Nature of Heart

Thermopolis, WY

If you're ever on a road trip to Yellowstone, you might want to plan a stop in Thermopolis,WY, where you'll find lots fun things to do in the area. At the top of our visit list was Hot Springs State Park, home of the world's largest mineral hot springs. The springs are so hot (over 120 degrees F.) that the water is cooled before it reaches the State Bath House, where you can take a free soak. The free soak is a result of an 1896 treaty signed with the Shoshone and Arapaho which gave the public the use of the "healing water."

There are also cooler, reasonably priced pay-for-use pools where you can spend the day swimming, sliding, and relaxing. A boardwalk over rainbow terraces (mineral deposits which have built up over time) leads to a swinging foot bridge that crosses the Big Horn River. 

Then there are the hot springs themselves. When we were there, the local fire department was cleaning up mud after an unusually heavy downpour the night before. The crew also washed down the streets of the park.

 "Spring cleaning" at Hot Springs State Park, WY.

For bison viewing, drive through the wildlife preserve above the hot springs. 

Posted by Wanda McGee - Monday, 10/19/09, 04:33 PM - Comments - Category: Nature