Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, & Trails

New GEOpdf Now Available

Click here to download!
Go to download page →
Visit Our Facebook Page!
Hot Springs State Park

Visit our about page to learn more about our site.

Click here to view now

Activities & Amenities

(Click images to learn more about the various Activities & Amenities)

About Our Site
Updates
Events

About Our Site - Hot Springs State Park

Over colorful terraces along the Big Horn River at Thermopolis flows water from mineral hot springs. More than 1.8 million gallons flow over the terrace every 24 hours at a constant temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit. The park has a free bath house where the water is maintained at 104 degrees for therapeutic bathing. Hot Springs has 6.2 miles of universally accessible trails and hiking trails. It is a full-service park with comfort stations, a volksmarch trail, fishing, and a boat ramp. One of the reservable group picnic shelters is located here. Hot Springs is a day-use park.

The Hot Springs State Park bison herd is the central herd for the Wyoming State Parks. During the late fall and winter months, the park bison are fed a daily supplement to insure good health. This feeding usually occurs at 8:30 a.m., giving the off-season visitor the unique opportunity to view the "Monarch of the Plains," up close. Please remember that bison should be viewed ONLY while you remain in your vehicle.

The suspension foot bridge across the Bighorn River is commonly called "The Swinging Bridge." The bridge offers a unique vantage point from which to view the Bighorn River and mineral terrace. Hot Springs State Park has long been known for its beautiful summer flower gardens. Make a point to bring your camera with you and capture the exciting splash of color all summer long.

There are three large group picnic shelters in the park available by reservation. These are very popular and heavily used. Contact park headquarters as soon as you can to reserve a shelter for your event and also, inquire if your group needs a park liquor permit.

Plein Air in the Parks: This Week at Hot Springs State Park and Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site 2025

Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources.png

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ismael Dominguez, 307-275-4476; Ismael.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Plein Air in the Parks: This Week at Hot Springs State Park and Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site

THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. – June 23, 2025 – Plein Air in the Parks will be taking place at Springs State Park and Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site on June 27-29, 2025. Online registration is available at 2025-Plein-Air-at-Hot-Springs-State-Park.eventbrite.com, or artists may register in person at the Wyoming Arts Council tent at the Kiwanis Shelter of Hot Springs State Park during the event.

Now in its eighth year, Plein Air in the Parks is a collaborative program by the Wyoming Arts Council and Wyoming State Parks, both under the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. The tradition of plein air artmaking includes on-site painting and drawing, but the Plein Air in the Parks Program is open to most types of media. Plein Air in the Parks pairs talented artists with beautiful locations while offering cash prizes to top participants and opportunities for the community to participate.

Several opportunities and events are open to the public and free of charge, with no park fee required; the full list of public events is below.

See the Artists at Work

Mingle with artists as they sketch and paint the landscape right before your eyes as you explore Hot Springs State Park and Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site.

Friday, June 27 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 28 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Chalk Drawing Contest

Get in the plein air spirit by participating in the chalk drawing contest! Participants will be able to register on site for this free event to be tasked with creating the best chalk drawing! Materials provided, no experience necessary, and open to all ages.

Saturday, June 28 | 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m. at Pavilion of Hot Springs State Park

Show and Sale

Enjoy refreshments while browsing the artwork created throughout the event, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, and support the artists and organizations by purchasing artwork from the sale.

Sunday, June 29 | 3-5 p.m. at Hot Springs County Armory

For more information on these events, please visit wyoarts.state.wy.us/wac-program/plein-air-in-the-parks or contact Ismael Dominguez at 307-275-4476 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Learn more about Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources and its many programs at wyospcr.wyo.gov.