Old Faithful Visitor and Education Center — Attraction in West Yellowstone

Bill Ryerson, the Yellowstone National Park employee who we encountered at the Old Faithful Geyser Education Center had a change of heart when he saw us later at the Midway Geyser Basin. A change of heart in that he was more personable and willing to interact on a human level.

Initially, at the education center when my wife spoke to him on approach and said hello sir how are you, his response was nothing only to stare her down waiting for a next word. We were inquiring about dining options for which he had little to say. He reached over to turn a placard around that showed the various eateries and hours of operation while offering no conversation and only looking at us as though he did not want to be working behind the desk.

We then saw Bill at the Midway Geyser Basin several miles away as he recalled my t-shirt design that he commented on at the education center and smiled to let me know he remembered us when we were at the center.

His demeanor was all too different as though this was not the same person. This person was engaging and more cheerful rather than indifferent and not engaging.

Perhaps he was having a bad day behind the desk. No matter.

His behavior at the education center was unnecessary and I can only assume when he saw us again he realized how unwelcoming he was.

It was still unwarranted and should be noted. Bill is the reason for 1 star, the geyser gets 5+.

The Old Faithful Geyser, thankfully having nothing to do with Bill, was a wonderful site of nature. We arrived in time for a 4 minute geyser sprouting of water.

We managed to eat at the inn buffet style and enjoyed a good meal. However, it was also reminiscent of a Disney park, over crowded with theme...

Our recent trip to the Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga, near Napa Valley, was an enjoyable family outing. The geyser itself is a fascinating natural phenomenon, erupting roughly every 20-30 minutes with impressive bursts of water shooting high into the air. My kids were absolutely thrilled to witness this “water volcano” in action. Watching the geyser erupt was not only entertaining but also a great opportunity to introduce them to the wonders of nature and geology.

The site is well-maintained, and there’s more to do beyond the geyser. My kids loved the small petting zoo on-site, which featured friendly goats and llamas. It was a hands-on experience they won’t forget anytime soon! The property also includes picnic areas, making it easy to relax while waiting for the geyser to erupt again.

While we brought our own snacks, the venue offers a small snack bar and gift shop with unique souvenirs. For those interested in the science behind the geyser, there are educational displays explaining the geothermal activity and local geology, which I found intriguing.

One aspect I appreciated was how family-friendly the attraction is, though I do feel the entry fee is slightly steep for the offerings. However, the clean facilities, ample parking, and serene surroundings made it worth the visit.

If you’re in Napa Valley with kids, I’d definitely recommend stopping by. It’s an engaging and educational way to explore a unique natural wonder while creating lasting memories with...

The hours on the door of the visitor center say 8am-8pm. There is no cell phone service in this area. My phone said it had a couple of bars, but it could not connect. Everyone in my party had the same problem. I would recommend deciding on a meeting place a time before splitting up. This location draws a large crowd, and it is difficult to find each other if you get split up. The new visitor center is modern and has plenty of things to do while you are waiting for Old Faithful to erupt. They have signs all over that predict the next eruption, gift shop inside the visitor center, and clean restrooms. The water to wash your hands in the restroom is very cold, and the hand dryers are also cold and do not blow well. This might not be bad if it is hot outside. When we went, it was only 46 degrees outside. There are several exhibits that explain how Old Faithful and the surrounding thermal features work, as well as interactive exhibits for kids. The center also has floor to ceiling windows that are approximately 3 stories tall that look out over Old Faithful, and there is seating inside so that you can watch the eruption from indoors too. There are several benches outside in front of Old Faithful. I suggest that you get a seat 30-45 minutes before eruption or you will not get a seat. The eruption lasts less than 2 minutes total, so if you do not get a seat, it isn't too bad, but it is easier to see...