvels and witnessing the iconic Old Faithful eruption."
🎯 Check Eruption Times
Get the latest eruption predictions at the visitor center or online to plan your viewing.
🚶♀️ Explore the Boardwalks
Don't miss the Upper Geyser Basin's other geothermal wonders beyond Old Faithful.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Faithful Geyser Eruption
Old Faithful Viewing Area
Witness the iconic, predictable eruption of North America's most famous geyser. A must-see natural spectacle!
Upper Geyser Basin Boardwalks
Adjacent to Old Faithful
Explore a network of paths revealing numerous other geysers and hot springs. Discover the Castle Geyser's impressive cone.
Visitor Education Center Exhibits
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
Interactive displays explain the science behind geysers and Yellowstone's volcanic geology. Engaging for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Old Faithful
Beyond the Eruption: Explore the Basin
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best time to visit Old Faithful.
🎯 Check Eruption Times
Get the latest eruption predictions at the visitor center or online to plan your viewing.
🚶♀️ Explore the Boardwalks
Don't miss the Upper Geyser Basin's other geothermal wonders beyond Old Faithful.
What are your Yellowstone life hacks for visitors?
How to see Old Faithful and the pools? (noob)
💧 Refill Water Bottles
Stay hydrated! There are water bottle refill stations available. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera for stunning geyser photos, but be mindful of crowds. :camerawithflash:
Checking into Old Faithful for one night from Jackson, WY. What attractions can I hit while at Old Faithful that require no driving?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Eruption Times
Get the latest eruption predictions at the visitor center or online to plan your viewing.
🚶♀️ Explore the Boardwalks
Don't miss the Upper Geyser Basin's other geothermal wonders beyond Old Faithful.
💧 Refill Water Bottles
Stay hydrated! There are water bottle refill stations available. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera for stunning geyser photos, but be mindful of crowds. :camerawithflash:
📚 Learn at the Center
The visitor center offers fantastic educational exhibits about geysers and Yellowstone. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the predictable spectacle of Old Faithful and the educational value of the Visitor Education Center. The surrounding Upper Geyser Basin offers a wealth of geothermal wonders to explore via boardwalks. However, some guests have noted inconsistent staff demeanor and overwhelming crowds during peak times, which can detract from the experience.
"Several large free parking lots for viewing Old Faithful Geyser. Several restaurants, upscale hotel. Visitor's Center with films, displays, gift shop. Auto repair facility, medical clinic. Things close in early evening. Geyser always free to see at anytime. Erupts 15 times per day. Upper Geyser Basin paved and wooden footpaths to a number of geysers. The Castle Geyser has the largest cone and is much older and a bigger performer than Old Faithful, but erupts only twice daily. Plan on two or three hours to give the Upper Geyser Basin a walk about and viewing of Old Faithful."
Steve Farb
"Bill Ryerson, the Yellowstone National Park employee who we encountered at the Old Faithful Geyser Education Center had a change of heart when he saw us later at the Midway Geyser Basin. A change of heart in that he was more personable and willing to interact on a human level.
Initially, at the education center when my wife spoke to him on approach and said hello sir how are you, his response was nothing only to stare her down waiting for a next word. We were inquiring about dining options for which he had little to say. He reached over to turn a placard around that showed the various eateries and hours of operation while offering no conversation and only looking at us as though he did not want to be working behind the desk.
We then saw Bill at the Midway Geyser Basin several miles away as he recalled my t-shirt design that he commented on at the education center and smiled to let me know he remembered us when we were at the center.
His demeanor was all too different as though this was not the same person. This person was engaging and more cheerful rather than indifferent and not engaging.
Perhaps he was having a bad day behind the desk. No matter.
His behavior at the education center was unnecessary and I can only assume when he saw us again he realized how unwelcoming he was.
It was still unwarranted and should be noted. Bill is the reason for 1 star, the geyser gets 5+.
The Old Faithful Geyser, thankfully having nothing to do with Bill, was a wonderful site of nature. We arrived in time for a 4 minute geyser sprouting of water.
We managed to eat at the inn buffet style and enjoyed a good meal. However, it was also reminiscent of a Disney park, over crowded with theme park persona."
D B
"What a wonderful time. We got there in time to see the eruption along with about 300 other folks..inside there's a lot of information about why and when the geyser are actually explained..very interesting.."
General Dexter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center is located in Yellowstone National Park. It's accessible by car via the park's main roads. Ample free parking is available nearby for viewing Old Faithful geyser.
