You’ll see unique sights if you visit Hot Springs State Park in central Wyoming. Unlike other state parks in Wyoming, entrance to this park, located in the city of Thermopolis, is free. I’ve included a map of this day-use park at the end of this post.
History of the park
In 1897, Big Horn Hot Springs State Reserve became Wyoming’s first state park. The park, now called Hot Springs State Park, has always been famous for its therapeutic mineral hot springs.
On the iconic Monument Hill, you’ll see the words “World’s Largest Mineral Hot Springs” in large white letters.
Native peoples used the hot springs for healing purposes for hundreds of years. They believed its waters would make them invincible in battle.
Stateparks.com describes the park’s history in the following excerpt:
“Chief Washakie of the Shoshone tribe, who built a personal bath house there, and Chief Sharp Nose of the Arapaho tribe sold the hot springs to the United States in 1896 with the provision that a portion should be forever reserved for the use and benefit of the public. Today nothing is left of Washakie’s bathhouse, although a small marker may be found at the site. At Thermopolis, each year in early August the presentation of the springs to the white man is re-enacted in the ‘Gift of the Waters Pageant’.”
Hot Springs Pools
The state-run bath house in the park has free admission. The water temperature at Wyoming State Bath House is maintained at 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Two nearby commercial hot spring facilities, with inside and outside pools and waterslides, charge an entrance fee. Star Plunge was built in 1900 and has hosted many famous people, including Buffalo Bill Cody, Butch Cassidy, Marlon Brando, and Robert Redford. Hellie’s Teepee Pool’s iconic copper dome is a local landmark. They offer a 272-foot-long outdoor slide and a 162-foot indoor slide.
You can explore the park by car or by venturing out on the 6.2 miles of trails.
Hot Springs State Park offers opportunities for fishing, boating, Volksmarch, and group picnicking. Group picnic shelters require registration and a deposit.
This small park includes several unique features.
Unusual hot springs in the park
White Sulfur Springs, at the north end of the park, may not be as impressive as other thermal features, but it was interesting to see its white-colored water.
The Teepee Fountain is much more impressive. This cone-shaped feature, originally built to vent steam, is right next to the Best Western hotel where we stayed. It has accumulated more layers of color since our last visit to Thermopolis.
Hot Springs State Park Swinging Bridge
At the north end of the park, you can walk across a suspension bridge for unique views of the park’s attractions.
I walked by this winding hot spring-fed creek near the bridge. If you take a dog with you, as I did, make sure you have them in a harness and under good control. That water is HOT!
The original Swinging Bridge was constructed in 1916 and rebuilt in 1992. When you get to the other side, you’ll get a big surprise. Rainbow Terrace stretches along the shore of the Big Horn River. Over 8,000 gallons of water flow over the Terrace every day. The water temperature here measures 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hot Springs State Park Bison
The park maintains a herd of 24-27 bison. When we visited in early June, several calves grazed near the cows. Bison have inhabited the park since 1916. In the late fall and winter, they are fed daily supplements. Note, the park brochure reminds you to watch the bison only from inside your vehicle. They are wild animals who can run at speeds up to thirty-five mph.
Legend Rock Petroglyphs
Thirty miles northwest of Thermopolis, you can walk alongside a low cliff covered with hundreds of petroglyphs. Hot Springs State Park personnel manage this AMAZING petroglyph site. For more about Legend Rock, see my post about this impressive site.
Hot Springs State Park map
Amazing, thanks for sharing
Thank you, VJ! 🙂
Welcome
Thank you for sharing photos of your travels to hot springs in Thermopolis, WY.
Thanks, Ralph!
What an adventure of the Hot Springs State Park! Beautiful photos of the landscape, Bisons, Swinging Bridge, water… Thank you for sharing the history and explaining these unique features. Legend Rock Petroglyphs, Amazing!!!
Thank you, Amy! It’s not a huge park, but it has some amazing sights.
Unique indeed Siobhan! Like many other (I suspect) I’d not heard of this natural wonder. People (including me) always think of hot springs in Yellowstone but this park seems much more approachable with more varieties of nature to enjoy. Great choice for the week.
Thanks, Tina! I wrote this up a while ago but when I reviewed it this week, I found had used the word “unique” several times. Perfect for the challenge! This 1-mile square park is about 5 hours from Yellowstone. Lots to see around Thermopolis.
splendid.
free hot strings pool. how cool is that?
💫🌿✨🦎☀️💖☮️⚛️♾️🦀🐉🙏🏻😌🙋♂️
Yeah, that’s part of the agreement with the local tribe. It’s nice to share! 😀
Wow. Fascinating tour! I see it’s a 6 hour drive from me. I must try it sometime. We did Thanksgiving in Glenwood Springs, CO and dipped in the local hot springs twice. Great soothing fun.
Thanks, John! Yeah, there are several attractions nearby. A dip in a good hot spring is good for the body and soul. 😁
Siobhan, what a beautiful park! There is so much to do and see there. Your photos are beautiful. Thanks for sharing this gallery.
Thank you, Egidio! Lots to see in a relatively small park.
These are marvelous photos, and thank you for sharing this fascinating history!
Thank you! It has an interesting history.
Wow, what a beautiful and unique park!
Yeah, there’s a lot to see there! 🙂
What a lovely place!
Yes, it’s like a hidden gem. 🙂
That looks like an amazing place to visit! I like the sound of the hot springs, the teepee fountain is fascinating and I always love to see petroglyphs 🙂
Thanks, Sarah! The Teepee Fountain is impressive and I didn’t know it was built to vent steam. Then nature took over, coating it with colorful deposits. The petroglyphs, shared in a previous post, were the most impressive collection we’ve seen. 😀
Interesting, and I hadn’t heard of it either. You always gift us with a thorough look at place you visit Siobhan. I love the landscapes you shared. Colorful and lush. Unique place indeed.
Thanks, Donna! Thermopolis is a small place with a lot to do in the city and nearby. 🙂
Those are usually the best. Less crowds.
Agreed!
Siobhan, thanks for introducing me to this unique park. I had never heard of it. Your images are terrific.
You are welcome, Anne! Glad to serve as your guide. 🙂
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