Visit Old Faithful to see why it has earned its name. It has been consistently erupting for as long as people have known about it. The geyser’s reliability is a main reason why Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, was created in 1872. Stay in the vicinity of the geyser for an hour or more and it’s almost certain to come to life. In fact, it’s so reliable that the park service provides time predictions for the 20 daily eruptions.
The massive plume of steam and water reaches a height from 100 to 180 feet (30 to 55 meters) and it can be seen from a distance. Sit at one of the benches provided to watch the geyser put on its show for 1.5 to 5 minutes from the safety of a wide boardwalk. The water temperature coming from below the earth’s surface has been measured at 204 F (96 C), slightly below boiling. The steam temperature is over 350 F (180 C).
Try to come early in the day when the area is least busy. Park in the large parking lot, find a bench and wait until you can utter that familiar saying, “Thar she blows!”
Not far from the geyser, the Old Faithful Inn is an impressive seven-story log building constructed in the early 1900s. Stay at this national historic landmark to experience its rustic features of gnarled wood, a volcanic rock fireplace and lofty ceilings.
Visit the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center for a detailed explanation and displays of how geysers work. Your children can get their Junior Ranger and Young Scientist booklets at the center. Other prominent park features are also explained to provide a better understanding of the many natural attractions.
Find Old Faithful in the Upper Geyser Basin, which includes over 150 similar features in 1 square mile (2.6 square kilometers) of the park. Yellowstone National Park has about 60% of the world’s known geysers. Pay the weekly or annual entrance fee to view Old Faithful and many other attractions in this beloved park. Note that the road to the geyser closes from early November to late April.