Our History

Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming, was established in 1897 as the Big Horn Hot Springs State Reserve, making it Wyoming's first state park. The park is centered around the world's largest mineral hot springs, which flow at a rate of approximately 8,000 gallons per minute at a constant temperature of 135 degrees.

The springs have been a site of spiritual and physical healing for Indigenous peoples for centuries. The Eastern Shoshone referred to the springs as "Bah-gue-wana" or "Smoking Water". In 1896, Chief Washakie of the Eastern Shoshone and Chief Sharp Nose of the Northern Arapaho negotiated the sale of a 100-square-mile portion of reservation land to the federal government for $60,000.

Following the state's acquisition of a one-mile tract in 1897, the area rapidly developed into a health resort. By the early 20th century, Thermopolis grew around the park as tourists and medical professionals sought the water’s therapeutic benefits for ailments like arthritis.

The park's unique landscape is the result of mineral-rich water depositing limestone over the course of a millennium. The Rainbow Terrace’s travertine formations are created as the water from Big Spring flows over the hillside, leaving behind vibrant mineral deposits.

The Mecca family built the Tepee Pool in 1967, replacing the Washakie Plunge (1918-1969), which had been located across the street from the current Tepee Pool location. The Mecca family designed a modern aquatic facility featuring a “tepee” shaped roof. A fire in 1975 destroyed the architecture, and a new “dome” roof was constructed. The dome was designed to reflect the Native American tepees, paying homage to the culture surrounding the facility.

The Moriarity family began operating the Tepee Pool and Spa at Hot Springs State Park in 1990, adding the Hellie’s name to the Tepee in honor of the matriarch of the family, Helen Moriarity. Stories say that the Montana native would only move to Thermopolis after her family promised her they would put her name in lights. So Hellie’s Tepee Pool was born. Various family members, including Dan, Bill, and Ed Moriarity, were involved in the facility’s ownership and management over the decades.

In November 2023, the facility was sold to a new operator, Wyoming Hot Springs LLC. The Tepee joined the family consisting of our two other sister facilities; Carson Hot Springs in Carson City, Nevada and Jemez Hot Springs located in Jemez New Mexico. Through our new stewardship, we intend to emphasize the wellness and educational aspects of the springs as well as refurbish the current facility while retaining our history and commitment to the
community.

We look forward to welcoming you and are excited to have you participate in our growth.