Situated in north-central Wyoming on the banks of the Bighorn River, Thermopolis offers opportunities for recreation, relaxation and education, along with all major services and amenities. With about 3,200 residents, Thermopolis is the county seat of Hot Springs County, population 4,900. Thermopolis sits just north of the stunning Wind River Canyon and roughly 30 miles south of Worland on U.S. Highway 16/20.
While the city was founded in 1897, the area around Thermopolis had prior significance to the Shoshone and Arapaho Indians due to its "healing waters." Following the signing of a treaty with these tribes, Thermopolis became an official Wyoming city. One of the conditions of the treaty stipulated that the local hot springs remain open and free to all.
On the north side of town, Hot Springs State Park features one of the largest mineral hot springs in the world. Visitors can soak for free in the 104-degree water at the State Bath House. Nearby, pay-to-play facilities include water slides, steam rooms and bigger pools. Hot Springs State Park also has the state's central bison herd, interpretive walking trails, a suspension bridge over the Bighorn River and a playground.
Thermopolis' two major museums capture distinctively different periods from the area's past. Situated on a hilltop on the east side of Thermopolis, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center allows visitors to stroll beneath enormous dinosaur skeletons recovered mainly from local dig sites. The Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center provides details on the city's more recent human history, encompassing both American Indians and pioneer days.
Recreational activities in Thermopolis include fishing, river rafting, trail rides, golfing and bowling. Running right through town, the Bighorn River attracts anglers and paddlers alike to sample its enticing waters. The rugged terrain around Thermopolis invites exploration on horseback, with local outfitters providing this service. The city has a nine-hole public golf course, an eight-lane bowling alley and an 18-hole miniature golf course which is open April through September.
The service industry provides employment for approximately a quarter of Thermopolis' residents. Medical services include Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, offering 24-hour emergency medical care, along with three dentists, an 80-bed nursing home and the Gottsche Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. The city has two public elementary schools, one middle school, one high school and two private schools. Thermopolis also has a public library, more than a dozen churches and a senior center.
Visitors to Thermopolis will discover a wide range of lodging, dining and shopping opportunities. Along with two hotels located right next to Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis has 10 additional motels and hotels. Campgrounds, RV parks and bed and breakfasts offer alternative lodging arrangements. Restaurants include everything from standard fast food fare to fine dining adjacent to the golf course. Locally owned shops line Broadway Street and U.S. Highway 16/20 downtown.
