The big attraction in Thermopolis is Hot Springs State Park, popularly known as the world's largest mineral hot springs. The scalding water from Big Spring flows into terraces of lime and gypsum, where the water pools and cools. The State Bathhouse provides private bathtubs and a public, tiled pool. Two pools also have slides. You may tour the park free of charge for the first 20 minutes, although most visitors pay for a day at one of the commercially established pools at the Holiday Inn and Quality Inn. While in the park, watch for the herd of bison that roams the red Monument Hills.
Ages ago, it was dinosaurs rather than bison that roamed the area. Visit the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and Dig Sites to discover what prehistoric Wyoming was like. The impressive Old West Wax Museum contains figures of Native Americans, explorers and pioneers. Thermopolis is also home to the Hot Springs County Historical Museum and Cultural Center, which features Native American relics, artifacts and the bar used by Butch Cassidy's Hole-in-the-Wall gang. Thermopolis is three hours from both Moran Junction in eastern Grand Teton National Park and the east gate of Yellowstone National Park. 245 mi/395 km northwest of Cheyenne.
