On our way home from our recent motorcycle trip, we made a quick stop in Thermopolis, Wyoming. I’ve had this spot on my list for quite some time, and while it was too hot outside for us to explore everything this town has to offer, our quick visit made me more excited to eventually come back and do this area justice.

During this visit we concentrated our time exclusively in Hot Springs State Park. Established in 1916, this free state park has a nice visitor center with very helpful staff, and it’s one of the stops throughout the state where you can pick up a free Wyoming tourism sticker.

After a brief chat with the park staff we decided to park near the Koi pond so we could easily walk the Mineral Terrace boardwalk and cross over the Bighorn River via the park’s historic suspension bridge.

The suspension foot bridge was originally constructed in 1916 and enabled easy passage across the river. After years of disrepair, the bridge was replaced in 1992, although the original towers on either end were retained.

We enjoyed our walk across the bridge, which has nice views of the river, mineral hot springs, and nearby foothills. The opposite bank had some trails I would like to explore during our next (hopefully cooler) visit.

As much as I enjoyed the bridge, my favorite part of this area was the Mineral Terrace boardwalk.

The boardwalk winds among the thermal pools, and I couldn’t believe all of the colors – and of course the sulfur smells! – in this area. I appreciated the opportunity to safely wander so close to these features.

We wrapped up our visit with a quick ride around the bison loop in an effort to spot the local herd (our viewing attempt was unsuccessful), and we also passed the State Bath House, which I’d love to explore during our next visit. They keep the water temperature at 104 degrees F / 40 degrees C year-round so perhaps we’ll come back in the winter!

The healing waters of the area’s mineral springs attracted dinosaurs, prehistoric migratory people, Native American tribes, Western settlers, and now travelers visiting and crossing Wyoming. Native Americans believed the water contained therapeutic power. In the early 20th century a sizeable medical community formed in Thermopolis, centered around the hot springs and treating those visiting in hopes the water would restore their health. The Shoshone and Arapaho tribes gave Wyoming the hot springs in a treaty in 1896, with the provision it remain accessible to the general public.

There are many more attractions on my list of things to do in Thermopolis, including returning to hike and soak in the hot springs at the state park. If you have other area activities you recommend, please let me know in the comments!