Quick FactsOverview
About State Bath House
State Bath House, Wyoming is a free public mineral spring facility inside Hot Springs State Park at 220 Park St in Thermopolis, Hot Springs County. Indoor and outdoor pools are maintained at approximately 104 degrees Fahrenheit using water from the Big Horn Spring, which produces approximately 3.6 million gallons per day at a source temperature of 127 degrees Fahrenheit and contains 27 naturally occurring minerals. Free admission is guaranteed in perpetuity by the terms of the 1896 land transfer in which the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes ceded the hot springs to the state of Wyoming, under the condition that the waters remain open to the public at no charge. Attendants are on site during all operating hours.
The State Bath House is the only facility in Hot Springs State Park that fulfills the original treaty requirement of free public soaking access. The two commercial facilities in the same park, Hellie's Tepee Pools and Star Plunge, charge admission fees. Hot Springs State Park is the most visited state park in Wyoming. The park also features travertine terraces, a resident bison herd, a swinging bridge over the Big Horn River, and 6.2 miles of accessible trails. The State Bath House provides the most accessible entry point to the park's geothermal water for visitors on any budget.
Location & Access
Getting to State Bath House
State Bath House is located at 220 Park St inside Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming. From US-20 in Thermopolis, follow Park Street north into the state park. The Bath House sits near the Big Horn Spring terraces and the Big Horn River. The park is free to enter, clearly signed from US-20, and accessible by any vehicle. Free parking is available throughout the park. No advance reservation is required for the Bath House.
Thermopolis is approximately 84 miles south of Cody and 130 miles north of Casper on US-20 in Hot Springs County. The city sits at the south end of the Wind River Canyon, one of Wyoming's most scenic drives, which leads directly into town from the north. The State Bath House is within easy walking distance of the park travertine terraces, the bison viewing areas, and Hellie's Tepee Pools at 144 Tepee St. For those seeking free hot springs near Thermopolis Wyoming, the Bath House is the only completely free geothermal soaking facility in the region. All other mineral water facilities in and near Thermopolis charge day-use fees. Operating hours are Mon-Sat 8am to 5:30pm and Sunday noon to 5:30pm. The facility is closed on winter holidays and open noon to 5:30pm on summer holidays.
Suitability & Accessibility
Suitability and Accessibility of State Bath House
State Bath House suits visitors of all ages and budgets seeking geothermal mineral soaking in a safe, managed, attended environment at no cost. The pools are maintained at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the standard therapeutic soaking temperature used throughout Hot Springs State Park. Attendants are present during all hours to assist. The facility is within the state park on flat, accessible terrain. Hot Springs State Park has 6.2 miles of ADA accessible trails. The Bath House is reachable by car with free parking directly adjacent.
No admission fee is ever charged at the State Bath House. This makes it the most accessible mineral spring facility in Thermopolis for visitors on any budget, including families traveling with children. The 104-degree pool temperature is generally suitable for healthy adults and supervised older children. Young children should be supervised at all times. The facility provides changing rooms for visitors. Swimsuits are required throughout.
Visitors seeking additional amenities beyond soaking, such as waterslides, a steam room, or hot tubs, can use the adjacent Hellie's Tepee Pools at 144 Tepee St, which is a paid commercial facility. The free hot springs near Thermopolis Wyoming are represented exclusively by the State Bath House; no other free soaking facility exists within the immediate area. The Bath House is closed on winter holidays and opens noon to 5:30pm on summer holidays.
Safety & Etiquette
State Bath House Safety Tips
State Bath House is a managed facility with attendants present during all operating hours. The pools are maintained at approximately 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the upper end of the standard safe soaking temperature range. Limit soaking sessions to appropriate durations, particularly for first-time visitors, children, and older visitors. Stay hydrated before and after soaking. Exit the pool immediately if you feel dizzy, overheated, or unwell. Guests with heart conditions, high blood pressure, pregnancy, or other conditions affecting heat tolerance should consult a physician before using the facility.
The Big Horn Spring water contains sulfur and 27 minerals. A mild sulfur smell is characteristic and normal. Do not use soap, shampoo, or any cleaning products in the mineral pools. Rinse off with fresh water after soaking if you have sensitive skin or reactions to mineral water. Do not drink the mineral water. Swimsuits are required. No alcohol is permitted. Follow all posted rules and attendant instructions.
The Bath House is closed on winter holidays; verify the schedule before visiting on any public holiday at hotspringsstatepark.com or by calling the park. Operating hours are Mon-Sat 8am to 5:30pm and Sunday noon to 5:30pm. Arriving near closing time limits your soak window significantly.
Hot Springs State Park surrounds the Bath House and includes a resident bison herd that grazes throughout the park grounds. Maintain a safe distance from bison at all times. Bison are unpredictable and can charge quickly. Stay on designated walkways when moving between the parking area, Bath House, and other park features. The park's accessible trail network is well-maintained but can be slippery in cold or wet weather.
