Old Faithful Geyser
Awaken your senses to the power of nature
Recognized by the National Geographic Society
One of only three faithful geysers on Earth
In its early days, the National Geographic Society named our geyser one of only three “faithful” geysers in the world — alongside Yellowstone and New Zealand’s Lady Knox — for the dependable rhythm of its eruptions. The geyser does the performing; you do the relaxing, on picnic lawns and bocce courts, among native gardens and heritage farm animals. No timed tour, no rush.
Bring your own picnic & wine
Our favorite way to spend the day
We’ve made it effortless. Bring a bottle of Napa Valley wine and a picnic — we’ll provide the wine glasses, utensils and napkins at our complimentary picnic station. Settle into a lounge, watch the geyser erupt, and enjoy the grounds at your own pace.
What you’ll find here
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The Geyser
One of only three faithful geysers in the world — erupting day and night against the Palisades.
Heritage Animal Farm
Tennessee fainting goats, four-horn sheep and gentle guard llamas, in a shaded grove.
Native & Culinary Gardens
California native plants around a turquoise mineral-water fountain, with Palisades views.
Picnic & Bocce Lawns
Spread out, roll a few rounds of bocce, and enjoy the complimentary picnic station.
Geology Museum
A live seismograph and hands-on exhibits on geysers, volcanoes and earthquakes.
Lounges & Market Plaza
Covered, comfortable seating built for watching the show — and a gift shop to browse.
Heritage animal farm
Meet the goats, sheep & llamas
A small, well-loved farm of rare and gentle breeds, in a shaded grove built for families:
- Tennessee Fainting Goats — when startled, their muscles briefly stiffen and they tip over unhurt. It’s an inherited trait, not a flaw — and a crowd favorite.
- Jacob’s Four-Horn Sheep — an ancient breed that can carry two to six horns, prized for its soft, characterful fleece.
- Guard Llamas — calm, watchful guardians who keep a quiet eye on the flock.
Real science, not spectacle
A natural wonder, studied by scientists
Geysers are rare — barely a thousand exist worldwide. Ours has drawn researchers from the Carnegie Institution, UC Berkeley and the U.S. Geological Survey, who study the way its rhythm shifts with the seasons and the hidden water table — quickening after the rains, easing through the dry months.
It’s even been studied as a possible natural forecaster: in 1992, Science reported that the geyser’s timing changed in the days before three major Northern California earthquakes — including Loma Prieta in 1989. No one calls it a crystal ball; scientists study it as a rare, living window into the forces moving beneath Napa Valley.
Just up the valley
Easy to reach, hard to leave
We’re in Calistoga, at the top of the Napa Valley — about two hours from the SF Bay Area, and an easy drive from Napa, Sonoma and Sacramento. Free parking. Open every day of the year.
For groups, schools & celebrations
Groups & schools
Self-guided, NGSS-friendly field trips with free bus parking, for groups of every size.
Request a visit →Private events
Corporate offsites, private evenings, parties and celebrations under the open Napa sky.
Inquire →Dog-friendly
Leashed dogs are always welcome — water and shade included. Bring the whole family, four legs and all.
Plan your visit →Plan your visit
1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515 · open daily, year-round. Free parking, picnic-friendly, dog-friendly, and easy to reach just north of downtown Calistoga.