As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Established in 1872, America’s first national park has undergone its fair share of man-made changes. But as perhaps the most geologically unique (and active!) region in the continental U.S., Yellowstone has also seen a number of natural changes as well. Forest fires, eruptions, earthquakes, and numerous natural disasters have shifted the landscape of this fantastic place over the ages. Most recently, the devastating flood that raged through Yellowstone National Park in 2022.
On the morning of June 13, 2022, Yellowstone experienced a cataclysmic flood. Northern parts of the park received nearly 10 inches of rain and snowmelt in just a short 24-hour period, overflowing the river, causing mudslides, and destroying many sections of the main park in both Wyoming and Montana. Over a year later, Wyoming’s crowned jewel has made great strides, although the park is still on the road to recovery and many changes to the landscape will likely be permanent. However, there’s fresh good news for park visitors! The National Park Service recently announced that the 150-year-old Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel will finally be reopened to guests.
The historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel near the North entrance of Yellowstone National Park dates all the way back to 1911.
Technically, the hotel dates back even further. The first hotel structure was open to guests as early as 1871, although visitors had to bring their own blankets and sleep on the floor. The hotel evolved with the times, growing into an impressive 141-room Queen Anne structure around 1886, which often welcomed train passengers arriving via the Northern Pacific Railroad spur eight miles away. At the time, it was considered one of the first "grand" hotels in the country. A complete overhaul started around 1911 which ultimately doubled the hotel's capacity and began to take the "art moderne" form that guests know and love today - although multiple remodels and modernizations have taken place over the years.
When devastating flooding tore through Yellowstone in June 2022, demolishing a large chunk of the park's infrastructure, the hotel closed down to guests.
Historically, Mammoth Hot Springs is the only hotel in the park that stays open year-round, which means the announcement of its grand reopening is a welcome step forward as the park continues to recover and as restoration efforts remain underway.
New private bathroom additions, revamped décor, a new gift shop, and much more were added - all with an emphasis on sustainability and reducing the park's carbon footprint.
Also refinished was the renowned Map Room, which features a map of the United States comprised of 15 different types of wood from nine different countries, designed by architect Robert Reamer.
Please note that while dining options are available at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, the main hotel dining room will be opening at a later date. Stay tuned!
The historic hotel, now over 150 years old, also overlooks some truly fantastic scenery and is a hotspot for local elk herds. Mount Everts forms a stunning backdrop to the east, while hot spring terraces cascade to the west. The Elk Plaza hills create a noticeable north boundary. The hotel, of course, gets its name from the iconic Mammoth Hot Springs.
Daily guided tours depart from the hotel, taking guests to some of the park's most popular spots, such as Lamar Valley, Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, Old Faithful, and more.
Needless to say, park visitors will find this revived hotel a welcome and convenient basecamp on their Yellowstone getaway! Watch the video below for a quick look back at Yellowstone's devastating 2022 flood:
Not sure where to start on your Yellowstone adventures? Check out this petrified forest trail. Be sure to book a scenic tour to get the most out of your experience!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
