tdgiffin

I have dreamt of going to Yellowstone National Park since I was eight years old. I have decided it is time to fulfill this dream because you never know what the future will bring. the problem is the expense. No matter how I add it up, between airline fares, trying to RV it, etc. It adds up to more than I can afford. Indiana is just so far away. I have even considered going during the off-season but it is still too much.

My dream was to take all three of my kids. It has Taken so long that one of mine is already grown and out of the house, and another one will be out after this school year. I have one kid left. I am sad we were nit able to do it when
all three could go. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can make this happen before it is too late for my youngest two? Thank you!

boxerlady

Yellowstone is a wonderful place. The thermal features, the animals, the lake, the mountains. Start a "Yellowstone fund." Put some money aside each week. If you RV it, from Indiana it will take about 4 or 5 days to get out there. If you fly into Jackson, you can spend more of your vaction time there. I would suggest to stay in the Canyon area of Yellowstone, it is more towards the center of the park and gives you easier access to the rest of the park.

Annaquilts

How about tent camping? It is a lot cheaper then an RV. Some friends of us went during the summer with their mini van and 5 children (10-18 yrs). They took shifts driving from southern California.

boxerlady

Go in August. July is way too crowded. Still good weather in August. If you tent camp, take good sleeping bags or lots of blankets! Gets chilly at night.

Charlee

Fly in, and stay outside the park where the rates are going to be cheaper. Staying in Gardiner or West Yellowstone are also going to be expensive, but still cheaper than say the Old Faithful Lodge. Get a rental car and make the drive to the points that you want to see each day. Makes for a longer day, but it can be done. (I used to live in the Bozeman area, and managed to see almost all of Yellowstone just through day trips)
Another option is to camp in the park. Check the campgrounds out, there are some that are "hardside" campers only because of the bear activity, but there are those that will allow tents. The camping fees are MUCH less than motels, and add a bit of adventure to your trip, especially if you've never camped before! :)

Scissor Queen

Fly? RV? Drive out and camp. I just checked and it's about a 24 hour drive total. You can do that in two days and see several other things along the way. You could also see Mt. Rushmore and Devil's Tower.

Make sure you make reservations for a campsite if you go during the busy season.

nativetexan

and if you find you actually can't go=get a DVD on it. there are some lovely ones out there I'm sure. I love to watch travel shows on Italy, etc. I know i'll never go, so it's the next best thing.
good luck

littlehud

We took our three kids there and tent camped. It wasn't nearly as expensive. It was the only way we could afford it.

redkimba

Have you thought about checking into taking the Amtrak train? Just a quick search shows that they have a station at the Grand Canyon.

Marlys

I live about 6 hours from the Park and we take all of our company there. I drove to Akron, Ohio in 2 days last fall, so I know it can be done. We usually stay in West Yellowstone for about $100/night - you are not going to find anything much cheaper close to the park. I know people do it, but I would not camp in a tent in or near the park because of the bears. If you want to PM me, I can let you know where we stay and some of the ways we have made it a bit more affordable. I have also traveled out to MN & WI often so I know some of the nice, affordable places to stay along both the ND & SD routes. You definitely should do it if you can. It is worth the trip!