Community News

Tourism is a major factor and stabilizing force in our region’s overall economy.  The numbers are faithfully tracked, and growth, both actual and projected, spurs the expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new ones.  People come here year-round to indulge in all that Bozeman and the surrounding area has to offer.   

One of the largest attractions comes in the form of Yellowstone National Park (YNP), which was established in 1872 as America’s first national park.  In 2012, YNP reported 3,447,729 visitors, which was the second-largest number on record.  Many of these vacationers pass through Bozeman due to our proximity of only 90 miles from the West entrance and 75 miles from the North entrance.  Currently, the North entrance, located at Gardiner, is undergoing some large-scale planning which is certainly worthy of further attention.  

The “Gardiner Gateway Project” is an ambitious set of objectives combining the forces of local, state, and federal agencies toward a common goal – to restore and revitalize the northern gateway into the Park which welcomed almost 650,000 visitors in 2012.  Back in the early days of YNP, many visitors arrived by train and were welcomed by the Roosevelt Arch and the historic depot building.  As time has passed, visitors now arrive in droves by vehicle, and the town and infrastructure have been stretched thin.  The desire to maintain a positive “sense of arrival” while still respecting the needs of local residents is very important for community and business leaders.  Fifteen agencies, including Yellowstone Park Foundation, are collectively working toward the following goals of this $24.5 million project according to their educational literature: economic development, public safety, visitor experience, historical preservation, community development, resource and environmental protection, and education and outreach.  More specifically, public restrooms will be made available, the Gardiner Depot will be reconstructed in order to be used as a multi-purpose facility, an amphitheater utilizing the Roosevelt Arch as its backdrop will be developed, and improved lighting will be installed, among many other outcomes.  The project in its entirety can be found at www.gardinergatewayproject.org.  The estimated completion is by the summer of 2016, which corresponds with the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.   
 
YNP has been receiving solid support directly from the Yellowstone Park Foundation since 1996.  It is the official fundraiser for YNP with the mission to “protect, preserve, and enhance” the park.  Over $70 million has been raised and awarded for 250 projects that would not otherwise have been funded. 
 
A few of the more noticeable projects and ones that our family has enjoyed recently include the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center.  The Yellowstone Park Foundation conducted a successful $15 million capital campaign, matched by $12 million in federal funds to build this amazing facility.  The park is also much easier to navigate thanks to miles of enhanced and improved “trex deck” boardwalks and handrails at the Mammoth, Norris, West Thumb,  Mud Pots, and Grand Prismatic making the areas full of universal access.   
 
The Yellowstone Association, which began as a research library in 1933 with the mission “to preserve Yellowstone National Park through education” has become the pre-eminent steward of the park.  This education comes in the form of publications, trail leaflets, exhibits, and films and with the launch of the Yellowstone Association Institute (YAI) in 1976, its programs have introduced thousands of students to the park’s natural wonders.  Programs range from one to five days in length and highlight the park’s amazing wildlife, geothermal areas, rich history, and awe-inspiring wilderness.  We had the pleasure of experiencing a one-day personalized guided YAI tour for our family in June and saw the park from a comprehensive detailed perspective.  
 
Our recent visit to Yellowstone National Park reaffirmed that we are truly blessed to have such a natural phenomenon literally in our backyard.  And of course, Old Faithful is still predictable and reliable, and fun to see with thousands of other tourists. The entire park is uniquely special and creates magical family memories. Visitors marvel at its wonders and want to preserve and share it with generations to come.