Norris Hot Springs has completed 9 newly refurbished campsites with water, sewer, and power for any size trailers/motorhomes (20/30/50 amp). Opening date for the campground is July 1st. Owner Holly Heinzmann reports, “We have 9 sites ready with full hookups and another 7 or 8 primitive sites for truck campers, tents or Westphalia type small campers.”

Norris Hot Springs has an ongoing commitment to green energy, sustainable growing practices and organic food production. That focus is evident in the newly renovated campground. The showers and bathrooms have been renovated and utilize solar power for heating showers. All new lines were laid to replace outdated hookup services and hundreds of trees have been added to the campground area to afford shade and wind block.

Heinzmann continues, “The other BIG news is we’re going to extend our pool and café hours to be open from 10 AM — 10 PM daily — closed Tuesday.

Visitors to Norris Hot Springs have asked about camping availability for years. The campground had been open in the past, but not recently. Each camping site will have a unique view of the wetland and will offer Madison Valley visitors an opportunity to “make it a weekend ” and utilize the Norris campground after a day of outdoor activities, sightseeing or after dinner and music from the Poolside Stage.

Registered campers will be able to purchase an unlimited daily soaking pass for $3. Prices for the campsites will be based on the size of the camping vehicle. Primitive sites with car campers and tents will be charged less than large sized motor homes pulling vehicles.

“It only makes sense to us — to assess the impact on the land and charge accordingly,” said Ms. Heinzmann. It’s important to us to maintain our stewardship of this amazing place — we grow so much of the food we serve, we’ve utilized our natural thermal spring to both heat the buildings and water the garden and use solar panels to power much of the kitchen. Even though Norris has been here since the turn of the century, it’s become a modern ecological resort.”

Indeed, a trip to Norris gives one the opportunity to immerse into nature — offering unobstructed views of the natural wetland, a bounty of wild birds and a soak in the area’s only wooden pool. The opportunity to soak in the healing thermal water while listening to acoustic music delights locals and visiting tourists. On a recent night at Norris, the sandhill cranes trumpeted their nightly arrival while an antelope family with babies climbed the hill in the pink afternoon light. Dinner is served either at the patio tables, inside the café or if you wish, poolside   – while you soak!
The 50 Mile Grill is open for business with Chef Ray manning the grill offering many new options — including steak, grilled chicken, and weekly specials. The salad greens and most of the produce served are grown on site. Indeed, the 50 Mile Grill is named for it’s unique pledge — serving locally sourced meats, veggies, salad greens and cheeses. Check the menu for information on which items are locally sourced, organic or grown right at Norris. The microbrew and wine selections also reflect a local focus — with Madison River Brewing Company beers and ales featured and many wine options from Montana.

“We aim to combine the best of the natural beauty and resources with very modern conveniences — WiFi throughout the patio area and campground, use of alternative energy and green building practices, “ added Heinzmann.

The schedule for July’s music at the Poolside Stage offers something for everyone, with familiar and new music featured every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7 PM. The complete schedule is available by visiting the website at www.norrishotsprings.com. Operating hours, directions and more are also available there. Bicyclists always soak free at Norris, and there is a designated driver program.

So many changes and upgrades. If you haven’t visited Norris for a while — come on out!