In Yellowstone National Park, it impossible to find a spa facility where uses the mineral water.
However, in a nearby town, there is a publicly owned bathhouse at no fee.
Hot Springs State Park
It is two and a half hours' drive from one of the most popular national parks, Yellowstone National Park to a small town, Thermopolis.
Hot Springs State Park is located at the edge of the town.
First I saw large mineral deposits.
The Tepee Fountain was established in 1909, in order to vent steam from hot mineral water that was piped throughout the park.
The must-see sight in the park would be the far more giant travertine, named Rainbow Terrace.
The bank of the Bighorn River is coated with mineral deposits on a broad scale.
The source of the spring is right behind it.
The Big Spring provides extremely hot (135 degrees F) water, looking mystic in the deep emerald green.
The water is piped to three walk-in facilities and two lodging facilities in the park, and the rest is discarded to the river.
Walking a path on Rainbow Terrace, I found a pool fed by turquoise blue water.
Complimentary bathhouse
The beautiful building looks like a café is actually a public bathhouse; anybody can use it at no fee.
Writing down my name and the entering time, I listened to the instruction.
According to it, I had to exit here in 20 minutes, and two hours were required if I would re-enter the facility.
This rule might be for preventing congestion.
The gender-segregated changing rooms were super clean.
On the other hand, the 20-minute time limit seemed too short considering I had to wear and take off a swimsuit.
Inside the well-lit indoor bath, the opaque water accompanied with sulfur smell.
In the backside of the building, I found the roofed outdoor pool.
The component change due to oxidation makes different colors per pool.
The water temp in the outdoor pool is around 104 degrees F; the rich contained materials helped me feel hotter.
In the meantime, I run out the time and had to fade away.
I wished I could pay the fee and stay a bit longer.
Summary
Hot Springs State Park Bath House, Thermopolis, Wyoming, U.S.
My rating
Type: Walk-in (free of charge)
Rule: Clothing required
Chemical use: Not detected
Water temp: Up to 135 degrees F
