Contact: Brooks Jordan, 307-431-9921; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Hot Springs State Park Invites Visitors to Explore Year-Round Amenities and Natural Wonders

THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. – February 27, 2025 – Nestled on colorful terraces along the Big Horn River, Hot Springs State Park is a vibrant and inviting destination for all outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities amidst its natural beauty. Although the Star Plunge aquatic facility is temporarily closed, plenty of amenities and activities are available for everyone to enjoy at the park. Whether visitors seek relaxation in nature or outdoor adventure, Hot Springs State Park has something for everyone.

"We invite everyone to explore the rich natural beauty and diverse amenities that Hot Springs State Park offers," said Brooks Jordan, manager of the Big Horn District for Wyoming State Parks. "Although the Star Plunge is temporarily closed, our park still provides ample opportunities for relaxation and adventure. The State Bath House, Tepee Pools, and aquatic facilities at both hotels within the park will remain operational and accessible to the public. During this transitional period, visitors are encouraged to enjoy all the park has to offer."

The park features an incredible flow of over 3.2 million gallons of mineral hot spring water every 24 hours, maintaining a constant temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit. The free State Bath House provides therapeutic bathing in water at a comfortable 104 degrees, ensuring a relaxing experience for all visitors, and is open year-round. Hot Springs State Park staff would like to remind the public that the State Bath House hours have been extended to Monday-Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 7:00 p.m., providing guests more opportunities to relax and enjoy the natural thermal waters.

Hot Springs State Park boasts 6.2 miles of universally accessible trails and hiking paths, allowing guests to explore the stunning landscape at their own pace. These include the mineral spring terrace boardwalk and the T-Hill trails. As a full-service park, it also offers comfort stations, fishing opportunities, and a boat ramp for those looking to enjoy water activities. In addition, three large picnic shelters can be reserved for group gatherings, ideal for family reunions, birthday parties, or any special event.  

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate how Wyoming State Parks cares for and maintains the park's central bison herd. Visitors have the unique opportunity to see these majestic animals up close during their visit. Please remember to keep a safe distance to ensure your safety and the well-being of the animals. 

Additionally, the park features the iconic suspension footbridge, affectionately known as "The Swinging Bridge," which offers a spectacular view of the Big Horn River and mineral terraces. 

For more information on available amenities and ongoing updates regarding the Star Plunge at Hot Springs State Park, please visit our official website at wyoparks.wyo.gov or follow us on Facebook at @hotspringsstatepark.  

Thank you for your continued support of Hot Springs State Park.

Figure 1: A scenic view of Hot Springs State Park from the T-Hill trail system. 

LARAMIE, Wyo. — February 26, 2025 — The Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has published a significant new historic context titled Paleoindian Heartland: An Archaeological Synthesis of Wyoming's First Peoples. Authored by Dr. Brigid Grund, a University of Wyoming PhD graduate in anthropology and current archaeologist with the National Park Service in Lakewood, Colorado, this extensive document is essential for archaeologists, cultural resource managers, and the general public alike.

"We are thrilled to present Paleoindian Heartland, a vital resource that not only enriches our understanding of Wyoming's first peoples but also underscores the collaborative spirit of our archaeological community. This publication is a testament to our commitment to preserving and sharing our state's rich history with scholars and the public," stated Gwendolyn Kristy of the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office.  

Physical copies of this resource are being distributed to federal agencies around the state, state agencies, the Wyoming State Library, the University of Wyoming Library, and other official locations. The publication is also free for download on the SHPO's website: wyoshpo.wyo.gov/index.php/programs/planning-historic-contexts/thematic-contexts. Physical copies are in limited supply and will be provided to cultural resource managers before being available to the general public.

Paleoindian Heartland offers a comprehensive overview of Wyoming's archaeology during the Paleoindian period, which spans approximately 8,000 to 13,000 years ago in the High Plains. The publication chronicles the development of Paleoindian archaeology in Wyoming from the late 19th century to the present, detailing important sites and illuminating our understanding of the ancient past. Ongoing research continues to reveal new information about these archaeological sites.

For more information about the historic context program, contact Gwendolyn Kristy, chief of SHPO's Planning & Historic Contexts Development Program, at 307-766-5366; gwendolyn.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also learn more about the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office at wyoshpo.wyo.gov.
 

Figure 1: The front cover of the newly published historic context, Paleoindian Heartland. Figure 2: George Frison (left) and Bruce Bradley (right) excavating mammoth bones at the Colby mammoth kill in the Bighorn Basin where four Clovis points were recovered. Photograph by Ed Rasmus. Original photograph courtesy of George C. Frison.