History of Hot Springs Pools

Tent plunge at Thermopolis, 1899. Pictured are Tom Skinner’s relatives, the Lewis family of Lost Cabin

In 1897, the mineral hot springs were opened to official development. Up until this time, the occupants were squatters and those traveling through who were illegally building stone structures on the Indian Reservation for their baths and swimming holes. In November of that year, a reporter from the Lander Clipper made the journey to the new town of Thermopolis. It took twenty-four hours from Lander over roads that he called “the most abominable that has been our lot to pass over.” From the old town site, his small group wound their way over steep pitches and down through rocky gulches and canyons which were as “hot as hades” but all things have an end, he reported, “and at last we arrived on the top of the summit, when the beauties and wonder of this, Nature’s great production burst upon us.” The first summer of business had brought hundreds of tourists and those seeking the medicinal water over the same arduous route the Lander journalist had traveled. These travelers were not to be deterred by the long distance and dusty trails to reach this new tourist haven.

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Tourists were not the only ones flocking to the world famous mineral hot springs!

Washakie Plunge in the 1960's

There were numerous pools and baths to choose from and two businesses had quickly become the favorites. The firm of Adams & Gregg had built their large bathhouse on the formation over-looking the river and catered to bathers. They had four bath tubs and one vapor bath. In that first summer of business when the visitors to the Spring were numerous, these baths were in constant use from 5 o’clock in the morning until late at night. Up on the formation, Gene Garr had a large plunge bath covered over with a large tent and those who wish to “sport themselves in the water” were able to swim. He advertised that women and children could safely enjoy the water and attendants were standing by to see to patron’s every comfort. These two establishments have long since disappeared and other businesses, some extravagant and others much more modest, have come and gone in the years since. Over the last century a number of hotels, bath houses, sanitariums, and spas have been built to host the thousands of visitors who enjoy the hot springs each year.

The Star Plunge at the Big Horn Hot Springs

Thermopolis ZOO

In the 1920’s and 30’s, wildcats, coyotes, and bears all lived together at the zoo of Rocky Mountain wild animals at Thermopolis Hot Springs Reserve. The Thermopolis Chamber of Commerce helped run the zoo and most of the animals that were donated had been captured when young.

One recorded story says that a wildcat was donated by A. F. Duntsch, editor of the Riverton Review. According the newspaper accounts, he had “gathered the little fellow up as they met on a stroll in the mountains of Fremont County a few months ago.

A wildcat is tame amusement for a Wyoming country editor and Duntsch soon became tired of the humdrum and monotony. Any complaining reader had a wildcat beat for excitement.” (Cheyenne State Tribune, March 30, 1924)

Remnants of the zoo can be seen today across from the hospital.