Norris Hot Springs | Southwest Montana

Norris Hot Springs is an open-air geothermal mineral water pool at the foothills of the Tobacco Root Mountains, 36 miles west of Bozeman.

Gold miners working here in the 1860s built the original hot spring pool to rest and recover after long shifts.

Later, Alex Norris owned the spring, giving most of the property to his family members for ranching and mining.

Independently of how the land around the springs was used, geothermal mineral water attracted people from the area. Even in the 60s and 70s, when the spring gates were permanently locked, the locals and Montana State University students jumped the fence to soak in the pool.

Holly Heinzmann has dreamed of having a hot spring near Bozeman since 1978. In 2004, she bought the hot springs, fulfilling the dream she cherished for decades.

Nowadays, this geothermal gem attracts travelers from other states, locals, students, and whole families to enjoy the relaxing soak. This is a day-use hot spring, but there is a camping nearby.

Geothermal Water & Soaking

The geothermal mineral water comes from the source at 129° F (54° C) and then is piped into an outdoor pool. The outdoor pool is 40 ft x 40 ft with temperatures of 100° F (38° C) in summer and 106° F (41° C) in winter.

Thursday through Sunday are public swimming hours. Mondays and Wednesdays are private soaking days when you can reserve the entire pool for yourself. Every Tuesday, the pool is closed for draining and pressure washing.

This is a developed, family-friendly soaking spot, so swimwear is mandatory.

Beyond Hot Springs: Other Adventures

The poolside 50 Mile Cafe in the Norris Hot Springs serves pizzas, burritos, and other foods. The 50 Mile Grill operates from Memorial Day until Labor Day on weekends and serves Montana grass-fed beef burgers made with locally sourced organic ingredients.

Additionally, the No Loose Dogs Salon serves craft beer, cider, kombucha, and other alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

If you like to check other hot springs nearby, you can find plenty of them in the area including developed such as Bozeman Hot Springs and Potosi Hot Springs or primitive ones like Upper Potosi and Renova Hot Springs.