More than 500 gallons of water flow from the hot springs each minute, bringing an estimated two tons of limestone to the surface each day, where it is deposited on terraces like sugar frosting atop a multilayered wedding cake. Mammoth Hot Springs is the site of the park headquarters, which formerly was Fort Yellowstone, a 19th-century cavalry post that protected the park from 1886 to 1916. Exhibits at the Albright Visitor Center portray the park's history and wildlife. One-hour narrated cruises, which depart Bridge Bay Marina throughout the day, offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The marina also offers guided fishing trips and boat rentals.
Programs feature guided hikes, campfire programs and informal talks.
Short guided walks are included in the tours. Children under 12 ride free when accompanied by an adult. Park activities with a Western theme include stagecoach rides and an Old West Cookout, both originating at Roosevelt Lodge, and horseback rides from Mammoth Hot Springs, Roosevelt Lodge or Canyon Village. Audio units that plug into a car's cigarette lighter are available for rent if you are planning a self-guided tour of the park. After two exciting days at Yellowstone, it was time to head 350 miles north to Glacier National Park.