Hot Springs State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hot Springs State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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 Hot Springs State Park
Location in Wyoming
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| Location | Thermopolis, Wyoming, United States |
| Area | 1,108.67 acres (4.4866 km2) |
| Elevation | 4,363 ft (1,330 m) |
| Designation | Wyoming state park |
| Established | 1897 |
| Administrator | Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails |
| Website | Hot Springs State Park |
Hot Springs State Park is a super cool place in Thermopolis, Wyoming, known for its amazing hot springs. These springs flow at a steady 135° Fahrenheit (57° Celsius)! The state park lets you bathe for free at the State Bath House, where the water is cooled down to a comfy 104°F (40°C).
Did you know that the petroglyph site at Legend Rock, which is about 25 miles away, is also part of this park? The Wyoming Division of State Parks and Historic Sites takes care of the park.
Contents
Park History: How it Started
The land where Hot Springs State Park now sits was once part of the Wind River Indian Reservation. In 1896, the United States government bought a large piece of land from the Eastern Shoshone people. This deal was made for $60,000.
A year later, in 1897, a smaller part of that land was given to the state of Wyoming. This became Wyoming's very first state park! It was first known as the Big Horn Hot Springs State Reserve.
What You Can See and Do
Hot Springs State Park is packed with fun things to explore!
Wildlife and Nature
The park is home to a special herd of bison. You can often see these magnificent animals roaming freely. There are also beautiful flower gardens to enjoy.
Cool Structures and Formations
You can walk across a cool hanging bridge over the Bighorn River. This bridge offers great views of the park. Look closely at the ground near the springs, and you'll see amazing terraces. These are made of a natural rock called travertine. It forms when minerals from the hot springs flow and harden over time.
Fun Places to Visit
Within the park area, you'll find several places for visitors. There are spots for picnics and docks if you want to go boating. You can also find the Star Plunge waterpark and the Tepee Pools waterpark, which are great for splashing around!
Gallery
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Big Horn Hot Springs, around 1914
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Travertine formation
at Hot Springs State Park -
Winter view of the suspension footbridge over the Big Horn River
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Hot spring, Thermopolis, Wyoming
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