Formed by volcanic fire and glacial ice, the nation’s first national park is arguably its most spectacular too. Underground thermal waters bubble up to the surface and explode into geysers. Water draining from Yellowstone’s high plateau forms into rivers and tumbles down waterfalls.

The largest herd of bison in America roams freely through Yellowstone, and elk, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears and wolves range the park as well. Yellowstone National Park is so popular that visitors must make plans well in advance to secure lodging or campsites. Attracting more than three million visitors each year, Yellowstone is more than a national park. It’s a national treasure.