Hooper Springs Park
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Hooper Springs Park

4.7
·417 reviews·Soda Springs, United States

Experience a naturally fizzy spring and a nostalgic playground at this charming, free park. A unique stop for families and road trippers!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Hooper Springs Park

Hooper Springs Park

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience a naturally fizzy spring and a nostalgic playground at this charming, free park. A unique stop for families and road trippers!

4.7
(417 reviews)

"Such a cool park with so many things to do! Our kids absolutely loved it here."

Vertical photo
TIP

💧 Taste the Soda Water

Bring a water bottle to fill from the carbonated spring. The taste is unique – some love it, some don't!

🤸‍♀️ Classic Playground Fun

Kids (and adults!) will love the vintage teeter-totters, metal slide, and merry-go-rounds.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 419 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Naturally Carbonated Spring

Naturally Carbonated Spring

Main spring area

Experience the unique sensation of drinking naturally fizzy mineral water straight from the earth. A truly one-of-a-kind taste adventure!

Vintage Playground

Vintage Playground

Playground area

Relive childhood memories with classic teeter-totters, a thrilling metal slide, and fun merry-go-rounds. Pure nostalgic joy for all ages!

Riverside Relaxation

Riverside Relaxation

Along the river

Enjoy the scenic beauty of the adjacent river. Perfect for a peaceful stroll, a picnic, or letting pets take a refreshing dip.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Bubbles!

Hooper Springs Park is famous for its naturally carbonated mineral spring. While some find the taste unique (think pennies or old well water!), it's a must-try experience. Bring a water bottle to fill up and taste the fizz for yourself! Reddit

Retro Playground Fun

Step back in time at Hooper Springs Park! This gem boasts classic playground equipment like teeter-totters, a metal slide, and merry-go-rounds that kids (and adults!) adore. It's a fantastic spot for families looking for old-school fun. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Kids love the playground
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Tom Scott visits Soda Springs

Do not drink the geyser water, do not stick your hand in the pipe, and accept if the water touches you it smells like sulphur. Just friendly advice in case anyone decides to visit

💧 Taste the Soda Water

Bring a water bottle to fill from the carbonated spring. The taste is unique – some love it, some don't! Reddit

🤸‍♀️ Classic Playground Fun

Kids (and adults!) will love the vintage teeter-totters, metal slide, and merry-go-rounds. Reddit

reddit.com

You helped guide us on an amazing trip earlier this year; coming back for more advice heading north out of SLC toward Yellowstone.

I don't recall deleting the post, but you all [strongly suggested](https://www.reddit.com/r/Utah/comments/11kcl8z/deleted_by_user/) taking the southern route from Canyonlands to Escalante, and it was amazing! So, from over 2k miles away and planning a Utah/Wyoming/Montana/Idaho…

reddit.com

Sights on the 4 hr 22 min route?

Hi! Traveling from SLC to Jackson, WY this summer and will be entering Idaho for the first time. I was wondering if there were any sights along this way that might be worth stopping for. Any suggestions (food, sights, etc.) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

🐾 Pet-Friendly Park

Well-behaved pets are welcome! Your furry friends might enjoy a dip in the river. Reddit

💰 Free Admission!

Enjoy all the park has to offer without any entrance fees. A great budget-friendly stop! Reddit

reddit.com

Soda Springs, ID and then some…

Soda springs gyser is inoperable and is under repair https://preview.redd.it/9byx2mvyxy8f1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=99570d104d3a3b0d622d70f1177b6eed3d524d56 June 24, 2025

Tips

from all over the internet

💧 Taste the Soda Water

Bring a water bottle to fill from the carbonated spring. The taste is unique – some love it, some don't! Reddit

🤸‍♀️ Classic Playground Fun

Kids (and adults!) will love the vintage teeter-totters, metal slide, and merry-go-rounds. Reddit

🐾 Pet-Friendly Park

Well-behaved pets are welcome! Your furry friends might enjoy a dip in the river. Reddit

💰 Free Admission!

