At Hot Springs State Park, mineral hot springs flow over a colorful terrace every 24 hours; their temperature remains a constant 128 degrees Fahrenheit. The park’s history is also remarkable: Big Horn Hot Springs State Reserve became Wyoming’s first state park in 1897.

Springs, River, and Trails

The park offers different perspectives on its landscape. The Swinging Bridge crosses the Bighorn River and offers a view of the river and mineral terrace. For those who want to explore on foot, there are 6.2 miles of generally accessible hiking trails. Check trail distances and accessibility again before your trip; the bridge’s maintenance status may change.

The river is also part of the experience: anglers can fish in the Bighorn River from the park. Local rules and conditions may change. The Hot Springs State Park bison herd is the central bison herd of Wyoming State Parks. If you hope to see the bison, check locally for viewing conditions and safety information.

Thermopolis and Getting Around

Thermopolis lies in the Big Horn Basin in northwestern Wyoming, about 130 miles west of Casper and about 145 miles south of Yellowstone National Park’s east entrance. The Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway begins in Shoshoni at milepost 100, follows U.S. 20 through Wind River Canyon and the Wind River Indian Reservation, and ends north of Thermopolis at milepost 134. The drive takes about 40 minutes without stops; driving time and road conditions vary by season.

History at the Museum and Downtown

The Hot Springs County Museum preserves, displays, and interprets historic objects relating to the county’s history from the 19th to the early 20th century. Highlights include the Middleton School: the restored one-room schoolhouse dates to the early 1920s and contains wooden desks and a piano. It opened to the public in 1983.

An original bar at the museum was once visited by outlaws from the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, including Butch Cassidy. You can still see many historic buildings in downtown Thermopolis. The Downtown Thermopolis Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

The Pageant Gift of the Waters is a free performance featuring participation and dances by local Indigenous groups in front of the Big Spring. It was first performed there in October 1925. If you plan to attend, check the dates before your trip.

Fossils and Petroglyphs

The Wyoming Dinosaur Center offers different ways to experience fossil work. In the Shovel-Ready program, participants are taken to fossil dig sites and learn dinosaur bone excavation techniques through instruction and training. Paleo Prep is a hands-on experience where visitors learn about the detailed preparation of fossils. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center’s dig sites are no more than a 10-minute drive from the museum; access depends on the program. Check program dates, conditions, and availability in advance.

At Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site, a 1,312-foot-high rock wall bears more than 300 petroglyph figures across 92 prehistoric panels. Many of the figures belong to the regionally unique Dinwoody style. The site is 29 miles northwest of Thermopolis. The figures for the wall’s height, figures, and panels offer a concrete sense of this archaeological site and its distinctive visual language.

More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Thermopolis, Lincoln, Sheridan, Carbon, Natrona, Niobrara County, Converse County, Laramie.

For the main travel overview: Wyoming.