"Working for the Yellowstone Co-Op Employee Recreation Program was, by far, the best experience I have ever had in my life!"
Laurel Beatty
Old Faithful Area Recreation Coordinator

History & Culture

The First National Park is Rich in History

For those interested in learning more about the history of the Yellowstone area, the Park Service Visitor Centers are a great place to start. Here you can study various displays and books to learn about the many exciting moments in history that led to Yellowstone as we know it today. The Yellowstone website hosted by the National Park Service also has a history page.

Perhaps one of the most fascinating chapters in Yellowstone's history was the relationship that many tribes share with the area and its resources. Yellowstone was once a popular destination for many plains tribes who hunted in the area during the warm season. There are as many as 24 separate tribes that are affiliated with the Yellowstone area! To them, Yellowstone was a unique area, and they shared a spiritual relationship with the land.

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody is an incredible place to visit and learn about regional history, art, and culture. This complex contains 6 different museums housing a multitude of artwork, interactive displays and artifacts. Encourage your Location Recreation Staff to schedule van trips to visit this exciting destination.

The Cody Plains Indian Pow-Wow is an annual event sponsored by the Buffalo Bill Historical Center for those who enjoy watching traditional Native American dance, crafts, and artwork. Tribes gather from all around the country to take part in this large event, which is scheduled for June 17 & 18, 2006. If you are interested in attending this event and you would like transportation, please let your Recreation Staff know weeks in advance.

The Museum of the Rockies, in Bozeman, MT is also a great place to learn not only about the culture and history of the region, but also about the geology. This museum is also the center of regional paleontology research, and features a collection of about 15,000 items. The Curator of Paleontology here is Jack Horner himself - the scientist whose studies inspired the Jurassic Park storyline. The museum features numerous exciting interactive displays, exhibits, and a planetarium.

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