Is there a McDonald's in Yellowstone National Park?

There is no McDonald’s inside Yellowstone National Park, and that’s entirely by design. The National Park Service and its concessionaires are deeply committed to preserving the park’s natural atmosphere and minimizing the footprint of modern commercial chains. Yellowstone, being the first national park in the world, was established to protect its unique geothermal features, wildlife, and wilderness — not to become a hub of fast food or urban convenience. Allowing chain restaurants like McDonald’s inside the park would compromise the park’s historical charm, ecological integrity, and visitor experience.

Quick Reference: McDonald’s in Yellowstone National Park

Category	Details
McDonald’s Inside Yellowstone	❌ None — No McDonald’s or any major fast-food chains are allowed inside the park.
Reason for No Fast Food Chains	To protect the park’s natural environment, limit commercialization, and maintain the wilderness experience.
Nearest McDonald’s Locations	✅ West Yellowstone, Montana (closest to West Entrance)  ✅ Gardiner, Montana (near North Entrance)  ✅ Cody, Wyoming (near East Entrance)  ✅ Jackson, Wyoming (near South Entrance)
Dining Inside the Park	Available at lodges, cafeterias, and general stores like Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria, Canyon Eatery, and Lake Hotel Dining Room.
Type of Food Inside the Park	Casual meals, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and picnic supplies — but no major fast-food brands.
Visitor Tip	If you prefer fast food, eat before entering the park or after exiting. Inside, enjoy locally made meals and scenic picnic spots.
Park Policy	The National Park Service prohibits large commercial chains to preserve Yellowstone’s natural and cultural heritage.

That said, travelers who crave a familiar taste of fast food aren’t completely out of luck. While there are no McDonald’s, Burger King, or Starbucks locations within the park boundaries, you can find them in nearby gateway towns such as West Yellowstone in Montana, Gardiner in Montana, Cody in Wyoming, and Jackson in Wyoming. The closest McDonald’s to Yellowstone’s west entrance is in West Yellowstone, just minutes outside the gate. It’s a popular stop for visitors coming in or heading out of the park, offering quick meals after a long day of sightseeing. Similarly, those entering from the south through Jackson Hole will find a McDonald’s and other fast-food options before driving north toward the park’s main road system.

Inside the park, dining options are more rustic and nature-focused. Yellowstone’s lodges, general stores, and cafeterias serve hearty meals, sandwiches, and comfort foods tailored for travelers exploring remote areas. Many of these dining spots, such as the Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria or Canyon Eatery, provide fast, casual meals that fill the gap between traditional fast food and local park dining. The menus are designed to be convenient yet environmentally conscious, avoiding the mass-produced model that comes with large chains.

This absence of big-brand eateries is also part of what makes Yellowstone such a rare and special experience. Visitors can truly disconnect from the commercial world and immerse themselves in nature’s rhythm — something that’s becoming increasingly difficult in today’s fast-paced, brand-saturated environment. The park’s focus remains on conservation, sustainability, and maintaining the tranquil wilderness that has captivated generations.

So, while you won’t find golden arches rising beside Old Faithful or a drive-thru overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, that’s precisely the point. Yellowstone invites you to slow down, savor a fresh cup of coffee from a lodge café, enjoy a picnic by a lake, and appreciate the park’s wild beauty without the distractions of the modern world. In a place built to protect nature rather than convenience, the lack of a McDonald’s isn’t an inconvenience — it’s a reminder of why Yellowstone remains one of the most authentic natural sanctuaries on earth.