Thermopolis Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Thermopolis is a town defined by water in a land defined by stone. Nestled in the red-walled basin of central Wyoming, it claims the title of home to the world’s largest mineral hot spring. But this isn’t just a spa destination; it is a place where the prehistoric past bubbles up to the surface, quite literally in the sulfur-scented steam, and physically in the dinosaur-rich soil that surrounds the town.

Driving into town through the dramatic Wind River Canyon, you feel the shift from the high plains to something more ancient. The Bighorn River cuts a turquoise path through the town, flanked by the steam of the hot springs and the rugged beauty of Roundtop Mountain. Whether you are here to soak away your stress or dig for Jurassic bones, Thermopolis offers an authentic slice of the American West that feels untouched by time.

A Landscape Carved by Time

What makes Thermopolis truly special is the geological diversity packed into a small area. The Big Horn Spring discharges 3.6 million gallons of 135°F water every day, creating massive travertine terraces that look like frozen waterfalls of orange and white stone. This geothermal activity has attracted people for millennia, from Native American tribes who gathered here for the “smoking waters” to early settlers seeking cures for their ailments.

Beyond the water, the ground here tells a story millions of years in the making. The region is one of the most fertile dinosaur fossil grounds on the planet. Unlike many museums where fossils are behind glass, Thermopolis invites you to the source. It is one of the few places where you can look at a dinosaur skeleton in the morning and help dig one up in the afternoon, bridging the gap between deep history and modern adventure.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Hot Springs State Park - The centerpiece of the town featuring the Rainbow Terraces, a swinging footbridge across the Bighorn River, and a free State Bathhouse. The park also maintains a roaming herd of bison. Admission is free, though private pools inside the park charge entry.

Wyoming Dinosaur Center - Located just a few minutes from downtown, this world-class facility houses over 30 mounted skeletons and offers tours to active dig sites. Distance: 1.5 mi from downtown. Price: ~$12 USD for adults.

The Swinging Bridge - A historic suspension footbridge originally built in 1916. It offers the best vantage point for viewing the Big Horn River and the mineral terraces. Located within the State Park. Free access.

Star Plunge - A family-favorite water park utilizing the natural hot spring water. It features water slides, a vapor cave carved into the mountain, and multiple pools. Price: ~$15.50 USD for day use.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Thermopolis is part of the adventure. Most visitors arrive via a scenic drive from Cody (80 miles) or Casper (130 miles). You will definitely need a car to get around, as the attractions are spread out between the town center, the state park, and the surrounding hills. The town is small and walkable, but the desert heat in summer makes driving preferred.

When packing, bring layers regardless of the season. Summer days are hot, but nights cool down rapidly. Swimsuits are obviously essential, but bring an old one if possible, the high mineral content of the water can fade bright colors and weaken elastic over time. Also, keep plenty of water in your vehicle; the dry air and high elevation can sneak up on you.

Thermopolis is a place that invites you to slow down. Whether you are floating in mineral-rich waters watching the steam drift toward the stars, or standing on a ridge looking out over a canyon that has stood for eons, you will leave with a sense of deep relaxation and wonder. It is a small town with a massive geological heart, ready to welcome anyone willing to take the plunge.