Hot Springs State Park - Thermopolis, Wyoming
(Photos by David Miller, Rob Gilchrist, Ernie Blackenship, and Brian Childress)
Hot Springs State Park is a public recreation area in Thermopolis, Wyoming, known for its hot springs, which flow at a constant temperature of 135° Fahrenheit. The state park offers free bathing at the State Bath House, where temperatures are moderated to a therapeutic 104 °F. The petroglyph site at Legend Rock, some 25 miles away, is also part of the park. The park is managed by the Wyoming Division of State Parks and Historic Sites.
The land on which the state park sits was a cession agreement, and the ceded portion was purchased from the Eastern Shoshone by the federal government in 1896, when Indian Inspector James McLaughlin negotiated a purchase price of $60,000 for a 100-square-mile portion of the Shoshone reservation. A square-mile section of that land was released to the state in 1897 which became Wyoming's first state park, known as Big Horn Hot Springs State Reserve.
Coversations/Things we learned:
Legend has it the hot springs and minerals in the water provide healing powers for the human body. Simply soaking in the mineral hot springs is naturally detoxifying and a gentle remedy for skin ailments including acne, eczema and psoriasis. In addition to the mineral content of the water, the heat of the hot springs water is also beneficial and helps to alleviate the sensation of pain.
There was no cost for soaking in the hot springs but because of the heat of the water and concern of dehydration, the park sets a time limit of approximately 20 minutes. The park also provides free lockers and showers. After soaking in the hot springs, there was a spectacular boardwalk which allows you to walk over the hot springs and tour the state park and nearby Bighorn River.
If you visit Wyoming, we highly recommend you visit this location.
Contact Information:
220 Park Street
Thermopolis, WY 82443
Phone: (307) 864-2176
Website:
https://wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/places-to-go/hot-springs
Gallery of photos: