Hot Springs State Park

State: Wyoming. Type: state park in Thermopolis, Hot Springs County. Land ceded to the state in 1897, becoming Wyoming's first state park (originally Big Horn Hot Springs State Reserve), following a 1896 federal purchase of 100 square miles from the Eastern Shoshone for $60,000. Park size: 1,108.67 acres, elevation 4,354 feet. Free state-run Bath House with mineral water at a therapeutic 104°F. Day-use only -- no overnight camping.

Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis preserves one of Wyoming's most distinctive natural features: mineral hot springs flowing over colorful travertine terraces along the Big Horn River at a constant 135°F, delivering more than 18,000 gallons of water every 24 hours. The land was acquired by the federal government from the Eastern Shoshone in 1896 for $60,000 and ceded to the new state of Wyoming in 1897, making this Wyoming's first state park, originally known as the Big Horn Hot Springs State Reserve. Today the park's free State Bath House moderates the spring water down to a therapeutic 104°F for public soaking, while the surrounding grounds offer more than six miles of accessible trails, a suspension footbridge over the Big Horn River, picnic shelters, and a small bison herd that has been maintained since 1916. The park's mix of natural mineral springs, Shoshone history, and free public bathing makes it one of the more unusual state parks in the country.

The park is at 51 US Highway 20 North, Thermopolis, WY 82443, in Hot Springs County, central Wyoming, along the Big Horn River, at an elevation of 4,354 feet.

Thermopolis sits in Wyoming's high desert basin country; specific temperature averages were not confirmed on the sources checked, though the park's grounds and Bath House remain open year-round, including winter, suggesting a climate manageable for visits in most seasons.

Because the Bath House and springs operate year-round (closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), the park can be visited in any season; summer likely offers the fullest range of outdoor activities such as the boat ramp and picnic areas, given the park's day-use recreational facilities.

In 1896, U.S. Inspector James McLaughlin negotiated the purchase of a roughly 100-square-mile portion of the Wind River Indian Reservation from the Eastern Shoshone for $60,000, an area encompassing the hot springs. The land was released to the new state of Wyoming in 1897, forming the Big Horn Hot Springs State Reserve, Wyoming's first state park. A bison herd was established at the park in 1916 and has since been maintained at around 15 animals. The park today includes the petroglyph site at Legend Rock, roughly 25 miles away, tying the site to a longer regional Native American history.

The free State Bath House lets visitors soak in mineral water moderated to 104°F. More than six miles of ADA-accessible trails wind through the park, including a route across a suspension footbridge over the Big Horn River. Fishing and boating are available via the park's boat ramp and docks, and visitors can view the on-site bison herd. Commercial swimming/waterpark facilities also operate within the park's grounds under separate management.

The State Bath House is the park's centerpiece, alongside the travertine mineral terraces that give the park its distinctive look. The suspension footbridge over the Big Horn River, the bison pasture (herd established 1916), and the nearby Legend Rock petroglyph site (about 25 miles away) round out the park's key features.

The park sits directly on US Highway 20 North in Thermopolis, Hot Springs County, central Wyoming, making it straightforward to reach by car via that highway.

Grounds are open daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., year-round. The State Bath House is open Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday noon-5:30 p.m. (winter hours); it is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day but open on other holidays, noon-5:30 p.m. in summer, per park information.

The park is free to enter as a day-use park, and the State Bath House itself is free. Separate commercial facilities within the park (such as waterpark attractions) may charge their own fees; specific commercial ticket prices were not confirmed on the sources checked.

A visit of one to a few hours covers the Bath House soak, a walk on the trail/footbridge, and a look at the bison herd; longer stays are possible if combining fishing, boating, or a side trip to Legend Rock (about 25 miles away).

The park is day-use only with no overnight camping on-site; the town of Thermopolis, directly adjacent, offers motels and other lodging options, per park information, though specific property names were not confirmed on the sources checked.

Thermopolis, immediately adjacent to the park, offers dining options as the local town; specific restaurant names were not confirmed on the sources checked.

Legend Rock petroglyph site is about 25 miles from the park. The town of Thermopolis itself, built around the hot springs, offers additional local attractions.

No nearby commercial airport was confirmed on the sources checked; the park is reached by personal or rental vehicle via US Highway 20.

The natural spring water itself flows at 135°F, too hot for direct bathing -- only the moderated 104°F Bath House water is safe for public soaking, so do not enter the natural terraces or spring outflow directly. The park's trails and footbridge should be used with normal outdoor caution near the Big Horn River. For any emergency, dial 911.

A swimsuit and towel for the free Bath House, comfortable footwear for the accessible trail network, and a camera for the travertine terrace formations.

The Bath House is free, so it's an easy stop even for a short visit to Thermopolis. Check ahead if visiting on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, since the Bath House is closed then (though the grounds and some holiday hours otherwise apply). Combine a stop with the Legend Rock petroglyph site, about 25 miles away, for a fuller day of regional history.

Dial 911 for any emergency. For park information, call 307-864-2176.

Hot Springs State Park (Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails) - https://wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/places-to-go/hot-springs

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.