Thermopolis, Wyoming is known for its soothing, natural mineral springs. It’s even the location of the well-known Hot Springs State Park.
It may come as a surprise, however, that a popular resort famous for its hot water is also an excellent spot for cool summer fun. An afternoon at the Star Plunge in Thermopolis on a hot day is just what you need to tip your summer over the top from fun to epic.
Star Plunge, Thermopolis, Wyoming
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The pools at Thermopolis are hot springs, after all, but the water in the outdoor pool is cooler than the hot mineral baths.
Nathasha Sostrom/Flickr
The nice thing is that the water is only cooled down to about luke warm, so you don’t get a frigid shock when you cannonball in off the diving board.
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Take a moment at the top of the water slide to appreciate the gorgeous Central Wyoming view…
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…then take a deep breath and jump in for a thrilling ride.
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The payoff is a plunge in the cooling splash down pool at the end.
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There’s fun to be had outside of the pool, too.
Lynn Friedman/Flickr
Be sure to check out the Dinosaur Center at Thermopolis for a glimpse of some of the area’s prehistoric residents. Participate in actual dig sites or stroll among the 30 mounted skeletons including a T-Rex and Supersaurus.
Brett Whaley/Flickr
While you’re in the area, if you like your summer fun a little more extreme, the Wind River Canyon area near Thermopolis is considered Nature’s Water Park. It’s a great place for whitewater rafting.
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For a peek into what the park has to offer, check out this short video by Troop 3 Austin on YouTube:
Have you ever visited Thermopolis in the summer? What was the most fun part of the trip?
m01229/Flickr
Nathasha Sostrom/Flickr
Troop 3 Austin, Texas/youtube
Lynn Friedman/Flickr
Brett Whaley/Flickr
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