5 Best Sights in Thermopolis, Cody, Sheridan, and Northern Wyoming

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We've compiled the best of the best in Thermopolis - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Hot Springs State Park

Fodor's choice

The land that became Wyoming's first state park in 1897 had always been sacred to Native Americans because of its healing natural hot springs. You can partake of these waters by soaking indoors or outside at the free 104°F mineral pools at the State Bath House, which is a central feature of this impressive 1,104-acre park that's also home to two waterparks (which charge admission fees) with more indoor and outdoor hot mineral pools, waterslides, and other amusements. You can also hike or bike on 6 miles of trails, view the park's sizable bison herd, traipse across a swinging suspension bridge that traverses the Big Horn River, offering views of the dramatic travertine mineral terraces.

538 Park St., Thermopolis, WY, 82443, USA
307-864–2176
Sight Details
Rate Includes: $12 per vehicle ($7 for Wyoming residents), Park daily 24 hrs; state bathhouse Mon.–Sat. 8–5:30, Sun. noon–5:30; Star Plunge daily 9–9

Wyoming Dinosaur Center

Fodor's choice

Among the nearly 60 dinosaur skeletons displayed at this nonprofit museum and research center is the winged "Thermopolis Specimen," the only Archaeopteryx exhibited outside of Europe, and "Stan," one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons in the world, measuring 35 feet long and weighing in at nearly 6 tons. Special full-day programs allow kids and adults to try their hand at paleontology by digging in one of the several active dinosaur sites nearby (some 10,000 dinosaur bones have been excavated in the vicinity since 1993). Tours of the dig site are also offered daily in summer.

Wyoming Whiskey

Fodor's choice
The complex small-batch whiskeys produced by this craft distiller have received high marks from top spirits critics around the world. Fans of premium, barrel-age bourbon now flock to tiny Kirby (population 92, 13 miles north of Thermopolis) to sample and buy these smooth sippers and tour the handsome silo-style building in which they're distilled.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site

About 30 miles northwest of town, this state park preserves 92 petroglyph panels and more than 300 figures carved into a 1,312-foot-long sheer cliff face anywhere from a few hundred to 10,000 years ago. Interpretative trails lead to and describe the petroglyphs, and there's an informative visitor center and a picnic shelter as well.
2861 W. Cottonwood Rd., Thermopolis, WY, 82443, USA
307-864–2176
Sight Details
Rate Includes: $12 per vehicle ($7 for Wyoming residents)

Ten Sleep

One of the region's quirkiest and most scenic little towns, Ten Sleep lies on the eastern edge of the Bighorn Basin, along scenic U.S. 16 before it climbs over 9,666-foot Powder Horn Pass en route to Buffalo. It's well worth a stop to stroll through the tiny downtown, stop by Ten Sleep Mercantile—a rollicking general store that opened in 1905—and grab a bite to eat or a drink at one of a handful of friendly taverns. You'll also find one of Wyoming's best craft breweries, Ten Sleep Brewing, on the west side of town.

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