Hot Springs State Park: Smoky Row Cemetery

Located in the Buffalo Pasture is Smoky Row Cemetery.

The following is quoted from a publication of the Thermopolis Independent Record newspaper:

Old Smoky Row Cemetery in Hot Springs State Park dates back to the 1890s.

Located in a gulch east of the Star Plunge, Smoky Row was living quarters for early visitors to the hot springs. They camped in crude stone-front dugouts carved into the hillside. Among those buried there are:

• Mollie Koshear, who slipped over the falls into the river below the hot springs while placing articles under the falls to be coated;

• Augernose Jane, a Smoky Row character;

• Jack Berry, old soldier and mail carrier from Embar to Torrey, who dived into the first swimming pool and was killed;

• A strange woman, name unknown, described as being very large.

See also Hot Springs State Park: Buffalo Pasture, White Sulpher Road, The Grounds, Bath House, Flower Gardens, Source of Flow, Boardwalk and Terraces, View from West Side,"Fountains" and Bridge, History of the Spring, Gift of the Smoking Water, and mineral ponds.

See also Monument Hill Cemetery, part 3, part 2, part 1.

See also Riverside Cemetery.

See also last photograph in Wedding of the Waters.

link: index to photographs

Hot Springs State Park: Buffalo Pasture

Most people view the Buffalo Pasture in their cars, but there are hiking trails or simply walk through the open range exploring this semi-arid environment.

Below is a watering hole for the buffalo.

The two photographs which follow are of the Devil's Punch Bowl. The second is a view from inside the Bowl.

There is a small herd of buffalo. With just a simple point-and-click camera, the shot I took of the buffalo (below) leaves much to be desired. Since these animals can be dangerous when disturbed, it is best to keep a distance from them or have a good telephoto lens.

Here is what buffalo feces look like.

This is the buffalo corral.

Eventually, your hike or drive will lead back to the Bighorn River and the beautiful cliffs created by the mineral springs.

See also Hot Springs State Park: Smoky Row Cemetery, White Sulpher Road, The Grounds,Bath House, Flower Gardens, Source of Flow, Boardwalk and Terraces, View from West Side,"Fountains" and Bridge, History of the Spring, Gift of the Smoking Water, and mineral ponds.

link: index to photographs

Hot Springs State Park: White Sulpher Road

On the north side of HSSP, along Bighorn River is White Sulpher Road. It ends at a stairway which allows people to see another place where spring mineral water flows from the ground and into the river.

Next to the parking lot is an unusual rock formation that some locals call "Green Eye" because they think it looks like a face.

Do you see the Star Wars character Jabba the Hutt or Chewbacca in the above formations?

See also Hot Springs State Park: Smoky Row Cemetery, Buffalo Pasture, The Grounds,Bath House, Flower Gardens, Source of Flow, Boardwalk and Terraces, View from West Side, "Fountains" and Bridge, History of the Spring, Gift of the Smoking Water, and mineral ponds.

link: index to photographs

Hot Springs State Park: The Grounds

In the semi-arid climate of Wyoming, the grounds of HSSP are like an oasis. Families come here just to enjoy the expansive lawns.

Below is one of the favorite benches my wife and I use after a walk.

Some people like to use this observation deck to get a better view of the Bighorn River.

Others use this boat launch to float down the river.

Or you might want to enjoy watching your kids learn how to rock climb.

There are several playgrounds to occupy the young ones in your family.

This is a molded buffalo used for climbing.

Some people like to bring a book and sit next to the grassy pond.

There are benches near the waterfalls.

Have a stroll with your spouse.

Have a picnic with your family, or ...

reserve this structure for a family reunion.

If nothing is happening in the bandshell, talk to Kevin Skates, the Park Superintendent, about what is planned.

Below is the dedication plaque to this pavilion:

After walking up the stairs to the parking lot, make sure you visit with the Stegosaurus before you leave.

See also Hot Springs State Park: Smoky Row Cemetery, Buffalo Pasture, White Sulpher Road,Bath House, Flower Gardens, Source of Flow, Boardwalk and Terraces, View from West Side,"Fountains" and Bridge, History of the Spring, Gift of the Smoking Water, and mineral ponds.

link: index to photographs