Area Guide

                                             Ennis, Montana …        
                 Hub of the Madison Valley  

About Ennis  When gold was discovered in 1863 in nearby Virginia City, miners and fortune hunters bustled to the area. Soon ranchers, farmers, and businessmen came and there were two towns founded on the banks of the Madison River – Jeffers on the East named after its founder and Ennis on the west named after it’s founder, William Ennis. Jeffers was a “dry” town while Ennis boasted a wilder side and allowed bars. Needless to say, Ennis became a thriving community while Jeffers is a charming place with a handful of residentsToday Ennis is a small, friendly western town with a colorful past. It boasts a population of about 1,200 people and 11 million rainbow trout. Surprisingly it offers many services considering its size, including two banks, a library, hospital, nursing home, school (grades K-12), movie theater; several art galleries, clothing stores, and home décor & clothing retail storess; plus a dry cleaners!  Ennis Map
                                                              

Recreation  Located at approximately 5,000 feet elevation, the Madison Valley is surrounded by spectacular mountains, national forests, and wilderness areas creating numerous recreational opportunities for locals and tourists alike. Of all the outdoor activities available in the valley, Ennis is best known for its fly fishing. The Madison River, originating in nearby Yellowstone National Park, flows through the valley floor and offers the best fly fishing. Fishermen the world over travel here to enjoy time on the river. Visitors may also participate in other activities including horseback riding, snowmobiling, hiking, four-wheeling, big game hunting, boating, cross country skiing, white-water rafting and more.  


Climate  The relatively mild climate makes outdoor activities possible year round. Locals expect snow in the winter; green grass in the spring; and warm, sunny days in the summer. With low levels of humidity year-round, the average precipitation is only 12-14 inches a year! Locals will tell you, “If you don’t like the weather – wait 10 minutes and it will change.      


Historic Frontier Towns  Step into the past and visit Virginia City and Nevada City, 15 miles west of Ennis.  You can enjoy history reenactment, shopping, dining, vaudeville shows, train tours, walking tours, stage coach tours, museums, and much more.  For more information contact Virginia City Chamber




Wildlife 
Madison Valley boasts a large population of elk, deer, antelope and rainbow trout.  Wildlife are often seen on hiking or trailrides or out the window driving down Highway 287.  You might even get lucky and see a bear or wolf.   Whether you come to hunt, fish, or recreate you will enjoy all Mother Nature has to offer.   



Yellowstone Park - 70 miles to the south of Ennis (a short 1-hr drive) is "Colter's Hell".  Our 1st and quite possibly greatest national park.   Home to buffalo, elk, wolves, eagles, grizzly and black bears, who roam and graze the neighborhoods which include Old Faithful Geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, mud and mineral "hot" pots, lodgepole pine forests and mountain meadows.   Yellowstone Park attracts  everyone.    For more information visit  the Yellowstone  Park website,

 

  

                                                                                                              















































                                                                                  
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