 Hot Springs County, well named because of its large mineral hot springs. Thermopolis, the county seat, is named from the combination of two Greek words, meaning hot and city. You can see this 135 degree water flowing over the terrace at 8,000 gallons of water per day. Hot Springs County has been a favorite destination for travelers and was sacred to the Shoshone people because of the water's therapeutic properties. Hot Springs State Park was opened in 1897 when one square mile of land was given to the state and water was piped into bathhouses. Hot Springs County was created in February of 1911 from land that was originally in Bighorn, Fremont and Park counties. It is the smallest county in Wyoming and the second least populous county with under 5,000 people. Another unique area is Wedding of the Waters where the river changes names midstream. Very few rivers do this. You probably don't need much convincing to stop and enjoy all that Hot Springs County has to offer. Whether it's a beautiful drive through Wind River Canyon or soak in hot springs, your time will be well spent. From the University of Wyoming Extension, I'm Mae Smith, Exploring the Nature of Wyoming.