Thermopolis: Hot Springs, History and Nature

Thermopolis combines hot springs, unusual geological history and the character of a historic town. Hot Springs State Park defines the destination with impressive water volumes and trails suited to different daily itineraries. There are also museums, historic buildings, a golf course, dinosaur experiences and excursions in the surrounding area. Those looking for a vacation apartment or vacation home in Thermopolis can therefore choose their focus among thermal baths, culture, nature and active pursuits.

Hot Springs and Trails in Hot Springs State Park

Hot Springs State Park is a good starting point for getting to know Thermopolis's geothermal uniqueness. The park includes a free bathhouse whose water is maintained at 104 degrees Fahrenheit for therapeutic baths. More than 1.8 million gallons of water also flow across the park's terrace within 24 hours. The temperature remains constant at 128 degrees Fahrenheit. These figures make the scale of the hot springs immediately clear.

For exercise, Hot Springs State Park offers 6.2 miles of universally accessible hiking and walking trails. The T-Hill Trail was developed in 2019. This allows you to plan a bath at the bathhouse and a walk as separate parts of a day without having to limit yourself to just one type of Thermopolis experience. The park was declared Wyoming's first state park in 1897, combining a nature experience with regional history.

Thermopolis Between History and Dinosaurs

The downtown area is also worth exploring on its own. The Downtown Thermopolis Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Visitors can still see many historic buildings in the downtown area today. One notable detail is Broadway: The street was laid out 150 feet wide. Those interested in the town's history will find concrete traces of Thermopolis's development here rather than just a general historical backdrop.

The Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center displays an original bar once visited by outlaws from the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, including Butch Cassidy. The Old Town exhibit also includes a wooden boardwalk with historic storefronts and a jail. For a trip with children or multiple generations, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center offers a different way to access the past. The one-hour Dino De Tour leads to the Something Interesting quarry, which is reached by tour vehicle in 10 minutes.

People aged 3 and older can participate in the Wyoming Dinosaur Center's Dig-for-a-Day program regardless of their experience. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Reservations are required in advance, and a program fee is charged for each participant. These conditions should be taken into account when planning the day, especially if children of different ages are to take part in the activity.

Nature Experiences Around Thermopolis

Thermopolis Golf Course offers nine challenging holes. During a round, golfers may see deer, antelope and foxes. The Big Horn River is described as a "blue-ribbon trout stream" and is listed among Thermopolis's attractions. In the area around Wind River Canyon, local outfitters offer guided fishing trips, rafting and whitewater excursions. The range therefore extends from a round of golf with possible wildlife sightings to guided activities on and along the water.

The Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site is located 29 miles northwest of Thermopolis. It has a visitor center, interpretive trails and a picnic shelter. This excursion adds a special perspective on rock art and the landscape outside the town to the area's history. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you mainly want to explore the hot springs and downtown or also plan time for destinations in the surrounding area.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

A vacation apartment in Thermopolis suits a trip in which you want to organize your days flexibly between the park, museum, downtown and excursions. A vacation home can also be considered if you prefer a different type of accommodation when searching. What matters is not a general promise but your personal focus: the bathhouse and walking trails, historical exhibits, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, golf or guided activities at Wind River Canyon lead to different daily itineraries.

For the broader travel overview: Hot Springs County.