Rumors of Tribal Purchase of Star Plunge in Thermopolis Debunked by Officials

Claims circulating on social media that the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes have purchased the Star Plunge hot springs facility in Thermopolis are false, according to statements from both tribal representatives and state officials, County 10 reports.

The rumor began with an April 22 Facebook post originating from a profile based in Pampa, Texas. The post, which has since been shared more than 300 times, claimed that the facility had been sold to the two tribes and cited the presence of tribal flags at the site and at a nearby theater as evidence.

In response to public inquiries, Alejandra Robinson, Director of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe Public Relations Office, confirmed that the information is incorrect.

“The Shoshone Business Council confirmed that this is false information,” Robinson said. “The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes have not purchased the Star Plunge.”

While the Northern Arapaho Tribe did not immediately respond to follow-up requests for comment, Wyoming State Parks also addressed the claim. Brooks Jordan, District Manager for the Bighorn District, stated that his office has received no information suggesting a change in ownership.

“We don’t have any knowledge that that has occurred and that has not been something that has been discussed with us,” Jordan said. “We don’t believe it to be true.”

The Star Plunge facility has been closed since January, and Wyoming State Parks remains involved in ongoing litigation with C&W Enterprises, the last operators of the facility. Until that legal process concludes, any official changes in operation or ownership are on hold.

“If the lawsuit weren’t occurring, there’s a good chance the Star Plunge facility would be open and operated by a different party,” Jordan noted. “There still could be a potential sale between the current ownership and a future operator, which we would be interested in supporting or learning more about.”

Jordan added that any new owner would still need to establish an agreement with Wyoming State Parks to legally operate the facility.

For updates or inquiries about the facility’s status, Wyoming State Parks can be contacted at (307) 777-6323.