Obsidian Cliff Kiosk

Obsidian Cliff Kiosk is a small wooden building with rustic design that sits along Yellowstone's Grand Loop Road near where the volcanic glass deposit meets the roadside. The structure houses displays and information panels about the geological formation and the materials found there.

The kiosk was built in 1931 by the National Park Service as the first interpretive wayside exhibit in any U.S. national park. This structure represented an early effort to help visitors understand geological and archaeological significance through on-site education.

The kiosk displays explain how Obsidian Cliff became a place where Native Americans obtained volcanic glass for making sharp tools and weapons. Trade networks carried this material across the continent, showing how this site connected distant communities.

The kiosk is positioned along the Grand Loop Road between Mammoth and Norris, making it accessible to drive-by visitors who want to stop and learn. The informational panels are viewable year-round when the road is open and offer quick explanations for those with limited time.

The structure earned recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 for its pioneering role in public education within national parks. This unusual honor acknowledged how a simple building helped establish a new tradition of explaining natural places to visitors.

Location: Park County

Inception: 1931

Architects: National Park Service

Architectural style: rustic architecture

GPS coordinates: 44.82398,-110.72924

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:24