Nestled along the Yellowstone River, Canyon Village developed in the height of Yellowstone National Park’s tourist years as a travelers resort area. Canyon Village connects to the surrounding areas of the park, including the Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Tower Roosevelt.

From Canyon Village, visitors can view both the Upper and Lower Falls from lookout areas such as Artist Point and Uncle Tom’s Trail. Between July and August of 1806, William Clark and his party traveled very close to the present day Yellowstone area. Following the Yellowstone River, Clark commented that he planned to take a southern road through the mountains.

This route, known as Bozeman Pass, lay just a short distance from the Mammoth Hot Springs. Although the party never actually reached the boundaries of the park, maps drawn by Clark after their expedition mentioned a hot spring area.

In 1898, “Uncle” Tom Richardson, a tour guide at the time, led groups across the river to view the Lower Falls. Today, the trail remains open for public use; however, hikers must prepare for its 500-foot drop in elevation and over 300 stairs along the way.

In 1955, the National Park Service created Canyon Village as part of a program known as “Mission 66.” This project addressed maintenance of the park, including better housing for park employees, and improving public amenities. Today, more than three million people visit Yellowstone National Park.

Researched, written, and narrated by University of West Florida Public History Student Michelle Richoll