Star Plunge
By the HotSpringsFind editorial team · How we compile records · Directory data reviewed September 2026
CLOSED to the public since January 2025 (~20 months). Wyoming State Parks acquired the property via a $1.8M settlement in August 2026, but inspections then found gas leaks, sagging beams, and 'significant problems with the pools' — the state is now deciding between renovation (~$2-4M) and demolition+rebuild. Reopening uncertain; check wyoparks.wyo.gov.
Field notes — checked September 2026
- Hazard: 104F hot tubs — standard overheating cautions for kids/elderly
- Hazard: Slick mineral-coated decks
- Hazard: Slide queues/lines on summer weekends
- Cleaning closures: outdoor pool closes at 6pm Tuesdays; indoor pool closes at 7pm Wednesdays — plan around them
- The headline 'Super Star 500' slide runs Memorial Day-Labor Day only (weekends 11-6, weekdays 11-5); only 2 of 3 slides operate the rest of the year
- Admission: $15.50 ages 5-64, $7 ages 4 & under, $12.50 seniors 65+, $12.50/person groups of 30+ — slides and tax included; annual passes sold ~Jan
- Accepts cash, credit cards AND checks
- Don't confuse with the free State Bath House next door — Star Plunge is the paid commercial option with slides
- Holiday hours: Christmas Eve 9-5, Christmas Day 11-7
- Mineral water is untreated spring water — expect sulfur smell; water shoes recommended for hot concrete decks
Current status
Checked September 2026 · based on recent visitor reportsCLOSED to the public since January 2025 (~20 months). Wyoming State Parks acquired the property via a $1.8M settlement in August 2026, but inspections then found gas leaks, sagging beams, and 'significant problems with the pools' — the state is now deciding between renovation (~$2-4M) and demolition+rebuild. Reopening uncertain; check wyoparks.wyo.gov.
Sources: WyoFile — "Star Plunge future murky after inspectors find significant concerns" (Sept 9, 2026) (news · 2026-09) · Cowboy State Daily — Wyoming might spend $1M to raze Star Plunge (Sept 15, 2026) (news · 2026-09) · Wyoming State Parks — official site (official · 2026-09)
CLOSED to the public since January 2025 (~20 months). Wyoming State Parks acquired the property via a $1.8M settlement in August 2026, but inspections then found gas leaks, sagging beams, and 'significant problems with the pools' — the state is now deciding between renovation (~$2-4M) and demolition+rebuild. Reopening uncertain; check wyoparks.wyo.gov.
Fact Sheet & Geothermal Specifications
| Source Temp (Historical) | Not reported |
|---|---|
| Trail Access | Recorded coordinates — access unverified |
| Access Fee | Fees reported |
| Geothermal Data Reference | NOAA Thermal Springs List (1980 archive) |
| Check Land Status | Wyoming State Parks — official site |
Detailed Description
Historic mineral-water park inside Hot Springs State Park — indoor/outdoor pools, hot tubs, vapor cave and slides fed by Big Spring. CLOSED since January 2025 after an ownership dispute; Wyoming State Parks acquired it via a $1.8M settlement in August 2026, but inspectors found gas leaks, sagging beams and major pool problems — renovate-vs-demolish decision pending. Do not plan a visit; check wyoparks.wyo.gov.
About Star Plunge
Star Plunge is a historic commercial aquatic facility and water park located within Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming. Established in the late 19th century, it is one of the oldest thermal bathing facilities in the United States and has served as a central tourism anchor for Hot Springs County for over a century. The facility is known for utilizing natural mineral water from the park's "Big Spring" in its pools and slides.
Text from the Wikipedia article “Star Plunge”, available under CC BY-SA.
Wyoming Geothermal Context
Wyoming holds the planet's densest geothermal field in Yellowstone — nearly all of it legally protected and off-limits to soaking. The visitable thermal water is outside the park: Thermopolis' free state bathhouse, river-edge springs along the North Platte, and scattered backcountry seeps in grizzly country where bear-aware travel is mandatory.
What a resort site means here
A resort spring is a commercial operation: developed pools or tubs with controlled temperatures, changing facilities, and usually day-use fees or lodging packages. Expect posted rules (swimsuits, quiet hours, age limits), staff on site, and in many cases required reservations — especially on weekends and holidays.
Directions & Trailhead Access
Access is restricted; do not use historical directions to plan a visit.
Sources & References
- WyoFile — "Star Plunge future murky after inspectors find significant concerns" (Sept 9, 2026) — news · 2026-09
- Cowboy State Daily — Wyoming might spend $1M to raze Star Plunge (Sept 15, 2026) — news · 2026-09
- Wyoming State Parks — official site — official · 2026-09
Current access has not been independently confirmed for this visit. Check the linked sources before traveling. · How we verify our data · Report a correction
Frequently Asked Questions: Star Plunge
Is Star Plunge open right now?+
CLOSED to the public since January 2025 (~20 months). Wyoming State Parks acquired the property via a $1.8M settlement in August 2026, but inspections then found gas leaks, sagging beams, and 'significant problems with the pools' — the state is now deciding between renovation (~$2-4M) and demolition+rebuild. Reopening uncertain; check wyoparks.wyo.gov. (Status based on recent visitor reports, last checked September 2026.)
Can I soak at Star Plunge?+
CLOSED to the public since January 2025 (~20 months). Wyoming State Parks acquired the property via a $1.8M settlement in August 2026, but inspections then found gas leaks, sagging beams, and 'significant problems with the pools' — the state is now deciding between renovation (~$2-4M) and demolition+rebuild. Reopening uncertain; check wyoparks.wyo.gov.
Where can I check access to Star Plunge?+
Check Wyoming State Parks — official site: https://wyoparks.wyo.gov/