Hot Springs State Park

Hot Springs State Park is pretty cool. It is certainly not as impressive if you are traveling from Yellowstone, but you can swim in the water from these hot springs whereas doing so could be deadly at Yellowstone. I totally recommend stopping by if you are in the area. The picture above is the view from across the river. You have to cross the suspension bridge to get this shot. There is an indoor and outdoor public bathing pool which is FREE. You are allowed to wade in for 20 minutes at a time. Be advised that the public hours are short. They closed at 5:30 the Friday we stopped by. This is not advertised clearly on the website. There are two commercial mini water parks on either side of the public pools that are open later, but cost more than free.

While you are in Thermopolis, you should definitely also make time to check out the Dinosaur Museum!

We didn’t get a chance to walk around and view the entire area, but we did drive through and see the bison, and the scenery is beautiful. The grounds are well kept and perfect for a break from whatever. Lost one star because the free bath houses were closed due to Covid, but both of the two privately ran pools were open for business. Seems that if the private pools could be open, so should the public site.

A really interesting area. You can enjoy a short walk around the hot springs before taking a soak in the indoor or outdoor bath house for free. There is a small water park next door to the bath house as well as some nearby hotels within walking distance. The wind river runs along next to the springs where we saw backside fisherman catching rainbow trout. We are glad we stopped by on our way to Yellowstone and wish we could stay longer.

If you're traveling through with kids, this park is a GREAT place to stop! LOTS of grassy green areas to stretch and play. Several park structures, walking trails, picnic tables, etc. Our kids enjoyed walking across the floating bridge. Tons of wildlife to see if you're looking. The state bath house offers a free 20-minute soak (8am-5pm) if you're wanting to experience mineral hot pools but don't want to pay to get into TeePee or Star Plunge. The park also hosts a local car rally in June; super fun! Also worth mentioning is the Dinosaur Museum that sits just outside the state park.

Heaven on earth. Do it! Free 20 minute soak.

If you're driving through this way, it's 100% worth a stop. Absolutely gorgeous park! I wouldn't go out of your way to come here though.

I absolutely fell in LOVE with Thermopolis. The bath house in the state park is free to soak from 8am to 5:30pm. Very clean and well kept facility. The park is beautiful. Please do yourself a favor and swing by if you are in the area. Nice people, nice soak, nice time. :)