Roosevelt Arch — Attraction in West Yellowstone

In 1903, the partially constructed arch was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt, who laid the cornerstone at a ceremony that drew thousands of guests, and much fanfare.

Here are ten more fun and interesting facts about the history of the Roosevelt Arch:

The designer of the Roosevelt Arch remains a mystery. Both Robert Reamer—most famous for designing the Old Faithful Inn—and architect Nels J. Ness have been credited, but modern historians say that documentation is inadequate to know for sure.

To construct the Arch, hundreds of tons of native columnar basalt were hauled from a quarry in the area. The completed Arch rises 50 feet high, and can still be seen from miles away.

Construction of the Arch took around six months, and cost about $10,000. Today that sum would equal around $250,000.

Original plans called for the curved walls on either side of the Arch to surround a landscaped garden, two ponds, and a waterfall. However, this plan proved impossible due to Gardiner’s arid climate.

The Arch was not originally intended to honor Roosevelt, but was so named because the president happened to be vacationing in the park during the Arch’s construction, and was asked to speak at the dedication ceremony.

A “canister,” which we now call a time capsule, was arranged by local Masons and placed inside the Arch during the dedication ceremony. It reportedly contains a Bible, a picture of Roosevelt, Masonic documents, local newspapers, U.S. coins, and other items.

The plaque on the Arch is inscribed with a phrase from the 1872 legislation that established Yellowstone National Park: “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.”

The North Entrance Road Historic District, which includes the Roosevelt Arch, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

If you look closely you can spot the Arch’s cornerstone. As you enter the Arch from the Gardiner side, the stone is low on the inside (park side) corner of the right tower. It is more squarely finished than the stones around it, and the surface facing the inside of the Arch is engraved “Apr 24 1903.”

After the dedication, Theodore Roosevelt never returned to Yellowstone, so he never visited the...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Roosevelt Arch in Gardiner, and it was a truly inspiring experience. Standing at the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park, this historic landmark is a magnificent gateway to one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world.

The arch itself is an impressive structure, built with locally sourced stone and bearing an inscription that reads, "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People." This message, along with the arch's grand design, perfectly captures the spirit and purpose of America's national parks. The sense of history and significance is palpable, and it’s easy to imagine the excitement of early visitors passing through this iconic entrance.

The surrounding area is equally beautiful, with stunning views of the Montana landscape and a welcoming small-town charm in Gardiner. It's a great spot to start your Yellowstone adventure, offering ample opportunities for photos and a chance to reflect on the park's rich heritage.

I highly recommend making a stop at the Roosevelt Arch if you're in the area. It's a must-see for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone who appreciates the grandeur of our national parks. The arch is not just an entrance, but a symbol of the enduring legacy of conservation and the natural beauty that...

I highly recommend trekking the extra 4 miles to see this landmark if you are in Mammoth Springs! Due to the lack of cellphone service throughout the park, I read up on the history of the arch the night before, and I was glad that I did because I did not see a historical plaque detailing the rich history of this marker. This arch is located outside of the current modern Yellowstone North Gate, so make sure that you have your receipt with you so you can re-enter the park. There is minimal traffic at this gate, so it was easy to park and get great photos. There is parking located on each side of the road on the side of the arch toward the park gate. There is also an abundance of Swallows nests at the top of the arch, and it was fun watching the birds flying back and forth overhead. The only reason I did not give this site 5 stars is because had i not read up on the history in advance, my party would not have had any context about the arch and its...