Thermopolis Local Vibe & Visitors Guide

Welcome to Thermopolis, a little-known jewel in the heart of Wyoming where adventure runs as deep as its history! Our town, whose name literally means "Hot City" in Greek, is built around the incredible geothermal wonders of the World's Largest Mineral Hot Springs. Imagine this: After a thrilling day wrangling trout on the blue-ribbon Bighorn River with Wyoming Trout Wrangler, you can melt away the day's aches in the therapeutic, naturally heated mineral waters of Hot Springs State Park. You can even soak for free at the State Bath House, a promise made in a historic treaty with the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes. Walk the Swinging Bridge for an incredible view of the river and the vibrant Rainbow Terraces, where mineral-rich water cascades over beautifully colored, naturally formed stone.

But Thermopolis is much more than just a spa town—it’s a crossroads of the Old West, Prehistoric Earth, and rugged Wyoming beauty: Prehistoric Giants: Step back millions of years at the world-class Wyoming Dinosaur Center, which features massive mounted skeletons and offers the unique chance to join a "Dig for a Day" at an active fossil quarry! Ancient Art: Explore the rich human history at the Legend Rock Petroglyph Site, where sandstone cliffs hold over 300 carvings left by early Native American cultures. Scenic Drives: Just south of town, the highway plunges into the breathtaking Wind River Canyon, a designated Scenic Byway with towering, ancient rock walls perfect for wildlife spotting and stunning photographs. Outlaw Lore: Stroll the unique, wide-open streets of historic downtown, where you can still find vestiges of the Old West, including the original bar from the infamous Hole-in-the-Wall Saloon, once frequented by the likes of Butch Cassidy.

In Thermopolis, you get the unparalleled combination of world-class trout fishing on a famed river, the ultimate post-fishing relaxation in mineral springs, and a wealth of natural and historic attractions—all packed into one friendly, unpretentious Western town. Get ready to find yourself in hot water and catching cold water trout!

Fly Angler Resources:

  • Thermopolis Trout Unlimited - “The mission of Thermopolis Trout Unlimited is to bring together the communities in the Bighorn Basin to conserve, protect, and restore our cold water fisheries and their watersheds.”  Check out the TTU calendar of events for local gatherings and events.

    • TTU Calendar of Events - Join our band of fishy folk for a pint night, fly tying night, or a special speakers series!

  • Double R Store - Gear up for any adventure these guys make the best sandwiches in town. They can set you up for your outdoor adventure with bag lunches to go, outdoor apparel, coolers, fly fishing gear, and beer etc, and free ice with your purchase!

    • 901 Shoshoni St. Thermopolis, WY 82443

  • East Rosebud Fly Shop - Fantastic full service fly shop! Top quality fly fishing equipment, huge assortment of flies, and fly tying materials.

    • 625 S 6th St, Thermopolis, WY 82443

  • Thermopolis Hardware Store - Hardware store and more! They have plenty of outdoor items, coolers, fishing tackle, and camping equipment. Easiest place in Thermopolis to get your Wyoming Fishing License!

    • 158 US-20, Thermopolis, WY 82443

  • Wyoming Game and Fish

  • USGS Flows on the Big Horn River

  • Thermopolis Weather Forecast

  • DIY Day Trip Walk and Wade Fly Fishing

    • Hot Springs State Park - Right in our beautiful town the Hot Springs State park has access sites for fly fishing.

    • Wind River Canyon - Just south of Thermopolis amazing walk and wade fishing can be had. Access can be challenging and rewarding!

      • Important Note! To fish in the Canyon a Wind River Tribal Fishing/Trespass Permit is Required. You can purchase this at Thermopolis Hardware Store in town.

    • Boysen Reservoir State Park The Reservoir contains a diverse fishery. Anglers will discover walleye, sauger, perch, crappie, ling, rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout as the major sports species. While most anglers fish from a boat success can be had fishing from the shore.

    • Wind River Campgrounds - This is a great walk and wade area in Boysen Reservoir State Park just below the dam. Make sure you pay your day use fee at the fee station.

    • Bighorn River Fishing Access Map North of Thermoplis - The Bighorn river north of Thermopolis has some very good walk and wade access sites. Make sure you pay attention to signage and respect land owner property boundaries.

Local Fishing Guides:

  • At Wyoming Trout Wrangler, our promise is an unforgettable fly fishing experience built on personalized service. From the quality of our hand-tied flies and custom rods to our uniquely tailored trips, we focus entirely on your adventure. While we always prioritize guiding you personally, we believe in supporting our local community. Therefore, we are proud to recommend these other trusted, independently owned local guide services for additional availability or specialized needs.

  • Double R Store

  • 4 Winds Anglers

  • Big Horn Guide Service

  • Schliske Fly Fishing

  • Wind River Canyon Whitewater & Fly Fishing

Local Restaurants:

Local Lodging

  • Hot Springs Hotel and Lodge

  • Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel

  • Quality Inn

  • Roadway Inn

  • Round Top Mountain Cabins

  • Two Rivers Inn

RV Parks

  • Fountain of Youth Campground & RV Park

  • The Crippled Spider RV Park & Campground

  • Eagle RV Park

Popular Local Attractions and Activities

  • Teepee Pools and Spa

  • Hot Springs State Park Bath House

  • Dinosaur Musem

  • Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center

  • Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site

  • Gooseberry Badlands

  • Local Trails for Hiking and Mountain Biking