Free bath at the Bath House

Roundtop Mountain Inn
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Last night we stayed at the Roundtop Mountain Inn in Thermopolis, WY.  We had a very rustic cabin and slept well.  We found a local restaurant, Lil Wrangler, and had a hearty breakfast of omelets and hash browns.

By 8:30 we were at the Bathhouse in Hot Springs State Park.  We soaked in the mineral waters for 20 minutes (all that’s allowed at one time) and visited with the locals much longer than that.  When the Shoshone and Arapahoe Indians sold the springs to the government, they specified that access to the springs would be free.  Thus, it still costs nothing to use the Bathhouse. 

Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis, WY
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Thermopolis is a beautiful town.  There were many new buildings, including a new high school.  The Park was well manicured.  We saw several excellent examples of the mineral deposits left by the springs.  One freestanding example was in the park.  In 1904 a pipe was placed in the ground and rocks were stacked up around it.  Since then, mineral water has continuously flowed through the pipe and over the rocks leaving a beautiful sight to see.

Ammonite Fossils
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After the Bathhouse we traveled to the Wyoming Dinosaur Museum, also in Thermopolis.  Ken says that this is the best dinosaur museum he’s ever seen.  I agree.  The fossil exhibits were magnificent.  During the summer, they have “Kids Digs” for children.  You can pay admission to visit the museum/and or a dig site.  A glass window in the museum allows visitors to view Paleo-techs as they work to prepare new exhibits.   This is a ‘must see’ if you love dinosaurs and smaller fossils.

Wyoming Dinausar Museum
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Next we visited the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming.  This museum focusing on the Buffalo Bill era was Smithsonian quality.  The exhibits and art work were amazing.

Cody, Wyoming, was co-founded by Buffalo Bill Cody.  The Irma Hotel, named after Buffalo Bill’s daughter, is a landmark in the city.   We had lunch at the Irma Hotel and Ken had a buffalo burger.  How appropriate!

Buffalo Bill Historical Center
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As we headed out of town, we stopped at Old Trail Town, a collection of historical western buildings and artifacts, dating from 1879-1901.  The grave of mountain man Liver-Eating Johnson is located there.  Robert Redford starred in a movie about his life, Jeremiah Johnson.      

Irma's Hotel
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When we left Cody at 6 pm, it was 88°.  When we arrived in Yellowstone at 7 pm, it was 71°.

After checking into the Lake Yellowstone Hotel (65°), we settled in for the night.

Old Trail Town in Cody, Wyoming
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