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Wyoming’s Wildest Wonders: The Best & Most Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Thermopolis

Thermopolis is a cheap place to stop breathing hard. Hot Springs State Park charges nothing to walk into, which is the whole reason people drive well out of their way to get here. Water comes out of the ground at a temperature you did not choose and cannot argue with, so you sit in it and let the day go. Dinosaur bones, a canyon and a trout river fill the hours around the soak. Budget the gas, not the entry fees.

Put Thermopolis, Wyoming on the list for your next vacation. The town sits in the scenic Big Horn Basin with sizzling hot springs running under it, a deep past behind it and open country in every direction. Families, friends and solo travelers all find the days fill themselves. This is a Western gem that does not have to try very hard.

Relaxation starts at the hot springs, where mineral-rich waters arrive from deep in the earth at a temperature nobody has to adjust. History sits next door at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, where prehistoric fossils are close enough to study and the area’s paleontological past is laid out plainly. Outdoors, Thermopolis covers hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting and rock climbing without much of a drive between them.

Whatever you came for, Thermopolis delivers it. Pack your bags, bring a sense of adventure, and go and explore this corner of Wyoming for yourself.

Key Takeaways

• Thermopolis, Wyoming is a charming town that offers something for everyone, from sizzling hot springs to outdoor adventures.
• The Wyoming Dinosaur Center is a must-visit for anyone interested in paleontology and prehistoric fossils.
• Whether you’re looking to unwind or get your adrenaline pumping, Thermopolis has plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

Sizzling Hot Springs

Relaxation is the point of the hot springs in Thermopolis, and the town has never pretended otherwise. Several pools are open to visitors, all fed by mineral-rich waters, and an afternoon in any of them does what it says on the label.

Hot Springs State Park

Hot Springs State Park is the anchor of any Thermopolis visit. The famous Big Spring at its center is the headwaters for each of the four hot mineral pools in the park, and while nobody soaks in the spring itself, every pool it feeds is open to you. The healing properties of the mineral-rich water are what brought people here in the first place.

Star Plunge

Star Plunge is the version families choose. Indoor and outdoor pools run off the Big Spring, carrying at least 27 different minerals in the water, and the rest of the fun center covers multiple water slides, the vapor cave, sun decks, a game room and a gift shop. Nobody in the group runs out of things to do.

Mineral Hot Spring

The Mineral Hot Spring is the secluded alternative. It sits just outside Thermopolis, a natural hot spring pool with open scenery around it and no crowd attached, which makes it the place to end a long day of exploring rather than start one.

Whichever hot springs you pick, bring a towel, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water. A selfie afterwards is the standard way to prove how thoroughly you switched off.

Dive into History

History is the other half of Thermopolis, and there is more of it than a town this size has any right to hold. These are the places a history buff should start:

Wyoming Dinosaur Center

The Wyoming Dinosaur Center is non-negotiable in Thermopolis. The collection of fossils and bones runs deep, a rare Archaeopteryx specimen included, and the prep lab lets you watch paleontologists working through material in real time. It is like the set of Jurassic Park with far less danger and considerably more science.

Hot Springs County Museum

The Hot Springs County Museum covers how the area came to be what it is. Exhibits run from Native American artifacts through the early settlers who made Thermopolis home, showing how people lived in the past and which events shaped the town. The historic building housing all of it repays a visit on its own.

Historic Walking Areas

Walking is the other way to take the history in. Downtown Thermopolis rewards a slow stroll past its historic architecture, and the Cowboy Carousel, a restored antique carousel that has been turning here since the 1930s, is the stop where the walk stops feeling like a walk.

Thermopolis holds a lot of past for a small town, and the places above are only the entry points. Fossils, architecture or a plain wander through it, there is a version for everyone. Put your walking shoes on and go.

Outdoor Adventures

Outdoor adventure in Thermopolis is the easy part. Wind River Canyon sits on one side and Big Horn River on the other, which covers the thrill-seeker and the patient angler on the same trip. These are the outdoor adventures worth planning around:

Wind River Canyon

Wind River Canyon works at both speeds. A whitewater rafting trip runs you through the rapids and the canyon walls at pace, while a leisurely hike gives you the same scenery with time to look at it. Either way the day sticks.

Big Horn River Fishing

Avid anglers head straight for Big Horn River. Brown and rainbow trout run in numbers here, which is why the river draws fishing enthusiasts from well outside the county, and beginners land fish alongside experienced hands often enough. Bring your fishing gear and some patience.

Off-Road Tours

An off-road tour is the unique way to explore Thermopolis. A side-by-side ATV or UTV takes you across rugged terrain the road never touches, with scenery on one side and an adrenaline rush on the other. A guide handles the navigation, so getting lost is not part of the deal.

Fishing trip or whitewater rafting adventure, Thermopolis has both waiting. Get out there and use the great outdoors.

