Roosevelt Arch

Historical Site Historic stone arch marking Yellowstone's north entrance

The stone arch at Yellowstone’s north entrance in Gardiner, Montana; the Roosevelt Arch serves as a popular photo stop, bears a 1903 inscription, and marks access to Yellowstone National Park.

Main image

The Roosevelt Arch is a large masonry arch at the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Montana, erected in the early 20th century and dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt.

Constructed of local stone, the arch serves as a monumental gateway marking the park’s northern boundary and has a prominent carved dedication above the opening. It functions as a frequent photo stop for visitors entering or leaving the park via the north entrance.

The arch was completed and dedicated in 1903 during the early years of federal park development and has since been retained as a historic entrance feature associated with Yellowstone’s public access.

The structure stands at the park’s North Entrance adjacent to the town of Gardiner, Montana, just before the park’s boundary and visitor traffic station on the road into Yellowstone.

  • Inscription: The arch bears the carved dedication "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People," a phrase often cited in descriptions and on-site signage.
Roosevelt Arch
Roosevelt Arch, US Highway 89, Gardiner, MT 59030, United States
45.0295, -110.7087
Arch and surrounding area open year-round
Yellowstone park entrance fees apply (e.g., $35 per private vehicle for 7 days; check NPS for current rates)

How to Get to Roosevelt Arch #

The Roosevelt Arch stands at the North Entrance to Yellowstone on US‑89 at Gardiner, Montana. Gardiner is about a 45-60 minute drive from Bozeman, depending on route and conditions.

Tips for Visiting Roosevelt Arch #

  • Visit at sunrise for empty light and cooler temperatures; the arch looks best in soft morning sun.
  • Combine the stop with a short walk along the Yellowstone River in Gardiner to get different perspectives.
  • The arch is a popular photography spot; park on the wide pull-offs to avoid obstructing traffic.

Best Time to Visit Roosevelt Arch #

Summer provides full access and best weather; early morning visits avoid crowds and capture the arch in gentle light.

Summer
June-August · 5-25°C (41-77°F)
Best access and longest daylight; busiest season with more traffic at the North Entrance.
Autumn
September-October · -5-15°C (23-59°F)
Fewer tourists and crisp air; some Yellowstone roads begin to close as winter approaches.

Weather & Climate near Roosevelt Arch #

Climate

Roosevelt Arch's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 28°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
28°
Warmest Month
-12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-12° -1°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -10°C. The driest month with just 27 mm.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-10°

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3° 12°

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 63 mm of rain.

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
23°

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
28°

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
28°

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 15°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-11° -1°

Weather

33 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

Nearby Attractions to Roosevelt Arch