Thermopolis, Wyoming, is situated on the Wind River, downstream from the Wedding of the Waters, where the Wind River officially becomes the Bighorn River, a geographic distinction marking a significant transition in the river's course.

The town owes its existence and name, meaning "hot city" in Greek, to the presence of the world's largest single mineral hot spring, known as the Big Spring, discharging around three million gallons of 135°F water daily.

The 1896 treaty with the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes ceded control of the hot springs area to the United States government, stipulating that the waters be forever open to the public for free therapeutic use, a unique agreement in American history.

Hot Springs State Park, established in 1897, encompasses the Big Spring and offers free bathing facilities in designated areas, ensuring public access to the mineral-rich waters as mandated by the treaty.

The Wyoming Dinosaur Center, located in Thermopolis, features a significant collection of dinosaur fossils, including a nearly complete Supersaurus skeleton, contributing to paleontological research and tourism.

Thermopolis lies within Hot Springs County, which has a small but stable population base, reflecting the area's reliance on tourism, agriculture, and mineral extraction.

The economy of Thermopolis is largely dependent on tourism related to the hot springs and dinosaur center, supplemented by ranching, farming, and energy development in the surrounding areas.

The town's historical significance is tied to the Native American tribes who utilized the hot springs for medicinal and spiritual purposes long before European settlement.

The Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway, traversing a dramatic geological formation near Thermopolis, offers stunning views and connects the town to other regional attractions.

While not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the unique geological features of the area, including the hot springs and surrounding canyons, possess significant natural value.

Thermopolis hosts an annual Gift of the Waters Pageant, celebrating the history and cultural exchange between Native American tribes and early settlers in the region.

The town's political climate is generally conservative, reflecting the values and priorities of its rural population and resource-based economy.

Thermopolis played a minor role in the early oil boom in Wyoming, with limited oil and gas exploration activities occurring in the surrounding areas.

The Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center provides insights into the history of the region, showcasing artifacts related to Native American culture, ranching, and early settlement.

Population growth in Thermopolis has been relatively slow and steady, reflecting the limited opportunities for significant economic expansion beyond tourism and agriculture.