Enjoy all the park has to offer without any entrance fees. A great budget-friendly stop! Reddit

🧺 Picnic Ready

Tables and fire pits are available, making it a perfect spot for a family picnic. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(417 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Hooper Springs Park for its unique natural carbonated spring and its charming, retro playground. It's a beloved spot for families seeking old-school fun and a memorable, free outdoor experience. While the taste of the spring water is polarizing, its novelty is a major draw. Some may find the park's amenities basic, but its charm lies in its simplicity and natural wonders.

"Unique old school park. The carbonated spring was fun to experience. I filled up my water bottle and it was very carbonated. I personally did not like the taste. Tasted like my great-grandma's well water when I was a kid aka like what I imagine a penny tastes like.

The park is awesome!! Still has the teeter-totters (seesaw), metal slide, and my favorite the marry-go-rounds.

No entrance fees
Pets allowed"

Mikki Fritz

"This is such a a neat little place, just outside Soda Springs. The water it entirely drinkable, if you don't mind soda water. Beautiful little park with tables, fire pits, and a playground."

Honest Joe Reviews

"Beautiful park with a beautiful river also there is a naturally carbonated mineral spring you can drink from. And Jackie the am-staffy loves to take a dip any time she can."

Tom Hightower

What People Like

Unique carbonated spring
Vintage playground
Free admission

What People Dislike

Polarizing spring water taste

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hooper Springs Park is located just outside Soda Springs, Idaho. It's easily accessible by car, making it a convenient stop for those traveling north from Salt Lake City towards Yellowstone. Reddit

While not directly in Yellowstone, Hooper Springs Park is a notable stop on the route north from Salt Lake City towards the national park, offering a unique break. Reddit

From Soda Springs, Idaho, follow local signs to Hooper Springs Park. The park is a short drive from the town center, making it easy to find. Reddit

Yes, ample parking is available within the park grounds, making it easy to access the springs and playground. Reddit

Absolutely! Hooper Springs Park is an ideal stop for road trips, offering a chance to stretch your legs, enjoy a unique natural wonder, and let kids play. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Hooper Springs Park offers free admission! You can enjoy the natural springs, playground, and picnic areas without any cost. Reddit

The park is generally open year-round during daylight hours, though specific hours can vary. It's best to check local listings if you plan a visit during off-season. Reddit

No advance booking is necessary as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during park hours. Reddit

The main restriction is to be respectful of the natural environment and other visitors. Pets are allowed, but must be leashed. Reddit

Yes, pets are allowed in Hooper Springs Park, provided they are well-behaved and kept on a leash. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The spring is naturally carbonated, giving the water a fizzy quality. The taste is often described as unique, with some comparing it to pennies or old well water. It's a fun experience to try! Reddit

Yes, the water is drinkable, though its unique taste might not appeal to everyone. Many visitors enjoy filling their water bottles. Reddit

The park features a beloved vintage playground with classic elements like teeter-totters, a metal slide, and merry-go-rounds, offering a nostalgic play experience. Reddit

Yes, Hooper Springs Park provides picnic tables and fire pits, making it an excellent spot for a family outing or a relaxing meal outdoors. Reddit

Indeed, a beautiful river runs alongside Hooper Springs Park, offering scenic views and a place for pets to cool off. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Hooper Springs Park does not have on-site restaurants. It's a natural park focused on outdoor activities and the springs. Reddit

The closest dining options are in the nearby town of Soda Springs, Idaho, which offers various local eateries and cafes. Reddit

Yes, the park is equipped with fire pits, making it suitable for barbecues and picnics. Remember to follow any local fire regulations. Reddit

Given the park's focus on outdoor fun, classic picnic fare like sandwiches, salads, and grilled items are perfect. Don't forget drinks, especially if you plan to try the spring water! Reddit

Yes, you can find grocery stores in Soda Springs, Idaho, where you can stock up on supplies for a picnic before heading to the park. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique carbonated spring, the nostalgic playground equipment, and the scenic river views. The vintage elements offer great character for photos. Reddit

Absolutely! The combination of the natural spring, the retro playground, and the riverside setting provides a charming backdrop for memorable family portraits. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most flattering and dramatic lighting for photography, minimizing harsh shadows. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone to ensure compliance. Reddit

Bring your camera or smartphone, extra batteries, and perhaps a tripod for stable shots, especially if you're capturing the spring or river. Reddit

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