Old Faithful is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States and it was the start of an institution that spawned more than 55 parks everywhere from Hawaii to Maine.
Yellowstone National Park was the nation's first national park and was established by Ulysses S. Grant in 1872, according the National Park Service.
According to legislation, the park was established to ""set apart an area of wilderness as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.""
For more than 130 years, people have been doing just that. The more than 2 million acres of wilderness are visited by nearly three million visitors every year.
UW-Madison environmental studies professor James Bennett used to work for the National Park Service and also ran an NPS study group on campus. He said that there is long-standing public support for the national parks.
He said that when Grant established Yellowstone as the first national park it was originally run by the United States Army.
""Who else is going to do it?"" he said. ""There was no national park service, no campgrounds. Running it then was not the same as running it now.""
National parks are important and enjoyed by millions of Americans for several reasons, according to Bennett.
""They are usually the finest example of ecosystems in the country,"" he said. ""These are some of the last remaining areas where these endangered species are found.""
Yellowstone National Park is a shining example of the beautiful vistas and endangered wildlife ubiquitous throughout the national park system.
A visit to Yellowstone offers a variety of hiking, camping and boating options—and potential to see species ranging from grizzly bears to mountain lions.
When planning a trip to national parks, Yellowstone is a must not only for its environmental beauty but its rich and interesting history.
