Thermopolis

The town of Thermopolis is not as interesting as the thermal/mineral hot springs and the surrounding area.  We did find a nice place to have pancakes and then we shopped the farmer’s market across the street.  We walked the downtown area and learned that the streets are wide enough to handle a 16 mule team wagon train turning around for its return trip.

About 21 miles north of town we toured the Legend Rock State Archaeological Site where petroglyphs from up to 10,000 years ago are etched into the rock walls.  Some picture animals such as the thunderbird, buffalo, and elk.   Others are thought to be men with horned headdresses or peace pipe.  Most are thought to be from visionary experiences or reaching into the spirit world of the stone.  Nearby we drove through the Hamilton Dome Oil Field. 

After lunch we drove to Kirby, and town of 97, where the Wyoming Whiskey Distillery is located.  It is out in the middle of nowhere but this is where the owners’ ranch is located.  We got a private tour and then a tasting of 4 of the 7 types of bourbon they produce. As much as I wanted to like their product, I still don’t like bourbon. They started in 2009, sold its first bottle in 2012 and today they have over 9,000 barrels and distribute to 38 states and Mexico.

Now it’s time to try the hot springs.  The Hot Springs State Park covers 10 square miles inside Indian territory.  The Indians agreed to the state park with the stipulation that they offer free use of  the hot springs.  There are other places we could have tried like hotels and an RV park as well as two pay-to-swim parks inside the state park but we chose the free soak at 104 degrees.  It’s a hot tub, what can I say?  Also in the park are the actual springs, mineral terraces, a swinging bridge over the Bighorn River, playground and picnic areas.