Date: June 20, 2008
Contact: Al Nash, 307-344-2015

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

 

Yellowstone National Park

P.O. Box 168

Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

                 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 20, 2008              08-048

Al Nash (307) 344-2015

 

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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEWS RELEASE

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Yellowstone Moves 45th Parallel

 

Yellowstone’s 45th parallel sign, a popular tourist stop on the North Entrance Road, has been moved to a new location.  Image of sign

 

The 45th parallel is an imaginary line that circles the globe at the point halfway between the equator and the North Pole. This same line passes through Minneapolis-St. Paul; Ottawa, Canada; Venice, Italy; and the northern tip of the Japanese islands. In most of Yellowstone, it is slightly north of the Montana-Wyoming border.

 

For years, Yellowstone visitors have stopped on the road near the Boiling River parking area between Gardiner and Mammoth Hot Springs to have their picture taken with the landmark sign. The spot was so popular in the summer that vehicle and pedestrian congestion in the area became a safety issue. It prompted managers to look for an alternate location for the popular “photo op”.

 

Using GPS technology and keeping safety in mind, the sign has been moved nearly a mile north to a small parking area that will provide not only a much safer, but, as it turns out, also a more geographically accurate location. While placement on the exact site where the 45th crosses the road was not an option, it is now within approximately 1200 feet of the correct position.

 

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of the Montana/Wyoming state line does not follow the 45th parallel through the park. The “Entering Montana” and “Entering Wyoming” signs will stay in their current locations near the Boiling River parking area. Graphic of 45th parallel and MT/WY borders.

 

- www.nps.gov/yell -

 

 

Producers/Editors note: Publication quality versions of the digital images used in this news release are available upon request.