Star Plunge, a hot springs venue in Thermopolis, has remained shut since January 14, prompting worries among business owners who rely on the steady draw of visitors. According to the owner of ThermoVista, as relayed by Audra Dominguez, some Amish travelers canceled their planned stay after learning of the closure, with lodging taxes reportedly down by about $4,000 in February 2025 compared to the same month last year one report says.
Concerns over the park’s status extend beyond these immediate losses. “I think with everything that’s going on with the concessions and the Star Plunge, there might be some confusion by the public and potential visitors about things like whether or not the park is open, what amenities are available and what people can see and do? Also, what does the future look like?” said Brooks Jordan, District Manager at Wyoming State Parks a public statement notes.
Lawsuits over the concession management have introduced additional uncertainty. The longtime operator, Roland Luehne, contends he was removed despite decades of family involvement, while state officials indicate new partnerships could improve amenities. State Parks Big Horn District Manager, Brooks Jordan, said, “We are working to try and have [renovations and improvements] take place as soon as possible” another reference states.
Other attractions at Hot Springs State Park remain open, including Hellie’s Tepee Pools, while Wyoming State Parks officials have announced extended hours at the Bath House to welcome additional guests. Some local merchants, however, worry that the prolonged absence of Star Plunge might depress visitation during the pivotal summer travel surge.
Certain business leaders in Thermopolis hope more diverse promotions will help bring people to the area despite the hot springs venue’s shutdown. Plans for hosting small concerts, outdoor activities, and weekend programs are under discussion. Some organizers believe these events might keep hotels and campgrounds busy on weekends that now risk fewer bookings.
In the midst of these efforts, local property owners are watching the ongoing legal dispute closely. Once a resolution is found, some expect new operators or renovations could resurrect visitor interest in Star Plunge. Until then, merchants say they must adapt to preserve stable revenue.
Meanwhile, campground conversions elsewhere in town have already reduced some lodging options, contributing to added pressure on hotels and vacation rentals. Several owners fear that fewer accommodations, combined with the loss of an anchor destination, will make it harder to capture traveler interest in one of Wyoming’s most famous hot springs towns.
As the legal proceedings continue, upgrades to other park sites may face further delays. No precise timeline has been shared for finishing improvements once the Star Plunge situation is resolved, leaving local tourism stakeholders to plan as best they can. They note that even a well-known attraction can close, underscoring the need for broader regional draws.
Many residents suggest showcasing the natural beauty of the area as a core strategy, calling attention to mineral terraces, scenic trails, and opportunities for spotting wildlife. By emphasizing outdoor recreation, Thermopolis hopes to maintain a steady stream of vacationers, even without a fully functioning commercial hot spring facility.
Some campground and RV park operators view this as a chance to present their own unique amenities. Plans for guided hikes, family-friendly gatherings, or thematic weekends are circulating among property owners who aim to create all-in-one experiences on their grounds. They hope that standing out on their own merits will lessen dependence on neighboring enterprises.
Others in the community remain cautiously optimistic that Star Plunge will reopen before the high season passes. Although no official date has been set, a swift legal resolution could restore a key element of Thermopolis’s tourism allure. For now, local businesses say they are trying to stay positive and prepare for multiple outcomes.
Going forward, the hope is that a final agreement will let Star Plunge resume operation and reduce the hardship on merchants who depend on a vibrant hot springs scene. While the exact future remains unclear, many in Thermopolis continue to promote the area’s other offerings in an effort to minimize losses and retain visitor interest despite the prolonged uncertainty.