YELLOWSTONE (KIFI) – As the summer travel season ramps up across the West, two of the region’s most popular national parks are already experiencing signs of increased visitor activity.
Recent visitation statistics reveal that Yellowstone National Park received 570,272 recreational visits in May 2026, making it the busiest May on record for the park.
The National Park Service reports that May visitation rose by 1% compared to May 2025 and was 20% higher than in May 2021, Yellowstone’s previous record-breaking year when the park exceeded 4.8 million visitors.
During the first five months of 2026, Yellowstone hosted 773,653 visitors, up from 762,672 over the same period last year. Park officials believe these numbers signal another robust tourism season as the peak summer months approach.
These latest numbers reflect a continued trend of rising interest in Yellowstone, following years of recovery and growth after pandemic-related disruptions and the historic 2022 flood that temporarily closed parts of the park.
Park officials encourage visitors to plan ahead, review park regulations, download the free National Park Service mobile app, and practice safe wildlife viewing during their stay.
Major investment announced for Grand Teton National Park visitors
At the same time, the National Park Service has announced a new long-term agreement expected to shape the visitor experience at Grand Teton National Park for years to come.
The agency has selected Grand Teton Lodge Company to provide lodging, dining, retail, campground, marina, transportation, and recreation services under a new 15-year concessions contract starting January 1, 2027.
This contract is the largest concessions agreement in Grand Teton National Park and ranks among the most significant visitor services contracts in the entire National Park System.
Officials estimate the agreement will serve more than 50 million visitors during its lifetime, generate more than $1 billion in gross receipts, and support approximately 1,000 jobs in surrounding communities.
“This contract helps ensure that visitors continue to enjoy the memorable experiences that make Grand Teton National Park one of America’s most treasured destinations,” said Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins in a statement.
Improvements planned throughout the park
With the new agreement, visitors can expect several upgrades focused on improving accessibility, safety, and the overall visitor experience.
Planned projects include:
- Construction of new employee housing
- Improving fire protection systems
- Additional RV electrical hookups at campgrounds
- Introducing two new tour boats with enhanced accessibility features
- Expansion of the park’s boat rental fleet
- Bear spray rental services
- Continued maintenance of more than 400 park buildings, including historic landmarks
The agreement also includes measures to reduce wildlife interactions in campgrounds, protect dark night skies through improved lighting management, and expand educational programs for visitors.
Grand Teton Lodge Company is already one of the largest summer employers in Teton County, Wyoming. Park officials say the new agreement will bolster local economies while helping preserve the park’s natural and historic resources.
As Yellowstone posts record visitation numbers and Grand Teton invests in long-term visitor improvements, tourism leaders anticipate another busy summer season across the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
