Yellowstone Offers Learning & Lodging Programs

Lodging & Learning packages combine in-field excursions with naturalist guides from the Yellowstone Association Institute, comfortable accommodations in park hotels, in-park transportation, some meals and optional evening programs. The guides are highly knowledgeable about the park and offer program participants the opportunity to experience Yellowstone from the perspective of someone who has immersed himself in the park and can share details beyond what is gained from a short visit.

"As these packages have steadily gained in popularity over the past five years, we have developed new programs and expanded our capacity," said Rick Hoeninghausen, director of sales and marketing for Xanterra Parks & Resorts, provider of concessionaire services. "As a result, we have availability in programs for both families and adults."

Introduced in 2000, the packages are designed for visitors who want to explore the park by day and stay in comfortable hotels at night. Each of packages focuses on a topic such as hiking, exploring the park as tourists did years ago, discovering the park as a family and watching wildlife.

Lodging & Learning Packages are offered year-round, and include a variety of programs for skiers, hikers, wildlife- and wolf-lovers and families. The summer programs run from May to October, and the winter programs from November to April. Some new packages offered this year are Autumn in Wonderland, Family Winter Holiday and Winter Rendezvous. The multi-day programs can be booked with a single telephone call.

Most Lodging & Learning programs are designed for a maximum of 12 people. Reservations for all packages can be made by calling 1-307-344-5566/5518, or Xanterra Parks & Resorts at (866) 439-7375. Online information is available at www.travelyellowstone.com and www.yellowstoneassociation.com.

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