Foodie Favourites

Hungry in Thermopolis? The eating here punches well above the population count. These are the plates and cups worth going out of your way for.

Downtown Delights

Downtown Thermopolis is where the good food concentrates. The range is wider than a town this size suggests, which makes choosing the hard part. These are the downtown delights:

• One Eyed Buffalo Brewery: If you’re a beer lover, then this brewery is a must-visit. With a variety of craft beers on tap, you can’t go wrong. Don’t forget to try their wood-fired pizzas.
• The Safari Club: This restaurant is a hidden gem in downtown Thermopolis. With a unique African-themed decor and a menu that features exotic meats like elk and bison, you’re in for a treat.
• The Front Porch: Looking for some comfort food? Look no further than The Front Porch. From burgers to sandwiches, their menu has something for everyone.

Burger Joints

A good burger is never a bad decision. Thermopolis takes them seriously and has the options to prove it. These are the burger joints in town:

• P6 Station Stonefired Pizza: Don’t let the name fool you, this place also serves up some of the best burgers in town. Their burgers are made with locally sourced beef and come with a variety of toppings to choose from.
• Burger Barn: This family-owned restaurant is a local favourite. Their burgers are made with fresh ingredients and come with a side of homemade fries.
• The One Eyed Buffalo Brewery: Not only does this brewery serve up great beer, but their burgers are also a must-try. Made with locally sourced beef and served on a homemade bun, you won’t be disappointed.

Coffee Shop Corner

Caffeine is well covered in Thermopolis. The coffee shops here handle both the morning start and the mid-afternoon rescue. These are the ones to know:

• The Owl Creek Coffee Company: This cozy coffee shop is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. Their menu features a variety of coffee drinks and pastries.
• The Safari Club: Not only does this restaurant serve up exotic meats, but they also have a great coffee menu. Their lattes are a must-try.
• The Front Porch: Looking for a quick pick-me-up? The Front Porch has a great selection of coffee drinks to choose from.

Two rules make a Thermopolis trip work, and the first one is not negotiable. Soak before you sightsee. The mineral water resets whatever the long drive did to your shoulders, and every other thing on the list lands better once that is done. Then take the rest of it in whatever order the weather happens to hand you. Fossils in the morning, canyon in the afternoon, trout river at dusk. Nothing here needs a reservation in advance and nothing here rewards hurrying through it.

Local Events & Festivities

Timing a Thermopolis trip around an event changes the whole shape of it. The town runs several every year, and each pulls people in from well beyond the county line. These are the local events and festivities worth planning for:

Big Horn Basin Folk Festival

The Big Horn Basin Folk Festival is the one for music. It lands every August and brings folk musicians in from around the country, with live music, food and crafts from local artisans filling out the rest. Hot Springs State Park hosts it, so a dip in the mineral hot springs is available between acts.

Gift of the Waters Pageant

The Gift of the Waters Pageant runs every summer in Thermopolis and earns its place on any itinerary. The outdoor theatrical performance tells the story of how the mineral hot springs were discovered and how the area grew from there, with live actors, dancers and horses working a stage built on the edge of the Big Horn River. It is not a thing you forget.

PRCA Rodeo

The PRCA Rodeo brings the wild west out in July. Rodeo performers arrive from around the country for bull riding, barrel racing and the rest of the card, and the food vendors and side activities keep everyone who is not watching occupied.

Folk music, theater or rodeo, Thermopolis runs a version of your thing. Check the dates before you book.

Unique Shopping Experience

Thermopolis is a small town, and the shopping is better than that fact suggests. Gift shops, bookstores and leather and fur stores between them cover souvenirs, reading and things you will actually wear.

Gift Shops

Souvenir hunting in Thermopolis starts with the gift shops. The Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center Gift Shop carries books, jewelry and other items tied to local history and culture, and the Painted Buffalo Gift Shop stocks authentic Native American crafts and jewelry.

Book Stores

Book lovers are looked after in Thermopolis too. The Wind City Books is the cozy option with a collection of new and used books, and the Hot Springs County Library covers anyone who would rather borrow than buy.

Leather & Fur Shops

Leather is a Thermopolis specialty. The Wyoming Leather Company carries jackets, belts and wallets, and the Teton Leather Company handles the high-quality end of the same category.

The Best of the West Fur and Leather Shop is the address for furs. Coyote, fox and beaver are all in stock, and custom-made fur hats and accessories can be ordered to fit.

Thermopolis is a small town with a big heart for retail. Gift shops through to leather and fur stores, the whole range is here. Grab your wallet and give it an afternoon.

Where to Stay

Somewhere to rest your head in Thermopolis comes down to how rustic you want the night to be. The town covers both the luxurious end and the canvas end without much of a gap in between.

Hotels in Thermopolis

Hotels in Thermopolis run from budget-friendly through to more upscale accommodations, and all of them sit close enough to the springs to walk. Comfort and convenience are the main selling points here.

