Thermopolis

Thermopolis is a county seat in Hot Springs County, Wyoming, situated at an elevation of about 1,320 meters (4,330 feet) near Wind River Canyon where the Wind River meets the Bighorn River. The town sits within dramatic canyon landscapes that shape the geography and setting of the community.

The settlement was founded in 1897 after local tribes signed a treaty allowing public access to the mineral springs for health treatments. This agreement marked the beginning of the town's role as a center for thermal water use and recreation.

The Hot Springs County Museum displays artifacts from early settlers and features the historic Hole-in-the-Wall bar from the early 1900s. These exhibits show how the community developed and what daily life looked like for those who built the town.

The Wyoming Dinosaur Center houses a collection of excavated fossils and offers educational programs about prehistoric discoveries in the region. Visitors can learn about the ancient history of the area and see specimens from excavation sites.

The Big Spring discharges about 70 million liters of mineral water daily at 57 degrees Celsius (135 degrees Fahrenheit), ranking it among the world's largest thermal springs. This enormous flow of hot water makes the location exceptional for natural geothermal activity.

Location: Hot Springs County

Elevation above the sea: 1,320 m

Website: http://townofthermopolis.com

GPS coordinates: 43.64556,-108.21472

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:02