Madison Information Station
Your first stop for Yellowstone insights! Get wildlife tips from friendly rangers and enjoy scenic riverside views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, see more wildlife
Madison Information Station
Best Time
Beat the crowds, see more wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Your first stop for Yellowstone insights! Get wildlife tips from friendly rangers and enjoy scenic riverside views.
"The guy in the information center was incredibly nice and helpful, giving great recommendations."
🤝 Friendly Ranger Advice
Rangers are super helpful! Ask them for wildlife spotting tips and tailored park recommendations.
🏞️ Scenic Lunch Stop
Pack a lunch and enjoy the beautiful riverside views. It's a peaceful spot to recharge.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ranger's Wildlife Insights
Information Center
Friendly rangers offer personalized recommendations and can point out nearby wildlife sightings.
Riverside Lunch Spot
By the Madison River
Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch with stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape.
Junior Ranger Program Intro
Information Center
A perfect starting point for families to get tailored Junior Ranger activities for kids.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Your First Stop for Yellowstone
Quick Refresh and Scenic Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Help Finding This Spot
🤝 Friendly Ranger Advice
Rangers are super helpful! Ask them for wildlife spotting tips and tailored park recommendations.
🏞️ Scenic Lunch Stop
Pack a lunch and enjoy the beautiful riverside views. It's a peaceful spot to recharge.
Advice for summer trip to Yellowstone
What are your Yellowstone life hacks for visitors?
💧 Restrooms & Snacks
Convenient restrooms and vending machines available for a quick pit stop.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Intro
Great place to start your Yellowstone adventure with kids, especially for the Junior Ranger program.
5 Tips for Yellowstone- July 2021
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Friendly Ranger Advice
Rangers are super helpful! Ask them for wildlife spotting tips and tailored park recommendations.
🏞️ Scenic Lunch Stop
Pack a lunch and enjoy the beautiful riverside views. It's a peaceful spot to recharge.
💧 Restrooms & Snacks
Convenient restrooms and vending machines available for a quick pit stop.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Intro
Great place to start your Yellowstone adventure with kids, especially for the Junior Ranger program.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Madison Information Station for its incredibly nice and helpful rangers who offer excellent wildlife spotting tips and personalized recommendations. It's a beautiful spot for a scenic lunch by the riverside, offering essential amenities like restrooms and vending machines. While the park store may be temporarily closed, it remains an ideal, low-key introduction to Yellowstone.
"Madison is the first information center on the way into the West Yellowstone park entrance. Views are beautiful and the guy in the information center was incredibly nice and helpful. Gave us great recommendations and showed my group nearby wildlife."
Jacob Grubenhoff
"We stopped there to have our lunch by the riverside and was blown away by the stunning view. However, the park store is temporarily closed here and we went to the museum before hours. Amenities include an amphitheater, parking, visitor center, and restrooms. Ideal for a quick scenic stop."
Tasnim Ara Islam
"This is a small little gift shop and “Ranger Station”. It’s a great meeting point and has a bathroom and some vending machines -which is huge when you are starving!
VictorB"
Victor B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Madison Information Station is conveniently located just inside the West Yellowstone entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It's often the first stop for visitors entering from this popular gateway.
Yes, there is parking available at the station, making it easy to stop and access the visitor center and amenities.
Simply follow the main park road after passing through the West Yellowstone entrance. The station will be one of the first facilities you encounter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The information station itself is free to enter. However, you will need a valid Yellowstone National Park entrance pass to access the park and reach the station.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Yellowstone National Park website for the most up-to-date information on hours of operation.
No, there is no separate admission fee for the visitor center. Your park entrance pass covers access to all visitor centers within Yellowstone.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Amenities include restrooms, vending machines for snacks, an amphitheater, and parking. It's a good spot for a quick break.
Absolutely! Rangers at the station can provide you with park maps, brochures, and valuable information about current conditions, wildlife sightings, and recommended activities.
While not a guaranteed viewing spot, rangers often have insights into recent wildlife activity in the area and can offer tips on where to look.
The park store here may be temporarily closed seasonally, but it typically offers souvenirs and essentials. It's worth checking if it's open during your visit.
The amphitheater is often used for ranger-led programs and educational talks, providing insights into the park's natural and cultural history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a full-service restaurant, you can find vending machines for snacks and drinks, making it ideal for a quick bite.
Yes, the area by the riverside is a beautiful spot for a picnic lunch. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to keep the park clean.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverside location offers lovely scenic views, perfect for capturing the natural beauty of Yellowstone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Your First Steps into Yellowstone
Beyond the informational aspect, the station offers practical amenities. You'll find restrooms for a quick refresh and vending machines if you need a snack or drink. The riverside location is particularly appealing, providing a serene setting for a short break or a picnic lunch. The stunning views here offer a peaceful moment to appreciate the natural beauty before you venture deeper into the park.
For families, the Madison Information Station is an excellent starting point for engaging children with the park. It's often where you can get information and materials for the Junior Ranger program, with rangers sometimes tailoring activities to suit your kids' interests and needs. This makes it a fun and educational stop that sets a positive tone for the rest of your visit.
Wildlife Spotting and Ranger Tips
Remember to always maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Rangers can advise on the best viewing practices, emphasizing the importance of not feeding animals and staying on designated paths. They can also help you understand animal behavior and the best times of day to increase your chances of seeing different species. This insider knowledge, gleaned from daily park operations and visitor reports, is invaluable for a successful wildlife photography or viewing expedition.
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