‘We Had To Get Out.’ Despite The Risks, Business Is Booming At National Parks

Enlarge this image


The north entrance of Yellowstone National Park is bustling during the coronavirus pandemic. In July, it saw more car traffic than it did during the same month last year.





Nathan Rott/NPR



hide caption



toggle caption


Nathan Rott/NPR





Enlarge this image


Some rafting companies outside of Yellowstone National Park are having record-breaking years despite the coronavirus pandemic. Owners are hoping it lasts.





Nathan Rott/NPR



hide caption



toggle caption


Nathan Rott/NPR





Enlarge this image


Bear statues at Yellowstone National Park’s headquarters wear masks to remind visitors to take precautions against the coronavirus. Masks, though, are not mandatory in the park.





Nathan Rott/NPR



hide caption



toggle caption


Nathan Rott/NPR





Enlarge this image


Signage urges people to stay six feet apart on a walkway at Yellowstone National Park’s Mammoth Hot Springs. But it’s difficult to maintain distancing on narrow trails.





Nathan Rott/NPR



hide caption



toggle caption


Nathan Rott/NPR





Enlarge this image


Richard Parks fills out a fishing license for a customer at his shop in Gardiner, Mont. After a slow start to the summer tourism season, he says, business is now booming.





Nathan Rott/NPR



hide caption



toggle caption


Nathan Rott/NPR





Enlarge this image


Masks are mandatory in Gardiner, Mont., but not in neighboring Yellowstone National Park.





Nathan Rott/NPR



hide caption



toggle caption


Nathan Rott/NPR




Masks are mandatory in Gardiner, Mont., but not in neighboring Yellowstone National Park.


Nathan Rott/NPR