• The Paintbrush Inn: This charming hotel is located just a few minutes from Hot Springs State Park and offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
• Rainbow Motel: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Rainbow Motel is a great choice. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
• Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel: For a more upscale experience, the Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel is a great choice. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the hotel offers a range of amenities, including a fitness center and indoor pool.

Camping in Thermopolis

Camping is the rustic answer in Thermopolis. Several campgrounds are within reach, which puts you outdoors for the night and still inside range of everything the town offers by day.

• Hot Springs State Park Campground: This campground is located within Hot Springs State Park and offers a range of camping options, from tent sites to RV hookups. With easy access to the park’s hot springs and other attractions, it’s a great choice for nature lovers.
• Boysen State Park: If you’re looking for a more secluded camping experience, Boysen State Park is a great choice. Located about 30 miles from Thermopolis, the park offers camping along the shores of Boysen Reservoir, as well as hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Wherever you end up staying in Thermopolis, the town does the rest of the work. Exploring this charming place is easy from any bed here.

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Timing matters more than it looks in Thermopolis. The hot springs run as a year-round attraction, but some activities and tours go quiet in certain months. The summer months of May through August are the peak tourist season, with warmer temperatures, longer days, larger crowds and higher prices attached. April and September are the shoulder seasons, quieter on every count, with the trade-off that some attractions run limited hours.

Creating Your Itinerary

An itinerary for Thermopolis can get away from you quickly. Read reviews of the popular attractions and tours first, since other people’s experiences tell you what to prioritize and what might be worth skipping. Factor in travel time between attractions as well, particularly if you plan to fit several sites into the same afternoon.

Tight budgets do fine here. Hiking in Hot Springs State Park and walking out to the petroglyphs at Legend Rock are both free activities. If you would rather splurge, soaking in the mineral hot springs or trying on a buffalo coat at Merlin’s Hideout are the ways to do it.

Book ahead where booking is possible. Prices and availability move in peak season, and some tours require reservations well in advance. Leave gaps in the schedule too, because the unexpected detours tend to be the ones you talk about afterwards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the hot springs in Thermopolis really hot enough to cook an egg?

Cooking an egg in the hot springs of Thermopolis is a tempting idea and a genuinely poor one. Disturbing the natural environment is illegal, and the water reaches temperatures of up to 135 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause serious burns. Leave breakfast alone and enjoy the springs for what they are.

What’s the best way to avoid getting trampled by a dinosaur at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center?

Nothing at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center is going to trample you. The dinosaur fossils on display rank with any collection in the world, and every animal they came from went extinct a very long time ago. Watch where you are going anyway if you are the tripping sort.

Is it true that the Thermopolis-Hot Springs are so relaxing that you’ll forget your own name?

Forgetting your own name is not guaranteed, but the hot springs in Thermopolis come close enough for many people. The warm, mineral-rich water carries a reputation for therapeutic properties, and visitors regularly report feeling completely rejuvenated after a soak. Rest and relaxation is exactly what these springs are for.

What’s the weirdest Airbnb you can find in Thermopolis, Wyoming?

The weirdest Airbnb in Thermopolis is not a title we can award with confidence. What we can say is that the quirky end is well represented, from cozy cabins through to vintage trailers. Anyone after a one-of-a-kind experience should scroll the Airbnb listings properly.

Can you survive the Outlaw Trail ride in Thermopolis, Wyoming or will you end up in the hoosegow?

The Outlaw Trail ride out of Thermopolis is a thrilling way to see the Wyoming backcountry. It gets a little bumpy in places, but the ride itself is perfectly safe and the hoosegow is not on the itinerary. Sit back and let the horse do the thinking.

Frequently asked questions about Thermopolis, Wyoming

When is Hot Springs State Park quietest?

April and September. The peak season runs May through August when the days stretch long and the temperatures behave, which also means bigger crowds and higher room rates across town. Shoulder season trades some opening hours for water you can more or less have to yourself. The pools themselves stay hot regardless of what the calendar happens to say. Wyoming winters keep the springs running steadily while everything else in town slows right down.

Which season suits Wind River Canyon rafting?

Late spring into summer. Snowmelt pushes the flow through Wind River Canyon hardest in early season, which makes the rapids bigger and the trip shorter than the same run in August. Outfitters generally start their schedules once the road conditions settle for the year. By the middle of summer the water drops to something families can comfortably handle together. Fall closes the commercial runs down but leaves the canyon drive itself wide open.

Is the Wyoming Dinosaur Center a rainy-day option?

Yes, and comfortably so. The prep lab keeps paleontologists working behind glass on working days, so the visit gives you something in motion rather than just cases of old bone. Rain outside makes no difference at all to any of what happens indoors. The Archaeopteryx specimen alone justifies the ticket for anyone who reads about fossils at all. Summer brings the dig-site trips, and those need the weather to cooperate first.

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