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Upper Plains: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota

A colorful sunrise highlights the fall foliage along the West Boulder River Valley in south- central Montana.

extremely powerful eruptions (usually millions of years apart). Visitors come to Yellowstone to observe the many natural features classified as volcanic activity, such as steam vents, mud pots, hot springs, and the geysers. The most famous of these is Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts about every 91 minutes, spraying boiling water and steam 145 feet (44 m) into the sky. Some of the state’s larger lakes are located in southeastern Montana. Lake McDonald, Flathead Lake, and Red Rock Lakes are located in this part of the state. Also running through southeastern Montana is the Missouri

ern Montana. Herds of pronghorn live off of the lush vegetation on the east- ern plains. Bison herds once stretched for miles across Montana’s plains; today, these creatures live in protected areas like the National Bison Range in Flathead Valley. Yellowstone National Park was the world’s first national park. Yellowstone extends beyond Montana’s borders into Wyoming and Idaho. It covers 3,468 square miles (8,983 sq km). Yellowstone is famous for its volcanic activity and hot geysers. Much of the park itself covers a caldera, or low- level volcano that is capable of