There’s a lot to love about Montana. The great outdoors and the opportunity to be exposed to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world are just a few things we love about living here. But there’s also immense history located throughout the state. And, undoubtedly, one of the best things is when these two things come together. Few people outside the state know that the first national park in America is right here in Montana. And that’s something special!

While it's true that Yellowstone National Park straddles Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it offers those in Montana special bragging rights. Even if those same bragging rights exist in the other states.
pedrik / Flickr
Montana is home to the first national park in America — Yellowstone National Park. It was designated on March 1, 1872.
YellowstoneCountry / TripAdvisor
The park came to be when President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act. This set a precedent for setting land aside to be protected for visitors to enjoy.
Simon Foot / Flickr

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While some might think it was untouched before this time, it was actually inhabited by Indigenous people for as long as time. In fact, there are 27 federally-recognized Native tribes with connections to the area on which the park sits. Unfortunately, the Indigenous populations that called the park home were driven from the land and forced to settle outside its limits.
Sean McCauley / Flickr
The next national parks were not created until 1890 when Rock Creek Park (which later became a part of National Capital Parks), Sequoia, and Yosemite came to be.
YellowstoneCountry / TripAdvisor
Today, Yellowstone National Park is considered one of the largest and most beautiful in America.
Management / TripAdvisor
From towering mountain peaks to fields to the famous hydrothermal features, this is one natural area you won't want to skip the next time you're looking for an adventure in Montana.
Tim Lumley / Flickr

Yellowstone National Park can be visited throughout the year, but there may be seasonal closures in the off-season. There may also be changes to accessibility based on weather conditions. Be sure to check the official National Park Service website before visiting.

Now that you have some background on the first national park in America, consider spending a few days visiting. When you’re making plans, be sure to check out this adult-only boutique hotel located at the entrance.

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