Overview
Thermopolis is a town in Northwest Wyoming, USA, notable for the presence of one of the world's largest hot springs. There were 2,700 people living there in 2020.
4 sights · 3 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Thermopolis
Hot Springs State Park
Day-use park. Bison should only be viewed while in vehicle. 6.2 miles of universally accessible trails and hiking trails. In late fall, visitors can regularly see the bison when they are given supplements at 8:30AM.
Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site
92 prehistoric petroglyph panels and over 300 petroglyph figures. Visitor center and interpretive trails.
Wyoming Dinosaur Center
Over 58 mounted skeletons, a preparation lab with visitor viewing and hundreds of displays and dioramas. The dig site tour offers an opportunity to see dinosaurs buried in the ground.
Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center
Local history museum. Features a replica bar and an old town setting from over a century ago. There is an arrowhead collection, an original petroglyph created by Native Americans, prehistoric artifacts, military artifact…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Casper)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- RIW Central Wyoming Regional Airport, Riverton — 42 mi away. Directions
- COD Yellowstone Regional Airport, Cody — 73 mi away. Directions
- SLC Salt Lake City International Airport, Salt Lake City — 276 mi away (major hub). Directions
Thermopolis straddles a north-south highway with two designations: US Route 20 and Wyoming State Route 789. Wyoming State Route 120 from Cody terminates in Thermopolis.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center, Wyoming Dinosaur Center
- Afternoon Hot Springs State Park, Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site
- Evening One Eyed Buffalo Brewpub
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
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Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
- Thermopolis tourist information website
Get in
By car
Thermopolis straddles a north-south highway with two designations: US Route 20 and Wyoming State Route 789. Wyoming State Route 120 from Cody terminates in Thermopolis.
By plane
Cody (COD) is the nearest city with commercial air service. The next closest is Casper (CPR).
Get around
It's a small town that can be covered on foot.
See
See Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center
Local history museum. Features a replica bar and an old town setting from over a century ago. There is an arrowhead collection, an original petroglyph created by Native Americans, prehistoric artifacts, military artifacts, and local rocks and minerals.
Do
- Soak in the waters from the hot springs. There are several commercial operations that use the waters with varying degrees of gimmickry, but in addition, the town maintains a bathhouse that is free (under the terms of the treaty whereby a local Indian tribe ceded access to the spring in the 19th century) and open to the public during daylight hours.
Drink
Drink Audra's Copper Coo
Serves organic coffee and organic loose-leaf tea.
Drink Black Bear Cafe
Coffee shop. Also serves breakfast and lunch.
Drink One Eyed Buffalo Brewpub
Ten beers on tap. Serves burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other American entrees.
Sleep
Stay Best Western Plaza Hotel
An historic hotel on the grounds of the state park, renovated and merged into the Best Western chain. A small spa/hot tub (no aeration) draws waters from the spring. Not a large place (36 rooms), so if you're interested in it, be sure to reserve, or at least inquire, in advance. Complimentary full breakfast.
Stay safe
Go next
- Boysen Reservoir, 20 miles south
- Wind River Canyon, Scenic Byway between Thermopolis and Shoshoni
Nearby
Shoshoni
City / town · 6 listings · 28 mi away
Worland
City / town · 12 listings · 29 mi away
Riverton
City / town · 10 listings · 44 mi away
Ten Sleep
City / town · 6 listings · 47 mi away
Basin
City / town · 16 listings · 52 mi away
Greybull
City / town · 10 listings · 59 mi away
Lander
City / town · 17 listings · 62 mi away
Dubois
City / town · 22 listings · 72 mi away
My experience
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