So many hot springs

One of many Hot Springs

There are hundreds of hot springs in this state, with varying accessibility.  This one is pretty close to home, easy to get to, and has wonderful views.

The Mammoth Site

While in South Dakota, we stopped by Hot Springs to see the Mammoth Site, the World's Largest Mammoth Research Facility.

They built walls around it and a roof to protect it from the elements.

We were given a guided tour through the areas then left to explore on our own.

You can be part of the dig, I think that'd be really cool but I'm afraid I'd miss something.

Here's the website if you want to plan your own trip there. :)

Hot Springs, South Dakota

Hot Springs, South Dakota has the smallest Union depot in the world. It currently houses the information center but, as is typical for our trips it was closed when we stopped by.

Seems like even skateboarding aliens are welcome at this bar.

An old jail.

Thermopolis

After spending the night camping in the Tetons we headed to Thermopolis.  More tunnels for us. :0)

If you go to the main park in Thermopolis you will find the World's largest mineral hot springs.  We stopped here back in 2002 on our way to Yellowstone, loved it and knew we would stop again on our way back through.

See that dome on the far right of this photo?  That's a bath house where you can sign in and soak for 20 minutes inside or out for free.  If we lived closer we would be here all the time!