The best cultural museum in the west! Come see thousands of artifacts from the pioneer days dating from 1880-1930. Including the infamous “Hole in the Wall” bar where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid drank!
This little museum is really impressive! I couldn’t believe the number of artifacts on display here. I love how they reconstructed Old Town Thermopolis in the basement. Shops are furnished exactly as they were back in the day. As a result, it really feels like taking a walk through time. Complete with a doctor, dress shop, dentist, jail, photo studio and more!
Also, they took apart the Anderson cabin and remounted it inside the museum. For the purpose of giving visitors a true look on pioneer days, mannequins were added to the exhibits. As a result, you get a true feel of what life looked like back in those days.
What is the “Hole In The Wall” Bar?
Regarding the famous “Hole In The Wall” Bar, it was where outlaws from the “Hole in the wall” gang hung out. Outlaws such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid both drank here. The bar was handcrafted in Ireland for owner Tom Skinner. Then it was shipped to Thermopolis by ship, train, then mule-drawn wagon.
Indian Artifacts Too!
In addition, Hot Springs County Museum has the largest Indian artifact collection in all of Wyoming. Including two Chief Washakie painted elk hides. These elk hides were painted before the 1900s. Chief Washakie passed away on Feb 20, 1900. Additionally, there are Indian arrowheads, teepees, clothes and more.
So Much To See!
As if that is not enough, Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center also has a doll collection, an exhibit on Gebo, (which is now a ghost town) a geology exhibit, a dinosaur bone and more. As a matter of fact, the Hot Springs County Museum has a second location across the street that includes a schoolhouse, railroad caboose, poverty shack and tons or agriculture equipment.
Lastly, don’t forget to play a real 1930’s Buckley slot machine. Sadly it doesn’t pay out but it’s fun to pull the lever and watch it a spin. You’ll need a quarter to use it.
As I mentioned before, the Hot Springs County Museum is an impressive museum. Therefore making it a must-see site when visiting Thermopolis.
Hours
Open:
| May – September | Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Closed Sunday |
| October – April | Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Closed Sunday – Monday |
Admission:
$5
Plan to spend at least two hours here. There is a lot to see, you can visit two different sites. Wear good walking shoes and don’t forget a camera!
Directions
Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center
700 Broadway St,
Thermopolis, WY 82443
From Worland:
Head south on HWY 20 E. Turn right on Broadway St in Thermopolis. Destination will be on your right.
From Shoshoni:
Go north on HWY 20 W, Turn Left on Broadway St. Destination will be on your right.
Accommodations
There are a few accommodations in Thermopolis. My link will search through all the online sites to find you the best price available. By purchasing your trip through my link, this site will earn a small commission on your purchase. Rest assured that it will not cost you anything extra! In Fact, the only difference is that this site will earn a commission instead of another booking site. Thank your sponsorship!
Check Out My Other Travel Secrets
28Jan 2020
Taos Pueblo the oldest community in the USA
Taos Pueblo is the oldest continuously inhabited community in the USA. Home of the Red Willow people in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountain...
06Jan 2020
Beautifully reconstructed ruins at Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Walk inside beautifully reconstructed cliff dwellings, just an hour and a half from Denver, at Manitou Cliff Dwellings.
24Dec 2019
Things to do in Golden Colorado
Plan your day trip here with my list of cool things to do in Golden Colorado. Learn about Buffalo Bill, beer, trains, and more!
20Dec 2019
16Dec 2019
Monument Valley – An iconic image of the Wild West
Monument Valley features iconic red buttes that tower up to twelve-thousand feet high, You may recognize it from movies such as Forest Gump.
12Dec 2019
National WWII Museum
With over six acres of artifacts, recreations and testimonials, The National WWII Museum is one of the top ten best museums in the US....
06Dec 2019
Hovenweep National Monument
Come see the beautiful cliff dwellings at Hovenweep National Monument. Unlike Mesa Verde, these are perched on canyon rims and carefully balanced on uneven...
02Dec 2019
Larger than life Denver Public Art
With 1% of the capital construction funds invested in art. Denver Public Art is among the finest in the USA. Over 60 sculptures and...
About the Author
Leave a Reply