Lose the summer stress at Norris Hot Springs
Stress isn’t usually associated with summer, but while the days may be longer and the nights may be warmer, summer isn’t always a totally carefree season. If you are dealing with the stress of planning or taking a vacation or juggling the visitors coming to vacation with you in Montana, you might need a trip to Norris Hot Springs to let the Water of the Gods soothe your soul.
It’s the perfect place to bring those summertime visitors, the water is welcoming, and you can’t beat the location. The natural mineral hot springs soothe your body and your mind, the meals are delicious, locally sourced and healthy. And without a cell signal, the younger folks will actually be able to tune in to their family and surroundings.
The unique wooden pool is nestled in a natural wetland, filled with bird life, deer, antelope and a variety of critters you can see from the pool. Bird feeders bring red-winged blackbirds, swallows and other songbirds close to the seating area, so their frantic activity can be enjoyed. That odd warbling noise you hear from the wetland is likely the sound of the resident Sandhill Crane family with their colts. This is the time of year the babies learn to fly and it can be very funny to watch these less than graceful birds figure it out.
After a float on the Madison or a hike in the hills, a soak and freshly prepared meal at Norris will appeal to even the pickiest eater in the group. Vegan, gluten free, vegetarian, pescetarian – they’ve got a menu item for them all. Most people enjoy the 50 Mile Grill, where locally sourced proteins join the freshest of salads and vegetables to create a delicious meal. Try the steak, bison, or lamb – the menu is unique and reflects the freshest options weekly. The wine list is vast and the beer variety includes traditional favorites and craft brew options. And be sure to leave room for dessert!
Bill Price
Music is another way to reduce stress. Norris features the finest in local and regional acoustic performers every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. The poolside tunes begin at 7pm.
The hot springs welcome Ennis City Ramblers on Friday, July 26th. This locally based trio plays American folk music and cowboy songs, i.e. the perfect hang music for your kickoff to the weekend soak.
Folk rock and Americana artist Bill Price performs on Saturday, July 27th. With one foot in folk and the other in rock, the singer/songwriter and recording artist performs solo, with his band, and other fellow musicians. The Beatles and Bob Dylan inspired a then-teenager to set his sights on songwriting. Price has released numerous albums of both original and traditional music.
Acoustic rocker Benny Bassett visits from Albuquerque with a performance on Sunday, July 28th. The former frontman of Chicago group Vintage Blue comes to Southwest Montana in support of his spring-released EP, Words for Yesterday, following extensive touring in the United States and beyond. The collection examines missed moments in our lives, times we wish we could have said or done something differently. The songs are honest, engaging and well-crafted.
Operating hours, directions, and campground availability can be found by visiting www.norrishotsprings.com. Norris is located 34 miles west of Bozeman, just off the mighty Madison River and near the bustling metropolis of Norris. Call (406) 685-3303 and make your plans to visit soon. •
