Norris Geyser Basin Museum facts for kids
|
Norris Museum/Norris Comfort Station
|
|
The Norris Geyser Basin Museum viewed from the south
|
|
 Location in Wyoming
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Grand Loop Road, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming |
|---|---|
| Built | 1929–30 |
| Architect | Herbert Maier |
| Architectural style | National Park Service Rustic |
| MPS | Yellowstone National Park MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 83003362 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | July 21, 1983 |
| Designated NHL | May 28, 1987 |
The Norris Geyser Basin Museum is a special building in Yellowstone National Park. It's also known simply as the Norris Museum. This museum is one of several "trailside museums" designed by a famous architect named Herbert Maier. He used a unique style called National Park Service Rustic, which makes buildings look like they belong in nature.
The Norris Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's also part of a bigger group of important historical sites called the Norris, Madison, and Fishing Bridge Museums. These museums were built thanks to a generous gift of $118,000 from Laura Spelman Rockefeller. The Norris Museum was built between 1929 and 1930. It sits on a small hill between two amazing areas: the Porcelain Basin and the Back Basin of Norris Geyser Basin. When you arrive, a central open walkway (called a breezeway) perfectly frames a beautiful view of the Porcelain Basin.
Discovering the Norris Museum
The Norris Museum building is about 94 feet (29 meters) long and 20 feet (6 meters) wide. It has two main parts separated by that open breezeway. The roof over the breezeway is very noticeable, with a unique shape called a jerkinhead gable. This roof is supported by huge, strong logs. The two sections on either side of the breezeway are built with wood frames covered in shingles. They sit on a very solid stone base. A wide terrace made of stone and concrete goes all around the building.
The Museum's Purpose
The Norris Museum is a great place to learn about the amazing natural features of Yellowstone. Its exhibits teach visitors about geothermal geology. This means you can learn how hot springs, geysers, and mud pots work. The museum also shows you the special plants and animals that live in these warm, active areas. It's a fantastic way to understand the unique environment of Norris Geyser Basin.
The Comfort Station
Near the main museum building, there's another historic structure called a comfort station. This building is also part of the National Register listing. It was likely built in the 1930s. Originally, it was a restroom facility. Today, with newer restrooms available, this one-story log building has a new purpose. It's now used as a bookstore, run by the Yellowstone Association. Here, you can find books and souvenirs to remember your visit to the park.
See also
- Fishing Bridge Museum
- Madison Museum
- Old Faithful Museum of Thermal Activity
