Wheden Spring, Shell, Wyoming, 82441

Thermopolis hot spring state park is a beautiful place for the whole family. There are both indoor as outdoor pools to soak in. You can also visit the hot springs and see bison in the Wyoming hills, as they have been for hundreds upon years.
In the latter part of the 19th century, Wyoming was given the hot springs by the Arapaho, Shoshone, and Arapaho Tribes. The treaty stipulated that the pools would remain free to the public. Thank you Chief Washakie!
According to old legends, mineral hot spring pools can be used for healing purposes. I am reminded of Littlefoot, Land Before Time's character, who took a hot spring bath. Later, the Native Americans and Lewis and Clark followed suit as they crossed the country in the early 1800s.
The hot spring state parks are located along the Big Horn River. There are wooden plank paths connecting the pools. Swinging Bridge offers great opportunities for photo opps. According to information at bridge: It was built to connect Big Spring and Freemont Springs, Pleasant View Hotel, Sanitarium, Elk pasture, and the Freemont Spring.
As the town grew, the bridge provided access to Hopewell Hospital. This was the first Hot Springs County hospital. The bridge suffered from deterioration over the years and was eventually destroyed by Wyoming National Guard in 1991. In 1992, North Dakota National Guard restored it. It was built from scrap metal by a mechanic who had no knowledge of bridge building. The design was inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Thermopolis Hot Springs offers many options for swimming:
Hot Springs State Park Bathhouse features two pools that are around 104°F and outdoor cooling ponds. These ponds can also be connected by the wooden plank pathway. The outdoor pool, which is 104 degrees Fahrenheit offers cement benches to sit. You will be impressed by the cleanliness of this park as you relax in the natural surroundings of travertine minerals. You and your family should make an effort for the park to be clean so future visitors don't have to.
Things to Bring
Take a refreshing soak after which you can get back in the car and drive the remainder of the state park. You will be able to see more sights. You might be able to spot a herd or buffalo on the rolling hills. Take pictures at a safe distance, as buffalo can be unpredictable and defensive.