Why It Matters
Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming’s most visited state park with roughly 1 million annual visits, has operated without its Star Plunge aquatic facility for over a year due to a legal dispute between the state and the former operator. The closure has left families and swimmers without access to one of the state’s few permanent water recreation facilities.
The Wyoming Legislature’s recent budget allocation could end the standoff and reopen the popular attraction months ahead of a scheduled October trial.
What Happened
The Wyoming Legislature approved $3 million in its budget for concessionaire remedies at Hot Springs State Park. Lawmakers mandated the state conduct a full appraisal of capital investments and the ongoing business operations at the disputed facilities.
The Star Plunge closed in January 2025 after the state selected a new operator in 2024, ending a 50-year run by the Luehne family. Former operator Roland Luehne challenged the state’s decision through a pair of lawsuits that remain active. His short-term management agreement with the state expired before the new operator could take over.
Luehne has kept the facility maintained and ready for swimmers despite the closure. The outdoor pool remains lined with lounge chairs and the water still flows, though no guests can use it.
By The Numbers
$3 million allocated by Wyoming Legislature for concessionaire settlements
1 million annual visits to Hot Springs State Park
50 years the Luehne family operated Star Plunge
1,100 acres comprise Hot Springs State Park
2 aquatic facilities currently operate in the park, with Star Plunge closed
Zoom Out
Hot Springs State Park stands apart from Wyoming’s wilderness-focused parks with its developed infrastructure including pools, hotels, a hospital, schools, and fairgrounds. The mineral springs have drawn visitors for centuries, and in a state without permanent amusement parks, the aquatic facilities serve as rare family recreation destinations.
The state has continued smaller improvement projects during the closure, including a new boat ramp, road repairs, bridge reinforcement over the Bighorn River, and planned replacement of wooden boardwalks on the mineral terraces. A blue waterslide at Hellie’s Tepee Pools was recently dismantled after three decades of use.
What’s Next
Wyoming State Parks Deputy Director Nick Neylon indicated the state hopes to use the legislatively mandated appraisal process to reach a settlement before the October trial. The resolution would allow the state to transfer management of the aging hotel and water facilities to a new operator capable of funding needed improvements.
Luehne expressed willingness to see the facility reopen under any operator while legal matters continue separately. Both parties acknowledge the primary goal is restoring public access to the Star Plunge while fairly compensating property owners for their investments.
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