Native Decongestant

If you’ve driven to Yellowstone through the North Entrance, you’ve no doubt experienced the traffic congestion that afflicts the gateway community of Gardiner every summer. Over the next three years, however, major infrastructure enhancements will change that. Improved parking facilities, better pedestrian accessibility, and a general facelift to the area surrounding the entrance should improve the tourist experience, leading to more economic growth and community development. Gardiner is a town of only 900 year-round residents, many of whom depend on tourism for jobs. Just over $10 million for the improvements will come from the Federal Lands Access Fund, with Park County and the Park Service shouldering the rest of the financial burden. Many of the upgrades should be finished in time for the Park Service’s centennial in 2016.