Spend a little time in Ennis and you’ll quickly find out why the town’s anglers, cowboys and mountain gazers came to stay. Skirted by the legendary Madison River, Ennis is a scenic valley town with some of the state’s best fishing. Explore downtown Ennis to get to know the charming Western town and head out into the great outdoors to find majestic mountain ranges, fast-flowing rivers and serene lakes.
A stroll down Ennis’ downtown strip will introduce you to some of the town’s premier attractions. Take the Ennis Walking Art Tour to see some of the town’s excellent public artworks, including bronze sculptures and stained-glass pieces. Stop by one of the local galleries to admire Western art and intriguing pieces by regional artisans. Learn about the region’s heritage at the Madison Valley History Museum. Take a break at a local café and stop by the farmers market to sample some of the valley’s acclaimed fresh produce.
If you’re a keen fisher or just want to try your hand at hooking one of the Madison River’s fabled trout, you’ll have no trouble getting equipped in Ennis. Tackle shops, outfitters, fly specialists and anglers’ stores are all readily available downtown. Join a charter tour or go boating around the local river system to try your luck. Other than the mighty Madison, you’ll find Bear Creek, North Willow Creek, Elk River and Hyde Creek. Check out Cliff and Wade lakes, or discover the intriguing phenomenon of Earthquake Lake. This lake was created after the quakes of 1959 and has an on-site visitor center.
Ennis is located in southwest Montana and is a 15-minute drive from the Ennis-Big Sky Airport. The town has a variety of accommodation options, from hunting lodges to riverside cabins. It is conveniently located on the route between West YellowstoneOpens in a new window and the interstate highway.
Whatever the season, you’ll find recreation and adventure in Ennis’ surrounding mountains. Take in views of the Madison Range, the Gravelly Range and the Tobacco Root Mountains from town, or head to the ski resorts in nearby Big SkyOpens in a new window.
