National Parks are in the news a lot this summer. Renewed interest in visiting affordable, authentic places conjure up nostalgic images of the family in the station wagon and bear cubs looking for hand-outs. PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) recently announced that it will air the new Ken Burns documentary series, THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA'S BEST IDEA, in fall 2009. Yellowstone Park, the first National Park anywhere in the world, has three entrances in the state of Montana.

Much has changed since President Theodore Roosevelt visited Yellowstone National Park in 1903,  laying the cornerstone of the entry arch near Gardiner, Montana.  He found the uniqueness of Yellowstone a new symbol of democracy -- a land that belonged to all the people.  "The Yellowstone Park is something absolutely unique in the world...This Park was created and is now administered for the benefit and enjoyment of the people." The natural treasures in Yellowstone, the geysers, wildlife and vast open spaces are very much the same as they have been for millennia.

In recent years, the West Entrance has become the most visited entrance to Yellowstone National Park.  And it is just a short hour drive from the Yellowstone Conference Center at Big Sky, Montana.  Meeting groups can enjoy day trips into the world's first national park, enjoying the same scenery and wildlife that President Roosevelt embraced over 100 years ago.  The Yellowstone Conference Center was aptly named for its neighbor and the numerous breakout rooms reflect the great rivers and landmarks of the area: Lamar, Gibbon, Obsidian, Dunraven, Lake, and Canyon. The Missouri Ballroom is comprised of three tributaries of the Missouri River: the Gallatin, Madison and Jefferson. These waterways originate in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and together form one of the nation’s first exploratory channels.

When groups return to Big Sky they can get back to business refreshed, or continue the adventure with team building activities like Zipline tours and kayaking classes. Further educational opportunities are also available through the Big Sky Institute, part of Montana State University in nearby Bozeman, Montana.

Lodging is limited in Yellowstone, so the closest meeting and conference facilities are in Big Sky where a variety of accommodations from fine hotel rooms to spacious condominiums are all within walking distance of the meeting and banquet rooms.

To find out how your group can have a meaningful and memorable gathering that includes a visit to Yellowstone Park,  contact Brian Mordecai or Brian Stumpf and ask about FREE Yellowstone Park entrance fees for 2010 summer groups.