Norris Hot Springs is a clothing not optional, wooden hot spring in Norris, Montana. Its therapeutic, natural water has been soothing Montanans since the 1900s. NHS is the place to be if you love soaking in a quaint, rustic pool while enjoying live music.
The springs at Norris have a long history. The original pool was built by a group of miners working at the Lode mines in the late 1860s. Initially, it served as a bathing spot for miners, but that changed when a spur line was built in the 1890s. The pool became a prominent soaking spot for tired travelers seeking to unwind.
Today, the Norris Hot Springs has been revamped, but its rustic feel looms large. Its pristine, hot mineral waters are supplied by the geothermal marvel, “Water of the Gods”.
Surrounding the pool is a natural wetland that supports wildlife. Expect scenic drives to these springs.
Norris Hot Springs Facilities
Norris Hot Springs is home to a 30′ x 40′ 38,000-gallon pool named the bucket. The pool’s water is maintained at 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer and 106 degrees during wintery days. At 4 feet, the bucket isn’t that deep.
The wooden pool sits atop the Water of the Gods artesian springs. The hot mineral spring water bubbles to the pool at 120 ˚F but is cooled to soothing temperatures by a sprayer. The refill process happens overnight when the pool is drained.
Ledges surround the hot spring, making it possible to soak for extended durations. While at it, enjoy the live acoustic music played at the poolside.
Live music is available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7 pm. Nothing overboard, but low-key, folky, relaxing music. The geodesic dome next to the pool ensures performances don’t stop even during the winter.
Surrounding the pool is a natural wetland graced by different kinds of animals. As you unwind in the hot plunge, you can spot sandhill cranes, deer, and various bird species.
The changing rooms at NHS are clean but unheated, while the toilets are port-a-potties.
It’s a kid-friendly facility, though it doesn’t restrict the consumption of alcohol around the pool area. The busiest days are weekends when toddlers accompany their parents to the hot pool.
Norris Hot Springs stays true to its philosophy of eating, drinking, soaking, and having fun. Onsite is a cafe that serves organic meals and a saloon that avails refreshing drinks.
On offer at the 50 Mile Snack Bar are snacks such as:
- Taco salad
- Spinach and beef salad
- Nachos
- Chips and salsa
- Burrito
- Cheese
- Organic pizza
- Smoked trout
- Ice cream
- Chocolate brownie
- Popsicle
During summer, the 50 Mile Grill serves:
- Organic Bison burger
- Beef hot dog
- Bacon cheeseburger
- Beef burger
- Smoked meat
- Lamb kabobs
- Local trout
- Homemade slaw
- Grilled vegetables
- Organic baked potato
All foods are organic and locally sourced from Norris Hot Springs’ gardens, farms, and ranches. A professional gardener caters to the onsite garden.
Drinks are aplenty in the No Loose Dogs Saloon. On the menu are alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You’ll find:
- House-made lemonade
- Hot tea and coffee
- Hard cider and beer
- Rose wine
- Red wine
- White wine
There’s more to Norris Hot Springs than a wooden hot pool. This facility has a campsite with 9 RV sites and 4 tent sites. The RV Park here is full service.
Outdoor fires, stoves, and generators aren’t permitted. All pets in the campsite must be leashed.
Campers get reduced rates whenever they want to relax in the hot soothing waters.
Norris Hot Springs Stats
- Size: 30 x 40 foot
- Depth: 4 feet
- Average Temperature: summer – 100 ˚F, winter – 106 ˚F
- Season: Year-round
- Price: Adults – $10, Seniors – $5, Under 12s – $3
- Website: norrishotsprings.com
- Nearest town: Norris
Getting There
Norris Hot Springs sits in the Madison River Valley and is easily accessible.
Starting at Norris, take Highway 84 and drive/walk for a mile and a half. Norris Hot Springs should be on the south of 84.
Norris Town is located at the intersection of US 287 and MT 84. The distance between this intersection and the Norris Hot Springs is about 1 1/2 miles. It takes about four minutes to cover this distance on foot.
Driving from Bozeman, take US-191 and head straight to MT 84. From there, go straight for 28 miles. Norris Hot Springs will be on your left.
The distance from Bozeman to Norris Hot Springs is about 36 miles. You should cover this distance in about 45 minutes by car.