We have plenty of amazing small towns in Wyoming, and one of the best is Thermopolis. Thermopolis, Wyoming has all of the typical small-town amenities that you would hope to find, such as an appealing selection of campgrounds, hotels, restaurants and a quaint downtown shopping area. However, nature has blessed Thermopolis with a powerful sense of being that makes this small town very different from the rest; this little town of Thermopolis just might be the most unique town in Wyoming. There are plenty of things to do in Thermopolis, Wyoming – take a look:

You can see just how Thermopolis sits in a valley from this historic photo of the town that dates back to 1918.
Wikipedia/W. J. Carpenter
The city finds itself in the middle of a ring of mountains. The Bridger Mountains are to the southeast, the Owl Creek Mountains to the southwest, Big Horn Mountains to the northeast and the Absaroka Range to the northwest.
The downtown business district is as historic as it is charming! The buildings lining the street were built between 1898 and 1923.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
You'll find statues lining the street that help tell the story of this unique town in Wyoming.
To pay tribute to the western heritage of Thermopolis, Wyoming, check out the cowboy and horse statue in the center of Broadway.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Broadway was originally built wide enough to accommodate 16 mules or horses! Many early Wyoming towns have wide downtown streets because of the way Wyoming transportation was back when they were originally built.
Thermopolis, WY has the unique claim to fame of being the home of the world's largest mineral hot spring.
Flickr/Don Barrett
The word 'Thermopolis' is a Greek word that means 'Hot City', and when you visit Hot Springs State Park you'll quickly figure out just how it earned that moniker.
The natural hot springs make this one of the most interesting parks in Wyoming. Many people are reminded of Yellowstone's Monmouth Hot Springs when they visit.
Flickr/incidencematrix
Take a look at the colorful travertine terraces pictured above. The terraces were formed by the flowing mineral hot spring. When it evaporates, the minerals are left behind and continue to build up.

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The Teepee Fountain is one landmark that, for many, defines this unique town in Wyoming.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
This structure was created by piping the hot mineral water through a vertical pipe built into a rock pyramid. As the water escaped through the top and flowed over the structure, it cooled and deposited travertine, similar to the terraces. The algae within the water colors the deposits.
While you can't take a dip in the springs themselves, the State Bath House offers a therapeutic soak in a cooled version of the water.
Flickr/Charles Willgren
The hot springs flow at a constant temperature of 135ºF. In the Bath House, the temperatures are moderated to a therapeutic 104ºF that won't cause damage to your skin.
Not many people realize that Hot Spring State Park is actually the oldest state park in Wyoming. It was founded in 1897.
Flickr/Thaddeus Roan
Pictured is the swinging suspension footbridge located within the park. The original Swinging Bridge was built in 1916, condemned in 1984, removed in 1991 and restored in 1992.
Don't skip town without visiting the Wyoming Dinosaur Center!
Flickr/Charles Willgren
The Center is a fascinating place to get a glimpse at prehistoric fossils. It's famous for being one of the best in the country, and it houses the only Archaeopteryx fossil, a bird-like dinosaur, outside of Europe.
The Wyoming Dinosaur Center is one of the few dinosaur museums in the world to have excavation sites nearby.
Flickr/Charles Willgren
You can actually go digging for a day on a live dig site! You'll have to make a reservation in advance, but it's a family-friendly adventure that's sure to leave lasting memories.
When you visit Thermopolis, WY, you'll fall in love with the most unique town in Wyoming.
Flickr/Charles Willgren

Check out this video from Wyoming PBS with some fascinating facts about Thermopolis, WY:

Have you ever visited this unique town in Wyoming? What are some of your favorite things to do in Thermopolis, Wyoming?

Looking for more unique things to do in Wyoming? Check out the Ayres Natural Bridge near Glenrock!

 

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More to Explore

Unique Towns In Wyoming

Kim Magaraci | June 27, 2020

Are there any swinging bridges in Wyoming?

You'll find a fascinating swinging bridge in Hot Springs State Park! Cross over the Big Horn River and be sure to take in views of the enormous thermal hot springs from all directions.

Does Wyoming have any natural wonders?

The entire state of Wyoming seems to be a natural wonder. From the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of the most diverse in the world, to the thermal springs in the park itself, to the towering Tetons, to the neverending beauty of the Bighorn Mountains and our state forests, you can hardly drive a mile in Wyoming without finding a stunning natural wonder.

What is the most beautiful small town in Wyoming?

Thermopolis, as you can see from the above article, is one of the best places for those seeking scenery and natural beauty here in the Cowboy State. However, it's far from the only beautiful small town in Wyoming! Towns like Pinedale and Centennial are surrounded by mountain ranges that seem to go on forever. Jackson blends history and modern attractions in Wyoming's most popular tourist town, and Lander is a tiny town that swells with visitors when the weather is nice thanks to its charming streets and proximity to Sinks Canyon State Park.

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Thermopolis, WY 82443, USA