Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Is Open After Historic Flooding And You’ll Want To Visit

Established in 1872, America's first national park has undergone its fair share of man-made changes. But as perhaps the most geologically unique (and active!) region in the continental U.S., Yellowstone has also seen many natural changes as well. Forest fires, eruptions, earthquakes, and numerous natural disasters have shifted the landscape of this fantastic place over the ages - most recently, the devastating flood that raged through Yellowstone National Park in 2022.

On the morning of June 13, 2022, Yellowstone experienced a cataclysmic flood. Northern parts of the park received nearly 10 inches of rain and snowmelt in just a short 24-hour period, overflowing the river, causing mudslides, and destroying many sections of the main park in both Wyoming and Montana. Since then, this crown jewel of the National Park Service has made great strides, although the park is still on the road to recovery, and many changes to the landscape will likely be permanent. However, in summer of 2023, the National Park Service announced that the 150-year-old Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel would finally open to guests, once again.

The historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel near the North entrance of Yellowstone National Park dates back to 1911.

Technically, the hotel dates back even further. The first hotel structure was open to guests as early as 1871, although visitors had to bring their own blankets and sleep on the floor. The hotel evolved with the times, growing into an impressive 141-room Queen Anne structure around 1886, which often welcomed train passengers arriving via the Northern Pacific Railroad spur eight miles away. At the time, it was considered one of the first "grand" hotels in the country. A complete overhaul started around 1911 which ultimately doubled the hotel's capacity and began to take the "art moderne" form that guests know and love today - although multiple remodels and modernizations have taken place over the years.

When devastating flooding tore through Yellowstone in June 2022, demolishing a large chunk of the park's infrastructure, the hotel closed down to guests.

You can see the demolished road in the background.

On July 1, 2023, the hotel reopened to overnight guests for the first time in over a year.

Historically, Mammoth Hot Springs is the only hotel in the park that stays open year-round, which means the announcement of its grand reopening is a welcome step forward as the park continues to recover and as restoration efforts remain underway.

In the interim, the hotel itself has gotten a makeover as well - a massive undertaking that began back in 2019.

New private bathroom additions, revamped décor, a new gift shop, and much more were added - all with an emphasis on sustainability and reducing the park's carbon footprint.

Also refinished was the renowned Map Room, which features a map of the United States comprised of 15 different types of wood from nine different countries, designed by architect Robert Reamer.

Today, the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel boasts both suite and deluxe rooms, multiple on-site dining options, and is home to over 200 cabins.

The Mammoth Hotel Dining Room is the first 4-Star Green Restaurant Association-certified restaurant in a National Park!

The historic hotel, now over 150 years old, also overlooks some truly fantastic scenery and is a hotspot for local elk herds. Mount Everts forms a stunning backdrop to the east, while hot spring terraces cascade to the west. The Elk Plaza hills create a noticeable north boundary. The hotel, of course, gets its name from the iconic Mammoth Hot Springs.

Daily guided tours depart from the hotel, taking guests to some of the park's most popular spots, such as Lamar Valley, Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, Old Faithful, and more.

Needless to say, park visitors will find this revived hotel a welcome and convenient basecamp on their Yellowstone getaway!

Watch the video below for a quick look back at Yellowstone's devastating 2022 flood:

Visit the Yellowstone National Park Lodges website to book a room or cabin at the historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins. You can also stay up to date on the latest news by visiting the Yellowstone National Park Lodges Facebook page.

Not sure where to start on your Yellowstone adventures? Check out this petrified forest trail for a unique experience you are sure to remember. Or, book a scenic tour in Wyoming to discover even more natural wonders on your vacation!