Things to do / Travel Guide
The culture of the Yellowstone region is defined as much by the present-day tourism boom as it is by the mountain men, Native Americans, ranchers, and miners that mark its rich past. With cattle nearly outnumbering people and tourists usually outnumbering locals there are many interesting cultural dynamics in place.
Wyoming, which hosts most of Yellowstone National Park and many of the Yellowstone area's attractions, is actually the least populous U.S. state. Montana, site of the other large slice of the region, is not far ahead, ranked as it is at 44th in state population with one of the lowest population densities in the country. It is all about wide-open spaces in these parts, and even the largest cities in the region (Billings, Cody, Jackson) can not compare to their eastern big-city counterparts. The arid climate and geography of the region have traditionally made this ranching country and, while tourism has largely tipped the balance in the last century, the cattle-raising business is still one of the biggest sources of income and regional economic drivers. The area isn't just full of those touristy “Old West” towns that embrace classic cowboy and rancher. There are plenty of genuine Old West type towns, easily reflected in the ranches that scatter the country side, the rodeos, and assorted old time rendezvous events.
Montana's Mining Legacy
The region's legacy of attracting gold/silver/copper rushes is not yet a closed chapter of history. The region's residents still rely on mining as a significant source of GDP. While the region's residents are primarily Caucasian, with individuals of Native American decent making up the largest minority (3 percent), mining-oriented communities such as Butte, Montana, actually have a wider range of ethnic groups. In particular, those of eastern European and Irish-American decent, as well as those who emigrated from British mining regions, still remain in Butte and other local historical mining towns. Montana's small Hispanic population is also concentrated around the Billings area.
Tourism in Yellowstone, Wyoming and Montana
Meanwhile, in many of Yellowstone's gateway towns the economy is entirely dependent on the tourism industry. Residents are reliant on hospitality – its services and spoils – to make a living. In towns like West Yellowstone the population grows threefold or more in the summer months, generally leaving the towns heavy with accommodations year round but not with residents. In the fall, locals head to the hills to hunt, and mining still takes place throughout the year.
Scenic Jackson – Playground for the Rich and Famous
Spurred by the creation of Grand Teton National Park and the development of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Jackson has seen continuous growth in the last 25 years, becoming an incredibly scenic and well-to-do playground for tourists and wealthy residents alike. Investors have built golf courses and hotels, and many millionaires and Hollywood stars have moved in. In fact, Teton County has the highest per capita income of any county in the U.S. ($70,000), and is quickly becoming referred to as the Wyoming version of Vail or Santa Fe. On summer days, more than 35,000 tourists flood the city which, despite development, is still one of the most beautiful natural charms in the region.
Cody, Wyoming
Coming in second place as a regional tourism hub, Cody, originally established as a center of tourism and agriculture, still retains its traditional role today. Oil, mining, and logging operations are important for the local economy, with tourism topping the city's agenda. Only Jackson is considered more prosperous. Right behind the city's top three employers (the hospital, school district, and WalMart), the next biggest employer in the town is a company that makes ear tags for livestock.
Environmental Preservation in Yellowstone Park and Grand Teton
Locals clearly embrace the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available in the region's national parks and wilderness areas, with preservation of the natural environment gaining greater attention on the political agenda. As the number of visitors to Yellowstone increases, many have voiced concern over the delicate area's preservation, suggesting limiting numbers to preserve the experience and protect the park. The eventual outcome that has emerged has been full of clashes and controversies, as developers, park officials, tourism operators, and local residents butt heads.
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