Norris Hot Springs has been on our summer “places to visit” list for several summers, but it seems as if it always gets too hot to want to sit and soak in hot water by the time we get around to going. We were very happy to have finally made the trip this past June, when the weather was a little chilly and rainy – which made soaking in the hot water just perfect. The pool area was smaller than we’d expected (we’d been thinking along the lines of Chico Hot Springs), but still had plenty of room for the soakers we encountered on a Saturday night. The pool area is encased in wooden decking, and along the pool’s edges are submerged wooden benches – so you can sit and enjoy the pool, the music, or even eat and drink, while sitting and soaking. We were very impressed with the good, fresh, made-right-there selections offered at the 50 Mile Grill, adjacent to the springs. In fact, we’d planned on staying maybe an hour, and then returning to our nearby campground for dinner. But the meal selections were so unique that, instead, we ordered dinner (sweet potato, black bean, and brown rice burrito) and wine, and stayed more than three hours. What was particularly impressive about the menu was that they try and source as much of the food as possible from within 50 miles – including from the great garden right there on the property. We also enjoyed the family atmosphere at the pool along with wonderful live music. Music performances at Norris are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, beginning at 7 p.m. Shannon Wurst played the night we were there, and she was wonderful. Don’t miss visiting this Water of the Gods if you’re in the area.
I visited the hot springs for the first time this past weekend with two of my nieces for a girls night. What a quirky place! It was a combination of perfectly warm water, organic food options, local brews, a bluegrass band playing gypsy music in a plastic igloo...where else can you experience that? Be warned there are no restrooms- just outhouses- but I'm definitely going back!
Sontula!So glad you had a great time at Norris! We can't wait to have you back! Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review.
Pool was cold and when I asked the gal about it she was rather short and said the owner wants it that way and that's the way it is. Really. Another couple in the pool mentioned it was cold also. There are signs posted all over with all their rules threatening to kick you out for EVER if you do this or that. $5 a beer but I expected that and it was one redeeming factor that even with all the rules you could still have a beer???? Food menu did look good but it was not open yet. Don't waste your time just continue to Bozeman Hot springs which is not far away. I have been to most hot springs in Montana and this one I will not be back to.
Rustic, small, out of the way, basic are words that could describe this place. But it's an amazing experience, one of the few places where natural hot springs aren't smelly! Great atmosphere, even supply great pizzas and beer. Great to see they limit drinks to 2 per person, it seems to keep the atmosphere relaxing and quiet. Great for kids and a relaxing stopover for weary travellers. Winter must be awesome.
4025 blu, our deepest apologies. This is not the way we handle things. Apparently we have an employee who has a power trip problem. The owner of Norris has been notified and will be dealing with this employee. You are not the only one who has complained about him. Thank you for your frankness and we would like to offer you some free soak passes for your trouble.
The place is smaller than I expected, and is far from being a commercial establishment. Very homey and organic feel to the place. The hot spring fills a wooden pool that has a steps down into it and sitting ledge. Well thought out. The water wasn't very hot; more like hot bath water. They had sprinklers spewing out cold water overhead, which covered over half the pool, so that probably kept water cooler. Would have been nicer if sprinklers were over smaller area; almost impossible to find a spot that you didn't get your sunglasses soaked. All in all, it was relaxing and I would go back. We had pizza and salads; good basic fare.
This place is a pit. The pool is slimy, and since they don't regulate how many people they let in, a lot of times you are standing in a sardine can. It SUCKS. They keep those stupid sprinklers going, thus negating the use of half the pool. Want to be charged 8 dollars for a small plastic glass of wine from a box? No problem! Food and drink here is a total rip-off. They DON'T have locking storage lockers, so you'd better either bring your own lock, or be prepared for a half-naked walk to your car to stash your things. You WILL get ripped off if you don't. I wouldn't recommend this place to my worst enemy. The owners are money-grubbers and do nothing to keep the areas clean, and it's NOT a good place.
We had a nice time soaking in the Water of the Gods at Norris. The facilities are a bit spartan, but that was fine with us. They do serve beer, wine and food. I imagine the pool can get a little full as it is not too big, but there was plenty of room when we were there. Not sure why they had the sprinkler going over the entrance, but I didn't love getting water in my beverage. Other than that, it was a great, kitschy place to soak.
My husband and I were road tripping from New Mexico back up to Seattle. We didn't want to stay at a KOA and it was getting dark so I search for hot springs in the area and Norris popped up. They had only a few spots for camping/RV, no generators (A HUGE PLUS). The Hot Springs seemed like a total local place. Rustic and modest. You pay at the grill which looked AMAZING. We immediately regretted eating before we came. They had a surprisingly large menu. Most of what was on the menu comes from their garden a few steps away or from 50 miles away (the name of the grill is 50 miles). It was busy on a Wednesday so I can't imagine how crowded the weekends get when they have live music. It seemed like a party place. Lots of drinking and partying until close (which is 10pm). The camp spot was decent and the camp showers were deceptively clean and comfortable. All in all, a great experience.