Thanks to photographer Josh Packer for this wonderful photo showing two of the icons of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. A shaggy bison finds some warmth near the erupting geyser: Old Faithful. Even though they’re well adapted for winter survival, the bison probably enjoys a short break from the cold in the steamy spray. Photo courtesy of Josh Packer.

On this day 145 years ago, the world’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park, was created. For anyone who has visited this incredible land of fire and ice and marveled at the amazing wildlife and unique geologic features, there’s little doubt why Yellowstone is considered one of our nation’s greatest treasures. Even if you weren’t one of its more than 4 million visitors last year, you can still discover fun facts about the park: http://on.doi.gov/24zbV9d Photo courtesy of Michael Hardridge.

Happy 144th birthday, Yellowstone National Park! On this day in 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park – starting a worldwide movement to protect special places. Today, the park preserves more than 2 million acres of mountain wilderness, amazing geysers and vibrant landscapes. Check out 7 surprising facts about Yellowstone as we celebrate the park’s birthday: http://on.doi.gov/24zbV9d

Photo from Uncle Tom’s Trail 🌈 by Kristin Castenschiold (www.sharetheexperience.org).

As if views of the geysers in Yellowstone National Park aren’t enough, here’s an incredible photo of the Milky Way over Castle geyser. With one-of-a-kind landscapes, terrific wildlife viewing and outstanding recreational opportunities, there’s a universe of exploration in our first national park. Photo by Neal Herbert, National Park Service.

Happy 143rd birthday, Yellowstone National Park! On this day in 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park – starting a worldwide movement to protect special places. Today, millions visit Yellowstone to discover the park’s geysers and mud pots, forests and lakes, and historic cabins and prehistoric sites – not to mention it’s stunning waterfalls. Pictured here is a rainbow at Lower Falls on the park’s Uncle Tom trail. Photo by Kallem Phillips (www.sharetheexperience.org).

A winter trip to Yellowstone National Park might be described in one word: steamy. For 21 miles, the Firehole River collects runoff from erupting geysers and boiling hot springs, creating a ribbon of mist and hoar frost as the water begins its journey to the Missouri and beyond. Follow along all day as Yellowstone takes over Interior’s Instagram account, providing an inside look at the park during winter: http://instagram.com/usinterior

Photos by National Park Service. 

Happy Father’s Day to all you Dads out there! We hope you are able to spend a little time in America’s great outdoors today.

Photo from Yellowstone National Park: Olga Strong

One of the most unique places on Earth. Sunset at Great Fountain Geyser in Yellowstone National Park.

Photo: Greg Chancey

One of the most stunning photos we have ever seen of Old Faithful at #sunrise in Yellowstone National Park.  

Photo: Tracy Ferguson

The majority of the world’s geysers are preserved here in Yellowstone National Park. They are the main reason the park was established in 1872 as America’s first national park—an idea that spread worldwide. A mountain wildland, home to grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk, the park is the core of one of the last, nearly intact, natural ecosystems in the Earth’s temperate zone.

Photo: Dennis Carroll, National Park Service