Most of Yellowstone is dedicated to the geological marvels that you can see only in this place, but there is one spot in Yellowstone that is dedicated to the human marvels that make seeing Yellowstone and all the other National Parks possible. The Museum of the National Park Ranger is a place you should visit to learn more about the history of the amazing park rangers.
How to Get to the Museum of the National Park Ranger
The Museum of the National Park Ranger is located in the less visited northern part of the Grand Loop, but it is not hard to find. Most visitors will probably come in to the park on Highway 191 and then get on Highway 89 (Grand Loop Road) at the Madison Campground. You stay on Highway 89 until you reach the Norris Geyser Basin. From the Norris Geyser Basin continue north for about a mile and you will reach the turn off for the museum and the Norris Campground.
You have to drive for just a just a short ways after leaving the road, but it can be a little confusing because the signage is not great. If you get to the campground you have gone too far. The Museum of the National Park Ranger is the long low building on the right as you are driving up.
What You Will See at the Museum of the National Park Ranger
Even though it is located inside of the Yellowstone National Park the Museum of the National Park Ranger is actually a separate National Park site. It is staffed by retired rangers (who I guess didn’t actually want to retire since they are still staffing a museum).
It is located in one of old army barracks which has been restored. This is because before the park rangers existed there was nobody to take care of the first National Park which was Yellowstone, so the army stationed soldiers here to help stop poaching and protect the land.
Inside you will find a main area (where you can get your passport stamp) and two wings of exhibits. The exhibits are dedicated to the history of the National Park Ranger showing different uniforms they have had and different ways they have lived in various parks.
Sum Up
It is no secret that I love and support the National Parks. I think park rangers deserve the highest praise and respect for the job that they do, even though they don’t often receive it. So I think it is a valuable use of your time to visit the Museum of the National Park Ranger while you are in Yellowstone and learn more about these people and their profession which makes both conservation and your vacation possible.
