Norris Hot Springs was shuttered on March 20, 2020 and reopened June 12, 2020.
The spring of 2020 will be remembered by Norris as a season of rest and recuperation for the Water of the God – while countless people lost their health, lives or loved ones. We send them our compassion.
Here deer, ducks, geese, antelope, sandhill cranes, and many songbird species along with creatures too small to see, have been the only benefactors of the mineral-rich, hot artesian flow of 80 gal/min and 120º. Nature has rebounded during this period of relative human inactivity. The Springs’ thriving wildlife rely on the constant flow of hot water to sustain their natural, complex ecosystem. Wetlands created by the springs’ drainage hold the eponymous Warm Springs Creek, emptying into the Madison River at its most popular tube & boat ramp.
Thanks to the government’s PPP loan program and the help of 1st Security Bank, Norris Hot Springs received a partially forgivable loan on April 10, 2020. Staffers were furloughed for only three weeks. With payroll re-instated, they returned and accounted for the few human beings on the surrounding properties this spring. They have created substantial improvements that will benefit them, the environment, and clientele from near and far.
New patios and dressing rooms with radiant heated floors have been added. Both dressing rooms and patios are a bit larger and more ergonomic, with non-slip, easier to sanitize aggregate concrete. This winter, if all goes as planned – there will be no shoveling or salt needed to keep the paths clear during those delicious dumps of snow.
There are now 2 new hand wash stations for the public, and 2 for staff use around the pool. A walk in cooler has been added, and when it comes up to speed – more local micro-brew and kombucha options will be available on tap.
344 more native trees have been added to the landscape thanks to the NHS team dedicated to providing a calm, cool, shady oasis in Montana’s high desert. The café greenhouse and gardens were planted on schedule, to provide locally grown salads and beautifully prepared vegetable side dishes; served poolside, as regulars have come to expect.
Norris Hot Springs has new hours and, and now, an exclusive, private pool reservation option as well. Easing back into business with ample safety protocols for a Covid-19 world, Norris Hot Springs is committed to the well-being of staff, customers and the community, while maintaining a commitment to providing the perfect soak, delicious local food, and an authentic Montana experience.
The Norris Pool is now open to the public
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only,
10am – 10pm.
With a limit of 50 people on a first come – first served basis, protocols are being followed scrupulously as friends from infected places begin to filter back into Montana to camp and visit and recreate. The staff is committed to keeping our state healthy.
Private parties are a very popular new option, available on Wednesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 8 am – 10 pm. Parties of up to 10 people can reserve the Norris Hot Springs pool, with food and drink service, for two-hour sessions through schedulicity.com or at norrishotsprings.com.
Quality, local, organic food prepared with focus and dedication remains a primary part of Norris Hot Springs’ service. The 50-Mile Snack Bar and the No Loose Dogs Saloon are open during all pool hours, including during private reservations. The 50-Mile Grill gets fired up Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5 pm – 10 pm, and Abe will be serving up with his usual aplomb, local, organic, grass-fed burgers grilled to perfection and many vegetable options too. Montana style!
The Norris Hot Springs campground is up and running with nine RV sites and four tent camping sites. Sites can be reserved at the website: https://norrishotsprings.com/CampandExplore/Campsites
Norris Hot Springs is glad to be back, offering guests the opportunity to return, relax and enjoy natural Montana. Live-from-the-Dome weekend poolside music is on pause during the re-opening phase at Norris Hot Springs. 50 or less is the current state-regulated group size.
For more information check these websites @ www.norrishotsprings.com and follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NorrisHotSprings/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/norrishotsprings/
