Discover Why Wyoming’s Most Laid-Back Town Is A Local Favorite
Thermopolis sits quietly in Hot Springs County, Wyoming, where geothermal waters have bubbled up from deep underground for thousands of years.
With a population just over 2,700, this small town offers something rare: a place where natural wonders meet genuine Western hospitality without the crowds or commercialization.
Locals and visitors alike appreciate its unhurried pace, free hot springs, and dinosaur fossils that tell stories millions of years old.
Soak In The Natural Healing Powers Of Thermopolis’ Hot Springs
Mineral-rich waters emerge from the earth at temperatures reaching 135 degrees Fahrenheit, cooled just enough for comfortable bathing.
The Greeks would have called this place “hot city,” and that translation gave Thermopolis its name.
Geothermal activity beneath the Bighorn Basin heats these springs, infusing them with minerals like calcium, sulfate, and sodium.
Many believe regular soaking eases joint pain, improves circulation, and relaxes tired muscles after long days exploring Wyoming’s rugged terrain.
Several facilities offer access to these therapeutic waters, each with unique features and temperature zones for different preferences.
A Peaceful Getaway With Scenic Views At Hot Springs State Park
Hot Springs State Park sprawls across 810 acres along the Bighorn River, where rainbow-hued mineral terraces cascade down hillsides like frozen waterfalls.
Bison graze peacefully in dedicated pastures, reminding visitors of Wyoming’s wild heritage.
Walking trails wind through the park, leading to overlooks where the Bighorn Mountains frame distant horizons.
Swinging Bridge sways gently as you cross the river, offering views upstream and down.
Located at the heart of Thermopolis at 220 Park Street, this state park requires no entrance fee and welcomes families year-round for picnics and photography.
Reconnect With Nature: Hiking, Fishing, and Outdoor Fun in Thermopolis
Thermopolis offers a rare opportunity to connect with nature through its state-run bathhouse, where visitors can soak in natural hot springs for free.
When the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes ceded the hot springs to the federal government in 1896, they made sure a portion would always remain open to the public at no cost.
Today, the State Bath House within Hot Springs State Park honors that promise, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxing 20-minute soak without paying a dime.
While reservations are recommended during peak times, walk-ins are welcome when space allows, making it a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the healing waters that have attracted visitors for centuries.
Explore Wyoming’s Rich Dinosaur History At The Wyoming Dinosaur Center
Few places let you stand beside a full Allosaurus skeleton or watch paleontologists prepare real fossils from ancient rock.
The Wyoming Dinosaur Center houses one of the most impressive collections of Jurassic-period specimens in North America, with dozens of mounted skeletons and thousands of cataloged fossils.
Located at 110 Carter Ranch Road, the facility sits near active dig sites where new discoveries happen regularly.
Guided tours take visitors into the field during summer months, offering hands-on experiences that most museums cannot provide.
Children and adults alike leave with deeper appreciation for the creatures that roamed this landscape 150 million years ago.
Wind River Canyon: Nature’s Majestic Beauty On Your Doorstep
Highway 20 cuts through Wind River Canyon just south of Thermopolis, following the river as it carves between walls of ancient rock.
Layers of stone reveal two billion years of geological history, from Precambrian granite to Paleozoic limestone, each stratum telling its own story.
Bighorn sheep cling to impossibly steep slopes while eagles circle overhead, riding thermals that rise from the canyon floor.
Turnouts along the highway provide safe spots to stop, photograph, and simply absorb the scale of this natural wonder.
The drive takes about thirty minutes, but most visitors linger much longer.
Thermopolis: A Hidden Gem For Local Art And Culture
Small towns often surprise visitors with unexpected cultural depth, and Thermopolis proves no exception.
Local galleries showcase Western art, from landscape paintings capturing the Bighorn Basin’s stark beauty to sculptures celebrating ranching heritage.
The Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center preserves regional history through exhibits on Native American culture, early settlement, and the petroleum industry that shaped local economy.
Artifacts range from prehistoric tools to vintage farming equipment, each piece connecting present to past.
Community events throughout the year bring residents together for concerts, craft fairs, and celebrations that welcome outsiders with genuine warmth.
Experience Authentic Wyoming At The Thermopolis Rodeo
Rodeo remains a living tradition here, not a tourist show.
During summer weekends, cowboys and cowgirls compete in events their grandparents would recognize—bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and bronc busting.
The crowd knows many competitors by name, cheering for local favorites while respecting skilled riders from neighboring towns.
Dust rises from the arena as horses thunder past, and the announcer’s voice carries across bleachers filled with families who have attended for generations.
Tickets cost less than a movie, and the experience feels more authentic than any theme park could manufacture.
A Food Lover’s Paradise: Dine At Locally Loved Spots In Thermopolis
Restaurants here serve straightforward American fare prepared well, without pretension or inflated prices.
Breakfast arrives hot and generous, with eggs, bacon, and hash browns that fuel morning adventures.
Local favorites include cafes where ranchers gather for coffee and conversation, steakhouses serving beef raised on nearby ranches, and family-owned establishments that have fed the community for decades.
Portions reflect Wyoming’s working culture—substantial and satisfying.
Visitors seeking trendy fusion cuisine or molecular gastronomy should look elsewhere, but those appreciating honest food prepared with care will find plenty to enjoy across Thermopolis’ dining scene.