Plan Your Adventure: Things to Do in Thermopolis, the Gateway to Wyoming’s Wild West.
If you’re searching for a Wyoming trip with plenty of exciting things, Thermopolis is the ideal destination.
This small town has plenty of hot springs, museums, delicious food, and fun accommodation to make your stay memorable.
Thermopolis is only three and a half hours from Yellowstone National Park, making it an ideal stopover on your way there or back.
1. Hot Springs State Park
Hot Springs State Park‘s mineral hot spring pools are a significant draw for visitors. But that’s only the start of what makes this park such an unforgettable destination.
Along the way, you’ll pass a managed herd of bison, a suspension footbridge across the Big Horn River, picnic shelters, boat docks, flower gardens, and terraces created from naturally forming travertine caused by an ongoing mineral hot spring.
The Tepee Fountain, a geothermal-fed mound of rock that vents steam from its hot springs, can be visited. In addition, hikers can explore around 6.2 miles of trails throughout the park and take in scenic overlooks.
2. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center
The Wyoming Dinosaur Center is an award-winning museum that educates, excites, and engages visitors alike. Boasting over 60 mounted dinosaur skeletons and hundreds of displays and dioramas, the center provides something special for everyone to explore.
Thermopolis is home to one of North America’s premier dinosaur fossil sites. These excavation sites are within driving distance of the museum, giving visitors a rare opportunity to witness paleontology up close and personal.
More than 10,000 dinosaur bones have been discovered nearby, most of which can be viewed or stored for exhibition. Many bones belong to long-necked sauropods like Camarasaurus, Diplodocus, and Apatosaurus.
The museum is housed in a historic building with 12,000 square feet of exhibition space. Fossils and life forms from the earliest geologic periods are presented chronologically.
Dinosaur Dig Site
Visit the Dinosaur Dig Site in Thermopolis to get up close and personal with dinosaurs. This unique location boasts one of the wealthiest dinosaur bone beds worldwide.
This area was once part of a shallow alkaline lake where many bones were collected over time. Furthermore, an impressive collection of shed Allosaurus teeth and claw marks suggests the two-legged dinosaurs may have fed here.
Since 1993, fossil hunters have discovered dinosaur bones buried beneath rock layers around Thermopolis. Two years later, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center was established to preserve these finds for future generations and make them accessible to the public.
3. Boysen Reservoir
Thermopolis is an Old West town packed with history, geology, and family fun. Just south of Cody, it’s the ideal destination to spend a day or two discovering Wyoming’s top attractions.
Boysen Reservoir, one of the top attractions near Thermopolis, offers an oasis to escape the summer heat! This 20,000-acre lake provides fishing, boating, camping, and water sports opportunities.
4. Historic Downtown Thermopolis
Thermopolis, Wyoming, is home to one of the nation’s largest hot springs and was a frequent stop for outlaws such as Jim McCloud, Harry Longabaugh, and Butch Cassidy. Today, Thermopolis’ main street is a bustling commercial center with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops; two museums are also here.
Downtown’s most beautiful area is the old town square, consisting of some of the oldest buildings in the county. Here you’ll find some stunning examples of architecture, from Victorian-style homes to midcentury modernist commercial structures.
One of the many notable buildings in Hot Springs is a two-story structure featuring a western commercial-style facade. In 2017, Thermopolis-Hot Springs Economic Development Company received a HAAF grant to restore this award-winning structure, working alongside High Plains Architects on its design and future restoration and use recommendations.
5. Farmer’s Market
If you’re a fan of fresh local produce, don’t miss the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon at Centennial Park, Broadway & 5th Street.
Farmers’ markets have seen a massive surge in popularity over the years. Not only do they provide fresh produce, but they also allow locals to connect with farmers and learn about their businesses.
In addition to fresh produce, many of these markets now offer specialty items like ice cream and homemade soap. Some even open year-round.
For instance, Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia boasted an expansive setting in an old train depot with restaurants, cooking classes, and guided walking tours – America’s oldest continuously running farmers market! These markets can be found not just in liberal neighborhoods but in cities all across America.
6. Restaurants
One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Thermopolis is sampling its many restaurants and bars. Not only do these establishments serve up delectable food options, but they also provide some of Thermopolis’ most exciting entertainment.
There are plenty of establishments to choose from in Thermopolis, so it’s essential to know what you’re searching for before you go out. We’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants to check out – you’ll be delighted by their quality offerings.
- Black Bear Cafe serves delicious breakfast dishes, including eggs, pancakes, and waffles. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. The service is also top-notch, making it an excellent spot for a satisfying meal.
- One Eyed Buffalo – This restaurant is a local favorite for its great food and drinks. The chicken bacon mac and cheese is a standout dish, and there are plenty of other mac and cheese options to choose from. The cozy and casual atmosphere is perfect for a night out with friends or family.
- Bangkok Thai Restaurant – For those craving Asian cuisine, Bangkok Thai Restaurant is a great choice. The curry dishes are delicious, and the pineapple and orange chicken are highly recommended. The service is friendly, and the prices are reasonable for the quality of the food.
- Dairyland & Hot City Coffee – Dairyland is a must-visit for ice cream lovers. The ice cream is creamy and delicious, and the mocha is a perfect pick-me-up. The prices are also very reasonable, making it an excellent spot for a treat on a hot day.
- Nature’s Corner – This health food store and cafe has some of the best gluten-free options in town. The food is fresh and flavorful, and the staff is knowledgeable about dietary restrictions. The prices are slightly higher than some other spots, but the food quality justifies the cost.
Overall, Thermopolis has a great selection of restaurants for a small town, with something to suit every taste and budget.
Thermopolis, Wyoming’s mineral hot springs and dinosaur fossils, make it a fun destination for families of all ages. It is also an excellent base to explore Wyoming’s national parks and other natural landmarks – like the Big Horn River, which offers whitewater rafting adventures!