Hot Springs County: Hot Springs, Nature and History

At Hot Springs State Park, hot springs, the Bighorn River and a colorful mineral terrace shape the visitor experience. Thermopolis lies in the Big Horn Basin in northwestern Wyoming, about 130 miles west of Casper and about 145 miles south of the east entrance to Yellowstone National Park. With hot springs, a river landscape, history and fossils, Hot Springs County offers a variety of reasons to stay. The focus of your trip can also help guide you when choosing a hotel in the area.

Hot Springs, River and Trails

The mineral hot springs at Hot Springs State Park flow over a colorful terrace, and their temperature remains a constant 128 degrees Fahrenheit. The Big Horn Hot Springs State Reserve became Wyoming’s first state park in 1897. The park has 6.2 miles of generally accessible hiking trails. Check trail lengths and accessibility before your visit.

The Swinging Bridge crosses the Bighorn River and offers views of the river and mineral terrace. As maintenance conditions can change, it is a good idea to check the situation in advance. Anglers can fish in the Bighorn River from the park; local rules and conditions may change. The park’s bison herd is the central bison herd of Wyoming State Parks. If you want to observe the animals, follow the current guidance on site.

Getting Around

The Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway begins in Shoshoni at milepost 100. Following U.S. 20, it passes through Wind River Canyon and the Wind River Indian Reservation, ending north of Thermopolis at milepost 134. Without stops, the drive takes about 40 minutes; road conditions and travel time may vary seasonally.

Natural areas also offer different perspectives on the region. Access to the Owl Creek WSA is from the north, via the Shoshone National Forest trail network. Trail and road conditions may vary by season.

History and Local Culture

The Hot Springs County Museum preserves, displays and interprets historical objects related to the county’s history from the 19th century through the early 20th century. Notable exhibits include the Middleton School: a restored one-room schoolhouse from the early 1920s, with wooden desks and a piano. The schoolhouse opened to the public in 1983. The museum also preserves an original bar once visited by outlaws from the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, including Butch Cassidy.

The Pageant Gift of the Waters was first performed at Hot Springs State Park in October 1925. The free performance in front of the Big Spring features dances and the participation of local Indigenous communities. As event details may change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before your trip. Visitors can still see many historic buildings in downtown Thermopolis. The Downtown Thermopolis Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

Fossils and Rock Art

The Wyoming Dinosaur Center brings together several different experiences. Through the Shovel-Ready program, participants travel to fossil dig sites and learn techniques for excavating dinosaur bones through instruction and training. The dig sites are no more than a ten-minute drive from the Wyoming Dinosaur Center; access depends on the program. Paleo Prep is a hands-on experience where visitors learn about the detailed preparation of fossils. Check program dates and availability before your trip.

The Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site, 29 miles northwest of Thermopolis, offers another archaeological perspective. The rock face is 1,312 feet high and bears more than 300 petroglyph figures across 92 prehistoric panels. Many of the images are in the Dinwoody style, which is unique to the region. The height of the rock face and the number of panels give this site a different focus from the guided, hands-on fossil experiences.

For your trip planning, you can first decide whether you want to focus on hot springs and the river, history and culture, or fossils and rock art. These themes describe different sides of Hot Springs County and offer a practical starting point for finding a suitable hotel for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Thermopolis, Big Horn, Sheridan, Washakie, Converse County, Park, Teton, Uinta County.

For the main travel overview: Wyoming.