While there isn't direct public transportation to Old Faithful from outside the park, Yellowstone offers a shuttle system within the park during peak season that may stop near the visitor center. Check the official Yellowstone National Park website for current shuttle routes and schedules.
From the West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT), follow US-191 S to the park entrance, then continue on US-20 E/US-191 S towards Old Faithful. From the South Entrance (Grand Teton NP), follow US-89 N/US-191 N into Yellowstone and then head towards Old Faithful. Always check park road conditions before your visit.
Biking is permitted on park roads, but be aware of vehicle traffic. Dedicated bike paths are limited. It's a long ride from park entrances, so plan accordingly if you choose this option.
Yes, there are several large, free parking lots specifically for viewing Old Faithful geyser and accessing the visitor center. These can fill up quickly during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing Old Faithful geyser is free and accessible to everyone. There is no admission fee for the geyser itself.
Yes, Yellowstone National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle, which is valid for seven days. You can purchase passes at any park entrance station or online in advance.
The visitor center's hours vary seasonally. It is generally open daily during the park's operating season, but it's best to check the official Yellowstone National Park website for the most up-to-date hours for your visit.
No, tickets are not required for entry into the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. It is a free public facility.
The Visitor Center often hosts ranger programs and educational talks. Check the park's schedule upon arrival or online for any special events happening during your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Old Faithful erupts approximately 15 times per day, with eruptions typically occurring every 60 to 110 minutes. The visitor center provides predicted eruption times.
An eruption of Old Faithful typically lasts between 1.5 to 5 minutes, with the water reaching heights of up to 140 feet.
The Upper Geyser Basin, accessible via boardwalks from Old Faithful, features numerous other geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles, including the Castle Geyser.
Yes, the Visitor Education Center and the boardwalks around Old Faithful are generally accessible. Ramps and paved paths are available. It's always a good idea to confirm specific accessibility details with park staff.
Facilities include restrooms, water bottle refill stations, a gift shop, dining options (Old Faithful Inn and cafeteria), and lodging.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are dining options at the historic Old Faithful Inn (buffet and dining room) and a cafeteria nearby. These can be busy, especially during peak hours.
While there may not be designated picnic tables immediately adjacent to the visitor center, you can often find suitable spots in the general Old Faithful area or along the roads leading to it. Pack out all your trash.
Dining options typically include American cuisine, with choices ranging from casual cafeteria fare to more formal dining at the Inn. Expect typical park prices.
Yes, bringing your own food and snacks is a great way to save money and enjoy a meal with a view. Remember to store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife.
The closest full-service grocery stores are typically in gateway towns like West Yellowstone, Montana. Options within the park are limited and more like convenience stores.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late evening light can offer softer, more dramatic lighting for photos. Midday can be harsh, but the geyser itself is always impressive.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the geyser and surrounding landscape. A telephoto lens can be good for close-ups of the eruption. A tripod can help with low-light conditions. :camerawithflash:
Yes, walking along the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks offers unique perspectives of Old Faithful and other geothermal features. Experiment with different angles.
No, drone usage is strictly prohibited in Yellowstone National Park, including at Old Faithful, to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check current park regulations.
Each geyser has its own eruption schedule. Check the visitor center for information on other geysers like Castle Geyser, which erupts less frequently but is visually striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and water, as exploring the basin can take time. Ensure children stay on the boardwalks and are supervised closely around the hot springs. The visitor center also has restrooms and often offers ranger programs that can be engaging for younger visitors. Consider visiting during less crowded times, like early mornings or evenings, for a more relaxed experience.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Adventurers
Consider joining a ranger-led program to connect with other visitors and gain deeper insights into the park's geology and history. The evening hours can offer a more serene experience, allowing for quiet contemplation and excellent photography opportunities without the midday crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Geyser Activity
Beyond Old Faithful itself, the center provides crucial information about the Upper Geyser Basin, a vast area dotted with hundreds of geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. Understanding the eruption cycles and the specific characteristics of other geysers, like the impressive Castle Geyser, can greatly enhance your exploration. Park rangers are also on hand to answer questions and offer insights into the park's dynamic geology.
Navigating the Upper Geyser Basin
While Old Faithful is the star, don't overlook other significant geysers like the Castle Geyser, known for its massive cone, or the Grand Geyser, which is the tallest predictable geyser in the world. The visitor center provides schedules for these less frequent but equally spectacular eruptions. Remember to stay on the boardwalks to protect the fragile environment and for your own safety.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit