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Yellowstone Forever Institute

Yellowstone Forever, in partnership with the National Park Service, delivers immersive educational experiences that helps people discover, experience, and connect with the park’s wildlife, geology, and cultural history.

Since 1976, we’ve been connecting people to Yellowstone through transformative learning adventures—cultivating a community of stewards who care deeply about this extraordinary place.

Ready to go beyond sightseeing? Join us on a journey of discovery and experience Yellowstone in ways you never imagined. Explore our tours and programs below and start your adventure today.

Field Seminars

Field Seminars

Dive deep into Yellowstone’s natural and cultural history with multi-day seminars led by renowned scientists, artists, and Indigenous knowledge keepers. These programs go beyond typical tours—they’re designed for adults and college students seeking a truly academic, immersive experience.

Highlights:

  • Offered: Year-round to explore in every season
  • 1 – 6 day immersive learning experiences
  • Small group format for deeper engagement
  • Based at Lamar Buffalo Ranch—accessible only through Yellowstone Forever programs—or our Gardiner learning campus
  • Topics range from wildlife tracking to photography and cultural perspectives
  • Perfect for students and lifelong learners to deepen understanding of Yellowstone’s complexity
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Lodging & Learning

Lodging & Learning

Experience Yellowstone with ease through immersive Lodging & Learning programs that combine guided educational excursions with comfortable in-park lodging. Enjoy a deeper connection to the park with everything arranged for you—without sacrificing comfort.

Highlights:

  • Offered: December – February, May – October
  • 4 – 6 day options of guided learning and adventure
  • Daily excursions led by Yellowstone Forever educators, lodging, transportation, and most meals included
  • Based at interior park lodges like Canyon, Old Faithful, & Mammoth Hot Springs for access to iconic areas
  • Topics include wildlife, geology, ecology, and cultural history for a well-rounded experience
  • Family-friendly programs with choices that let every generation participate comfortably
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Private Tours

Private Tours

Book a truly customizable experience perfect for all ages and ability levels, with a private guide who tailors the day to your interests, pace, and group size. Whether you’re traveling with kids, grandparents, or friends, this is a flexible and personal way to explore.

Highlights:

  • Offered: December – February, May – October
  • Full day guided adventure
  • Choose your focus: geysers, wildlife, hiking, etc.
  • Customizable activity level, from relaxed roadside viewing to strenuous hikes
  • Great for families, couples, or small groups
  • Includes high-quality spotting scopes, engaging insights from a Yellowstone Forever educator, and locally sourced meals.
  • Pickup available in Gardiner, MT or Mammoth Hot Springs
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Yellowstone Day Adventures

Yellowstone Day Adventures

Join us for a journey into the northern range, where wildlife and seasonal changes come alive. These adventures are designed for all ages and activity levels. Plus, they’re not only one of Yellowstone Forever’s most affordable options, but also among the most budget-friendly guided experiences in Yellowstone.

Highlights:

  • Offered: December – February, May – October
  • Full day guided adventure
  • Focus on wildlife, ecology, and storytelling
  • Easy walking and roadside viewing
  • Great for first-time visitors and families (children ages 5 and up)
  • Includes high-quality spotting scopes and engaging insights from a Yellowstone Forever educator
  • Pickup available in Gardiner, MT or Mammoth Hot Springs
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Naturalist Day Hikes

Naturalist Day Hikes

Spend an active day hiking Yellowstone’s scenic trails alongside a Yellowstone Forever naturalist. These guided hikes move at a relaxed pace, with time for wildlife observation, seasonal highlights, and interpretive storytelling along the way.

Highlights:

  • Offered May – October
  • Full‑day guided hike on a scenic Yellowstone trail
  • Leisurely pace with opportunities for wildlife viewing
  • Led by expert naturalists providing interpretation and risk management
  • Transportation from Gardiner, MT (or meet at trailhead)
  • Hikes range from 3–10 miles with varying elevation
  • Open to adults and families with children ages 12+ (with an adult)
REGISTER NOW

Group Programs

Group Programs

Bring your family, school, or group to Yellowstone for a shared learning experience that builds curiosity, connection, and understanding of place. Programs take place throughout the park—on trails, at geyser basins, and other iconic Yellowstone locations—guided by experienced Yellowstone Forever educators.

Highlights:

  • Offered year‑round
  • Led by Yellowstone Forever educators
  • Designed for families, school and college groups, youth organizations, and adult groups
  • Experiences may include guided hikes, hands‑on learning, wildlife observation, and exploration of Yellowstone’s natural and cultural landscapes
  • Support with trip planning and logistics
  • Optional lodging at our Yellowstone learning campuses
Request Form

Speaker & Engagement Requests

Speaker & Engagement Requests

Invite a Yellowstone Forever educator to engage your group with Yellowstone’s science, stories, and cultural perspectives. We work with families, community organizations, schools, and professional groups to create presentations and learning experiences tailored to your audience and setting.

Highlights:

  • Offered year‑round
  • Led by Yellowstone Forever educators
  • Topics include geology, wildlife, conservation, and cultural history
  • Flexible formats, from presentations to interactive discussions

For questions, email us at [email protected]

Request Form

STEAM Teacher Workshops

STEAM TEACHER WORKSHOPS

Empower your teaching with Yellowstone as your classroom. These workshops blend science, Indigenous knowledge, and place-based learning to help educators bring the park into their curriculum—and deepen students’ connections to nature back home.

Applications typically open in late fall to early winter (often November–January), with workshops taking place in the June and July.

Highlights:

  • Multi-day professional development offering CE credits
  • Hands-on fieldwork and curriculum design
  • Focus on STEAM, NGSS, and Indigenous perspectives
  • Taught in partnership with National Park Service educators and experts
  • Lodging and meals included
Apply Now

Tour Operators/Travel Agencies

Tour Operators/Travel Agencies

We partner with tour operators and travel agencies to deliver engaging educational experiences in Yellowstone National Park. Programs are designed to integrate seamlessly into multi‑day travel packages, whether part of a regional, national, or international itinerary.

Offerings include guest speaking, step‑on guiding, and half‑day, one‑day, or multi‑day programs led by Yellowstone Forever educators. Through guided exploration and hands‑on learning, guests gain deeper insight into Yellowstone’s wildlife, landscapes, and ecological significance.

Request Form

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