Hot Springs State Park

Soak, Stroll, and Explore Wyoming’s Natural Wonder

In the heart of Thermopolis, Wyoming a small town with a big name and even bigger views sits Hot Springs State Park, a place where nature’s power and peacefulness come together in spectacular fashion. Home to the world’s largest mineral hot spring, this unique park is an oasis of geothermal wonder, colorful terraces, wildlife, and quiet walking paths, all surrounded by the dramatic cliffs and canyons of the Wind River Basin.

Whether you’re passing through or planning a weekend getaway, Hot Springs State Park is well worth the stop — not just for the hot water, but for the full experience.

The World’s Largest Mineral Hot Spring

The park’s centerpiece is Big Spring, a massive thermal feature that pours over 3.6 million gallons of 135-degree water into the Bighorn River every day. As the mineral-rich water flows over the rock terraces, it leaves behind layers of vibrant orange, yellow, and white deposits — a living sculpture of color and texture that changes with the light and the seasons.

While the source itself is too hot for soaking, the park channels the water into public bath houses, including the State Bath House, where visitors can soak in free, 104-degree pools year-round. The water is naturally heated and believed to have therapeutic properties — a tradition that stretches back to Native American tribes who considered the springs sacred.

Soak and Stay Awhile

Whether you’re relaxing in the state-run facility or choosing one of the nearby private hot springs resorts like Hellie’s Tepee Pools or Star Plunge (currently closed to the public), there’s no better way to end a day of hiking or road tripping than with a long, hot soak surrounded by rocky bluffs and open sky.

Each facility offers something a little different from mineral tubs and steam rooms to waterslides and outdoor pools for the whole family. And with the mineral terraces just steps away, the view is always part of the experience.

More Than Just a Soak

Hot Springs State Park is more than just hot water it’s also a great place to walk, picnic, and spot wildlife. The park has well-maintained trails and boardwalks that wind along the terraces and riverbanks, offering up-close views of the steaming flows and mineral formations. There are peaceful gardens, scenic bridges, and benches tucked away for reading or relaxing.

Don’t miss the swinging suspension bridge over the Bighorn River a favorite for families and photographers or the bison herd that roams the north side of the park. Managed by the state, the herd has been part of the park since the early 1900s and adds a truly Western touch to the landscape.

A Place of History and Healing

Long before Thermopolis was founded, this area was a place of gathering and healing for Indigenous peoples, particularly the Shoshone and Arapaho. The hot springs were part of a sacred treaty, which promised that the waters would remain open and accessible to all a promise that lives on in the free bath house and public access throughout the park.

Interpretive signs throughout the park share this deep history, making a walk here not only scenic but meaningful.

Gateway to Adventure

Located just off Highway 20, Hot Springs State Park is the perfect stop on a broader Wyoming road trip. It’s only a short drive from the Wind River Canyon, Boysen Reservoir, and the Bighorn Mountains, making it an ideal basecamp or halfway point between Yellowstone and the high plains.

Whether you’re chasing trout on the Bighorn River, hiking in the canyonlands, or just looking for a peaceful retreat, Thermopolis offers a little bit of everything with Hot Springs State Park at its warm and welcoming heart.

Come for the soak, stay for the beauty. Whether you spend an hour or a weekend, Hot Springs State Park is a place to recharge your body, mind, and spirit in one of the most unique natural settings in the West.