Best Places to go Swimming in Casper – Brian Scott’s Top Five

Ahhh! Nothing says summer like a visit to the ol' swimming hole. Now my memories include a dip in the Medicine Bow River on a warm summer day, an afternoon at the Hobo Pool in Saratoga, a quiet weekend at Paynes Fountain of Youth in Thermopolis, or frolicking in the pool at Washington Park. I like the popular places as well , so to get a good overview of the "best" places to swim i got together with one of my Great-nephews,age 9, and came up with this list.

#5 - Washington Park Pool

Now this is one for me just because the memories of riding a bike to the pool, hanging out with buddies and maybe watching a few girls go by will be forever burned into the memory banks and to a 12 year old boy, this was the best.

Directions and hours are here

#4 - Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park

This is a  serene day-use park for families, nature lovers and those looking for solitude where you can enjoy the huge old cottonwoods. They also have a dandy swimming hole that not a lot of people know about. It is close enough to town that you can pack a picnic lunch and slip out for a couple of hours midday or sneak in some fun after work before it gets dark. Keep in mind as it is a State Park there are daily fees to visit.

More on the park and a schedule of fees and hours are here

#3 - Paradise Valley Pool

[/caption]When this pool was first constructed this was THE place to go swimming, with the slide, their size and the amount of people , you were not SOMEONE if you weren't swimming at PV. It is still a very popular pool, not only for the neighborhood but also for Casper. In addition to the daily swim hours on occasion you can bring your favorite pool float and enjoy a refreshing root beer float in the Paradise Valley Pool concessions area. Unlimited waterslide are included for Family Fun Nights.

See the schedule here

#2 - Sandy Beach at Alcova

Just 35 miles southwest of Casper is a great recreation lake in Alcova Reservoir.  The great thing about Alcova is that it is close enough to Casper for a quick trip out or with camping facilities in the area you could spend a couple of nights and commute back to town for work. Sandy Beach is a day use area, at no charge, is the first accesible area as you come into the park and with a large sandy beach, hence the name,and there is ample room for you and the family to build sand castles, swim and enjoy a hot summer day.

For directions and more click here.

#1 - Casper Aquatic Center

Rain or shine in the eyes of many, this is the place to spend your swimming hours. Ever since it was built it has been high on the list for swimmers young and old. For those unfamiliar it is a 23,500-square-foot facility. Featuring "Zero Depth Entry." Play features include, lazy river, Helical Water Slide, Speed Water Slide, four-lane 25-yard lap pool; hot water whirlpool, male, female and family locker rooms, party room and outdoor sun deck. You can rent it out for parties and accomodate hundreds. And for convenience and fun this is our top pick.

Find out more about the facility here.