This is probably the most unusual rustic style lodge I've ever seen. The spectacular 5 storey lobby and towering fire place is impressive. Walk as far up as you can and experience the lovely gathering places available at each level of the inn. Admire the amazing jigsaw of naturally shaped tree limbs holding up the entire structure.

Think your kids might be bored with the architectural marvel? Think again. My 5 year old's first building project on his return home was to recreate the "log hotel" with his set of Lincoln Logs.

Iconic and a must see. Experience the hush in the crowd as the famous geyser erupts to the height of about 100-180 feet. In 2010, the intervals are about 90 minutes. Eruptions are predicted one at a time, with time estimates within a 10 minute window, based on the data of the previous eruption.

Take the time to walkthe 2.8 mile round-trip to Morning Glory Pool and see 10-12 other geysers along the way. In the 2 hours we were walking, we were able to catch several of them erupting including the Riverside Geyser which featured a beautiful rainbow in its spray hovering across the Firehole River.

In the Old Faithful area, the National Parks Service staff predict the eruptions of 6 major geysers. Information is available at the Old Faithful visitors center Bear in mind however, that aside from Old faithful, the window of the predicted times can range from 1 hours to 4 hours. However, most of these predicted geysers are quite spectacular. Get the trail guide for a donation of 50 cents and it will give you clues to help you decide if you should stay and wait for a particular predicted geyser along the trail.

Especially if you are on limited time ( 1 or 2 days), you may have to choose between the Upper and Lower Loops of the Figure Eight. Total driving distance is about 140 miles If you have more time, try to drive it all before you leave because it really demonstrates the variety of natural wonders that is Yellowstone. This road was also constructed to bring you close, by car to some of the Park's most impressive sights. There are many scenic viewpoints and pullouts along the road. From the geysers and hot springs in the geyser basins in the West, wild life viewing in Hayden Valley to the still expanse of the caldera Yellowstone Lake and the spectacular upper and lower falls along the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, this road really takes you places.

The downside is that the road can be very crowded and there can be slow traffic and lots of rubber-necking (especially if there is wildlife around) in the peak months of July and August. If its an option, I would come in June or September instead.

See as many geothermal features with a National Park Ranger as your schedule and planning will allow. National Park Rangers are passionate about the places they are showing you, tell wonderful stories and are a wealth of information. And its all free.

My kids (5-11 years) were able to ask questions and get real answers from people who knew what they were talking about. Many of the ranger led tours also provided information that got them thinking about what they were seeing from a different angle.

For children under 12, keep to the walks and talks which range from 20 minutes to 2 hours. You will be on your feet all the time, bring lots of drinking water to keep hydrated and snacks to keep the troops motivated.

That was the Native American name for Dragon Mouth Spring and one can imagine exactly either of these creatures as the one behind the muddy water lashes out of the mouth of a cave. My 8 year-old asked if Smaug lived in the cave(Dragon in JRR Tolkein's The Hobbit).

One of my favorite collections of geothermal features in the park. It is a good ramble and you may see buffalo relaxing by the sides of the pools. A feature of these pools is their extreme acidity. One of the features, Sour Lake has the acidity of Battery acid at 160 degrees Farenheit. Hang on to all your kids, no one wants to fall in!!! There is also a whole hillside of dead trees, cooked when soil temperatures rose close to boiling point during one of the frequent earthquake episodes at Yellowstone.

The ranger who took us on an informative walk along the establish board walks told wonderful stories and kept our kids enthralled. Definitely recommend going on the free ranger-led walks when seeing these geo-thermal features; one learns and appreciates so much more . There is also a Trail Guide available at the parking lot for a suggested donation of 50 cents