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Yellowstone Park is an adventure in and ofitself. Yet, there are some unusual and unique activities and events happeningin and around Yellowstone Park this summer to make any trip even morememorable.

Why not combine a park visit with an activitythat you have never tried before? An event that captures your interest orpassion for history or astronomy?  Achance to join the “2% Club” (the rare 2% of Yellowstone visitors that travelbeyond the boardwalks)?

Here is just a partial list of some of theseopportunities.

Interested in a unique program that offers aglimpse into Yellowstone wilderness where a majority of park visitors neverventure?  Ranger Adventure Hikes, aseries of 12 weekly park ranger-led hikes, are offered free of charge but offerthe excitement of exploring some of Yellowstone’s back country safely with apark ranger.

The hikes take place in four separate regionsof the park, each highlighting that area's distinctive hiking opportunities andfeatures. Ranger Adventure Hikes begin in mid June, and will be offered everyday through the end of August, and through September for the Old Faithfulhikes.

The hikes last from four to six hours(starting at 7:30 or 8:00 AM) and range from easy to fairly strenuous. Allchildren 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For more information,and a detailed description of the different hikes, go to the Yellowstone Parkwebsite, www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/rangerhikes.htm

On a clear night, Yellowstone’s unpollutedskies reveal an incredible starscape. Don’t miss the “Stars Over Yellowstone”evening program cosponsored by The Museum of the Rockies, the Southwest MontanaAstronomical Society and the Abaetern Academy. 

Safely view the sun through telescopes at the Old Faithful Temporary VisitorCenter area on Saturday June 20^th, July 25^th, and August22^nd from 2-5:00 PM. Observe the night sky between the MadisonCampground and Amphitheater on these Friday and Saturday nights: June19–20 & July 24–25, 10:30 P.M. and Aug. 21–22, 10:00 PM. Findthe Milky Way, Jupiter, craters on the Moon, the center of the Galaxy, starclusters, and nebula.  Telescopes will beavailable. Remember to arrive a few minutes, dress warmly and bring aflashlight.

Other evening astronomy programs throughout the summer will include:

·        Listening to the Universe byRyan Hannahoe, Space Public Outreach Team (SPOT), Montana State University. Friday,June 19 & Saturday, June 20th (9:30 PM)

·        Grace Under Fire: the Death ofSun-Like Stars by Dr. Stacy Palen, Assistant Professor, Weber StateUniversity. Friday, July 24th (9:30 PM)

·        Astrostories: ConstellationStories from the Ancients by Dr. Stacy Palen. Saturday,July 25, (9:30 PM)

·        Cosmic Update byJim Manning, executive director, Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Friday,August 21^st (9:00 PM)

·        Galileo’s Universe byJim Manning. Saturday, August 22^nd (9:00 PM)

Throughout the summer, Yellowstone GeneralStores (located in Yellowstone Park) offers the unique chance to meet thespecial artists and authors of Yellowstone. This program, called "Pathwaysto Yellowstone," features those artists whose talent isrepresentative of the Yellowstone experience.  For a schedule ofappearances, visit http://www.visityellowstonepark.com/SpecialEvents.asp

For kids interested in fire fighting, the Smokejumper Base Camp volunteerslocated in West Yellowstone offer a great program. Here kids can meet a realsmokejumber, learn about smokejumping, and become an official JuniorSmokejumper! This free program is open to children ages 5-12 and will be heldin the town park 9:00 am to 12:00 noon throughout the summer.  A parent or guardian must be present at signup 8:30 am.  (Call 406-646-7701 for thesummer schedule.)

StartingJune 4^th, the Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo returns each weekend.Favorite events include bull riding and the Kid’s Calf Scramble where kids racearound the arena and parents yell their loudest.

Foran athletic challenge, join the annual Janet Clarkson Memorial Triathlon onJune 20th.  Held in and around the Madison Arm Resort onHebgen Lake, the mini-triathlon includes a 1000 meter swim, followed by a 13.1mile bicycle ride and concludes with 4.3 mile run. For more information, go to www.janetstriathlon.org

Thissummer brings two special events to the West Yellowstone area. This year marksthe 50^th anniversary of the Hebgen Lake Earthquake. During thesummer, take a driving tour along Hebgen and Quake Lake with stops that tellsthe story of that fateful night and see buildings demolished by the quake. The MadisonRiver Earthquake Visitor’s Center at the north end of Quake Lake featuresinterpretive scenes, information, and movies

FromAugust 14-17^th, there will be special activities commemorating thequake. Join survivors as they tell their stories around a campfire, joinspecial walking tours, geologicguest speakers, listen to smokejumper programs, meet rescue workers and theirfamilies, and attend a Memorial Service. For the latest information onactivities, join “Hebgen Lake Quake” on www.facebook.com.

Don’t miss the final summer of the painted Buffalo Herd in WestYellowstone, Montana... During the summer, follow the “Trail of the PaintedBuffalo” with trail maps available from local sponsors or the Visitor Center.Use the Treasure Trail map to find, explore and uncover the secrets of eachartist’s work and collect a few rewards from sponsors along the way.

The herd gathers one last time from August 20to 26^th, 2009 at the Yellowstone Historic Center and then moves tothe Grand Hall, at the Holiday Inn Conference Center. The herd will bedisplayed for viewing and silent bids on August 28^th and 29^thin conjunction with the annual West Yellowstone Regional Art Show in adjoiningHayden Hall.   Other events include theannual art show, public reception, Saturday morning pancake breakfast, and calfraffle. Silent bids are also being accepted throughout the summer at www.wyed.org