You are here

Home » Closed to the Public For Nearly a Year, Artist Point in Yellowstone National Park is Reopening
Share

Closed to the Public For Nearly a Year, Artist Point in Yellowstone National Park is Reopening

Published Date

May 21, 2008

Nearly $1 million worth of restoration and rehabilitation work has been completed at Artist Point thanks to the efforts of the Yellowstone Park Foundation. NPS Photo.

After months of restoration and rehabilitation work, Artist Point is ready to once again offer visitors to Yellowstone National Park expansive views of Lower Falls that so inspired Thomas Moran more than a century ago.

Artist Point provides one of Yellowstone’s most famous vistas: Its promontory juts out above the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River and offers unobstructed views of the Lower Falls. This stunning panorama inspired Mr. Moran’s paintings that were presented to Congress and helped convince lawmakers to establish Yellowstone as the world’s first national park in 1872.

“While the view is very much the same as a century ago, Artist Point itself fell victim over time to its own popularity as well as the erosive forces of the canyon,” explains Paul Zambernardi, executive director of the Yellowstone Park Foundation that raised $950,000 to pay for the restoration work.

Once the point was closed to the public in July 2007, National Park Service crews restored stairs and viewing platforms; improved walkways to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards; constructed retaining walls to stabilize the hillsides; cleaned and repaired masonry; and restored indigenous vegetation.

Project staff took painstaking measures to ensure that new materials matched the historic look of Artist Point. Crushed soil and rock from the Canyon mixed with concrete binders were used to create a natural, historically congruent mortar. New boulders needed to build retaining walls were sourced from local rock. Wherever possible, old boulders were removed and marked so they could be carefully re-placed in their exact original positions.

“We wanted to ensure that visitors could safely enjoy this spectacular part of Yellowstone for generations to come,” said Mr. Zambernardi.

Finishing touches will be made this spring with the planting of native trees, shrubs, and seeds. A wayside exhibit, information signs, and kiosks have been installed to help visitors learn about and appreciate this historic place.

Conditions permitting, Artist Point is scheduled to reopen to the public this Friday, May 23.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by jsmacdonald on May 21, 2008 - 6:25pm.

If you are traveling to the park this weekend, the weather is supposed to be terrible. Tonight, for example, there is a snow advisory for the park with up to 15 inches of snow possible.

Jim Macdonald
The Magic of Yellowstone
Yellowstone Newspaper
Jim's Eclectic World


Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Become a sustaining member.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.