Friday, February 27, 2026 |
Photo – Hobo Hot Pool – Courtesy Town of Saratoga
Saratoga officials agree to seek state funding to improve the Hobo Hot Springs.
During the February 18th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Ellie Dana, the town’s representative to the Carbon County Visitors Council, announced that the Wyoming Office of Tourism distributes funding to each county every two years. In the most recent funding cycle, Dana said Carbon County received state support for new signage and for hiring Destination Development Specialist Cindy Loose.
Last year, Destination Development Specialist Loose coordinated with groups around the county to identify ways to strengthen tourism in each municipality. The findings from the individual groups will be used to request funding for specific projects during the 2026 Office of Tourism funding cycle.
At the February 18th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Dana said that in 2024 the town requested state funding for extensive improvements to the Hobo Hot Springs and the surrounding area. However, the request was ultimately denied.
Dana said 2026 marks the next Wyoming Office of Tourism funding cycle. The Visitors Council representative recommended requesting funds to improve the hot springs once again. To increase the chances of approval, Dana divided the project into multiple phases. The first phase, adding more signage, is already being managed by a group of Saratoga residents.
The next phase involves improving the appearance of the North Platte River banks and increasing restroom access. If approved, Dana said the state funding will be used to install boulders along the riverbank and provide portable restrooms.
The remaining phases include improving the parking area and constructing a new ADA-compliant restroom.
Dana requested authorization to present the Hobo Hot Springs improvement plan to the full Carbon County Visitors Council board. The Saratoga Town Council unanimously approved her request.
