Star Plunge Buyout Could Be Turning Point for Thermopolis’ Iconic Hot Springs Attraction

For more than a year, one of Thermopolis’ most iconic attractions has sat closed behind an ongoing legal and political dispute. But a proposed $3 million state buyout could finally reopen the door for the historic Star Plunge and Hot Springs Hotel, potentially ending decades of conflict and restoring a major piece of Wyoming tourism infrastructure.

According to reporting from the Buffalo Bulletin and Cowboy State Daily, Wyoming lawmakers have earmarked $3 million to purchase the Star Plunge and adjacent Hot Springs Hotel properties, pending independent appraisals and negotiations between the state and current owners. The move could resolve a long-running legal battle over concession rights in Hot Springs State Park and clear the way for a new operational chapter.

The Star Plunge, a cornerstone of Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis for generations, abruptly closed in early 2025 after disputes over concession contracts, insurance lapses, and litigation between owner Roland Luehne and Wyoming State Parks. Since then, the closure has left a noticeable hole in one of Wyoming’s most visited tourism destinations.

As detailed by Cowboy State Daily, State Sen. Ogden Driskill confirmed the Legislature’s budget includes funds specifically intended to buy out the two properties, with Star Plunge’s owner previously offering to sell for $2 million and the Hot Springs Hotel owner offering $1.5 million. State officials are now working through an appraisal process to determine fair market value before any final sale proceeds.

This matters far beyond one business.

Hot Springs State Park remains one of Wyoming’s flagship destinations, drawing visitors from around the world to Thermopolis for its mineral springs, state bath house, bison herd, trails, and geothermal attractions. Wyoming State Parks reported nearly 5 million visitors statewide in 2024, underscoring the economic importance of flagship destinations like Hot Springs State Park as tourism drivers for local communities.

For Thermopolis, reopening Star Plunge could mean more than restoring a beloved family attraction. It could revive lost tourism spending, increase overnight stays, and strengthen downtown businesses that depend on seasonal visitors.

The dispute has also highlighted broader questions about public land management, concessionaire rights, and how Wyoming balances historic private operators with modernization goals inside state parks. Wyoming Hot Springs LLC, the company already selected to oversee broader park amenity redevelopment, would likely become the future operator if the buyout is completed. That could accelerate upgrades while preserving public access to one of Wyoming’s most recognizable hot springs experiences.

Still, significant hurdles remain. Appraisals, legal agreements, and operational planning must all move quickly if the facility hopes to reopen in time for summer tourism traffic.

For travelers planning a Big Horn Basin road trip, Thermopolis remains a worthy stop thanks to the free State Bath House, scenic terraces, dinosaur museum, and other open amenities. But for many Wyoming families, the Star Plunge has long been part of that tradition, and its potential return would restore a major piece of Hot Springs State Park’s identity.

If the buyout succeeds, this could mark the beginning of a new era for Thermopolis tourism, one where Wyoming’s historic hot springs legacy meets long overdue reinvestment. For now, all eyes remain on the appraisal process and whether lawmakers’ funding can finally transform years of controversy into a summer reopening.