NORRIS JUNCTION
Geology Museum
Museum of the Park Ranger
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WILDLIFE
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Communities near Yellowstone NP
Belgrade, MT
Bozeman, MT
Gardiner, MT
Livingston, MT
Red Lodge,
MT
Virginia City, MT
West Yellowstone, MT
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Yellowstone N.P.
The Museum of the National Park Ranger may be all that is left of Norris Geyser Basin's historic Soldier Station, but it serves as an important marker to the evolution of this country's first national park.
Following the establishment of Yellowstone National Park by Congress in 1872, the U.S. Calvary was brought into Yellowstone to protect its natural resources from poachers and vandals. Soldier stations, such as the one established at Norris Basin, were equipped with living quarters, horse stables and basic amenities for the military units. Norris Geyser Basin was a popular destination for tourists, and sadly, for vandals, due to its geological attractions. The soldiers' residence at Norris provided a visual deterrent to visitors who were tempted to take home souvenirs of the park.
After the relegation of these protective duties to the National Park Service in 1916, the soldier station was converted to quarters for NPS rangers. The building was upgraded several times until 1959, when it sustained structural damage from an earthquake and had to be rebuilt. Portions of the building have been carefully preserved to reflect the station's original layout.
The Museum of the National Park Ranger focuses on one specific aspect of this history: the men and women who have served as stewards of America's national parklands, beginning with their military roots in the U.S. Calvary, to their present-day role of protectors and administrators for the country's largest collection of recreational areas. The museum exhibits include a laser-disc movie of the NPS's historical documentary, "American Legacy" The museum is staffed voluntarily by retired NPS staff and is located 1 mile north of Norris Junction. The museum is open seasonally, June to September, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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The Concise Visitor's Guide to Yellowstone by Matt Bolton. Sized perfectly for backpacks this guide offers specifics on food, what to see, children's activities, weather, wildlife, seasonal road closures, ranger programs, visitor centers, what differentiates each section of the park and more. Filled with information, phone numbers, web sites, and detailed maps this is the tool to use when planning a trip to Yellowstone. Order now...
Yellowstone National Park Pocket Guide (Falcon Pocket Guides Series) by Ann Simpson and Rob Simpson. Yellowstone National Park Pocket Guide is an information-packed, pocket-size guide that helps visitors get the most out of their park visit in a unique, convenient, and portable package. Order now...
National Geographic Park Profiles: Yellowstone Country by Seymour L. Fishbein. Yellowstone Country tours the stunning region that includes Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, a mosaic of national forests, wilderness areas, wildlife refuges, countless waterfalls, hot springs and two-thirds of the world's active geysers. Order now...
Yellowstone Treasures by Janet Chapple. Easy-to-understand scientific explanations and diagrams complement detailed travel tips. This revised edition includes 270 pages of road logs and enhanced information for senior and disabled visitors and tips for visiting the park with children. Fully revised geological, historical, and practical information. Order now...
Insiders' Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, 7th Edition by Brian Hurlbut and Seabring Davis. With this guide discover the best outdoor activities, lodging, dining, and entertainment offerings in the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks areas. Order now...
The Rough Guide to Yellowstone & Grand Teton by Stephen Timblin. This guide is packed with full-colour photos, detailed maps, reviews on every single restaurant and lodge within Yellowstone and Grand Teton, and comprehensive looks at the Parks' various gateway towns. The guide also takes a detailed look at hiking, with two full chapters dedicated to the best hikes found in each park. Order now...
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