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Thermopolis sits in Hot Springs County in north-central Wyoming, tucked into the Wind River Canyon and straddling the Big Horn River. With a population of roughly 3,000, it is a small but surprisingly well-equipped destination for travelers drawn to geothermal wonders, paleontology, and Western landscapes.
The town's centerpiece is Hot Springs State Park, home to what is billed as the world's largest mineral hot springs — a claim backed by measured flow rates that have been on record for well over a century. The vivid turquoise and rust-colored terraces of the spring are genuinely striking, and access to the state-run bathhouse is free to the public, which is unusual for a geothermal attraction of this caliber.
Beyond the springs, Thermopolis has earned a quiet reputation among fossil enthusiasts. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center houses a substantial collection of excavated specimens, several of them found within driving distance of town. The surrounding high-desert terrain, cut through by the Wind River, offers fishing, rafting, and hiking for visitors who want to spend time outdoors.
Before You Go
Visas
Thermopolis is in the United States. Visa requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) for current entry rules before booking travel.
Weather
Thermopolis has a semi-arid continental climate. Summers (June–August) are warm to hot, with daytime temperatures often reaching the upper 80s–90s°F (low 30s°C). Winters are cold with occasional snow; temperatures can drop well below freezing at night. Spring and fall are mild but variable — layers are advisable. The hot springs make an off-season visit genuinely comfortable if you don't mind limited dining and activity hours.
What to Pack
- Swimwear: essential if you plan to use the bathhouse or commercial pools
- Sun protection: the high-altitude desert sun is intense even on mild days
- Layers for evening temperature drops
- Sturdy footwear if you plan to hike or explore the canyon
- Cash: some local businesses may not accept cards — verify locally
Getting There
Thermopolis has no commercial air service. The nearest airports with regular scheduled flights are Riverton Regional Airport (RIW), approximately 75 miles south, and Cody's Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD), roughly 80 miles northwest — verify current routes and carriers before booking, as schedules at small regional airports change frequently. Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) in Montana is a larger option roughly 130 miles north.
Most visitors arrive by car. US Highway 20 passes through town and connects north to Cody and south toward Riverton and Casper. Wyoming Highway 789 links Thermopolis to the south via the striking Wind River Canyon, one of the more scenic highway drives in the state — the road descends through a deep canyon carved by the Wind River and is worth taking slowly.
There is no scheduled intercity bus or rail service to Thermopolis. Renting a car at a regional airport is the practical choice for most travelers.
Getting Around
Thermopolis is compact enough that the downtown area, Hot Springs State Park, and the state bathhouse are all within a short drive or, for fit travelers, a walkable distance from one another. A personal vehicle is nonetheless strongly recommended for visiting outlying sites such as the Wyoming Dinosaur Center or the canyon.
There is no public transit system within the town. Ride-hailing services are not reliably available — verify locally before depending on them. Some accommodations offer shuttles to the park; ask when booking.
Where to Stay
Thermopolis has a modest but functional range of accommodations, including a handful of motels, a few independently owned lodges, and at least one property located within or adjacent to Hot Springs State Park that offers access to private mineral pools. There are also RV parks and campgrounds in and around the state park.
Because the town is small, options fill quickly during summer weekends and around local events. Booking a few weeks in advance during peak season (June–August) is advisable. Off-season rates are generally lower and the town is quiet. Verify current listings and prices through standard booking platforms or directly with properties, as availability changes.
Things to See & Do
Hot Springs State Park
The free state-run bathhouse is the town's signature attraction. Mineral water from the spring is channeled into indoor and outdoor soaking pools open to the public at no charge. The adjacent terraces and boardwalks are open for walking even if you don't soak. Confirm current hours on the Wyoming State Parks website before visiting, as seasonal schedules apply.
Wyoming Dinosaur Center
One of the more substantive dinosaur museums in the Rocky Mountain region, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center displays mounted skeletons — including a Supersaurus — and offers guided dig-site tours on nearby fossil beds during summer months. Admission fees and tour availability should be confirmed directly with the center.
Wind River Canyon
Driving or cycling south through Wind River Canyon on US Highway 20/Wyoming 789 is a highlight in itself. The canyon walls expose nearly two billion years of geological strata, and interpretive signs along the route explain what you're seeing. The Big Horn River (which becomes the Wind River south of the canyon) supports fishing for trout and other species — a Wyoming fishing license is required; verify current regulations with Wyoming Game and Fish.
Outdoor Recreation
- Rafting and kayaking on the Big Horn River: local outfitters operate seasonal trips; verify availability locally
- Hiking within Hot Springs State Park, including the bison paddock trail where a small herd of American bison is maintained
- Photography of the colorful mineral terraces, particularly in morning light
Food & Drink
Thermopolis has a limited but serviceable dining scene oriented toward American comfort food, steakhouses, and casual family restaurants. A few local diners serve hearty breakfasts popular with ranchers and outdoor workers — an authentic window into Wyoming small-town life.
Alcohol is available at licensed establishments. Wyoming has no unusual alcohol restrictions beyond standard US federal and state law. Grocery options exist in town for self-catering travelers; a small supermarket serves basic needs.
Dining hours can be shorter than in larger cities, and some restaurants close on certain weekdays or during the off-season. Calling ahead or checking current hours locally before planning dinner is a practical precaution.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for all emergencies (police, fire, medical) — this is the standard US emergency number.
Medical
Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital provides local medical services. For serious emergencies, patients may be transferred to facilities in larger cities. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is worth considering for international visitors.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage exists in town from major US carriers but can be spotty in the canyon and on rural roads. Download offline maps before heading into remote areas. Most accommodations offer Wi-Fi; verify when booking.
Money
ATMs are available in town. Credit cards are accepted at most lodges and larger restaurants, but smaller local establishments may prefer cash — carry some.
Tipping
Standard US tipping norms apply: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, a few dollars for housekeeping per night, and discretionary tips for tour guides.
Safety
Thermopolis is a low-crime rural community. Standard common-sense precautions — securing valuables in your vehicle, being aware of your surroundings — are sufficient for most visitors.
Outdoor safety deserves more attention. The semi-arid landscape can be deceptively demanding: carry water on any hike, even short ones; the sun at elevation is strong. The Wind River Canyon road is scenic but has narrow shoulders and limited guardrails in places — drive attentively and do not stop on the road for photos. If rafting or doing water activities, follow all outfitter safety briefings.
Wildlife in the region includes rattlesnakes (warm months), bison in the state park paddock (maintain distance — bison are unpredictable), and occasional encounters with pronghorn and mule deer on roads at dawn and dusk. Drive cautiously at those times.
