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Thermopolis Splash Pad
THE THERMOPOLIS SPLASH PAD
Dusty Lewis believes that any vacation should include an experience with great lodging so he set out to do just that by opening the Hide Out, his unique cabin on the Big Horn River. Visitors could soak in the hot tub, enjoying the view of the river from the large deck he built. However, he soon realized his guests wanted more opportunities for adventure.
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“We sold our camper and gave up our summer,” Dusty, a father of two young boys, explained, “to buy the inventory to jumpstart our new business.”
An old garage was soon renovated as the brand-new Thermopolis Surf Shop – ‘Rent Adventure’.
Visitors can now rent drift boats for fishing and tubes for floating, but the most popular rentals are the kayaks and paddle boats. The perfect adventure for beginners.
About half the rentals go to first timers and those wanting to have a new experience they can only get on the Big Horn River. According to Dusty, who spends as much time as possible on the water, there’s not a lot of rivers in Wyoming like this. The Big Horn is scenic, clean and the water is warm.
He has had visitors show up asking when the ride would begin and has to explain that this is not a ride but a self-guided adventure. You paddle at your own risk but Dusty ensures that everyone has a safe tour by giving these newcomers important advice.
Paddle in the middle of the river, away from the shore. Stay away from trees and, most important, be watching ahead. You can outmaneuver anything if you just look ahead. Most of the mishaps are avoided this way and, yes, there have been some misadventures.
“We are also part-time Baywatch,” he concedes with a laugh. “We’ve seen it all and have had several jet boat rescues.” People can get caught in eddies, separated from their party at small islands and caught in trees.
Dusty does offer instruction from how to fly cast to drift boat operation for beginners. To ensure that everyone can enjoy the Big Horn River, he also guides for those who need extra help or just want someone to go with if they are on their own. He says that is especially a good idea for those who are on their first fishing trip. He can paddle while they fish and enjoy the view. They can also offer drop-off and pick ups for those needing a ride to and from the river.
Whether you are on your way to Yellowstone or Hot Springs County is your destination, Rent Adventure is sure to add just that – adventure – to your vacation here in Thermopolis!
Tate Roberts and Tim Lippincott enjoy the Big Horn River
You can book a room at hotspringshideout.com and secure your rentals online at rentadventurenow.com
SUMMER HOURS FOR RENT ADVENTURE ARE 7 Days A Week • 9am to 6pm
Dusty Lewis on the deck of his vacation home, the Hide Out, overlooking the Big Horn River
