Ennis

History Gold was found in Alder Gulch in 1863, and the rush that followed filled the valley. Two months later William Ennis homesteaded a site on the Madison River, and the town that grew there took his name. Ranching shaped the valley for the next century. Avid Aircraft, a maker of homebuilt aircraft, operated in Ennis until 2003. The Thexton Ranch south of town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What to See Ennis is a working ranch town rather than a sightseeing stop, and its main street is lined with fly shops, outfitters and places to eat. Willie's Distillery, known for its bourbon and moonshine, is one of Montana's small distilleries. The Madison Valley Public Library is in town. The main day trip is to Virginia City and Nevada City, about 14 miles west on Montana Highway 287, where the 1860s gold-rush towns are preserved as open-air museums. Events include the July 4 parade and rodeo, the Ennis on the Madison Fly Fishing Festival in August and the Madison Valley Arts Festival.

Fishing The Madison River runs along the eastern edge of town and is the reason most visitors come. Anglers target rainbow and brown trout, either wading or floating with a guide. The river is busy and closely regulated. Under the river's recreation rules, commercial trips on the Madison have been capped since 2022, and from 15 June to 30 September guided trips are barred on Saturdays between the Raynolds and Lyons fishing access sites and on Sundays between Lyons and the Palisades day-use area. Fishing from a boat is not allowed on the stretch between Ennis Lake and the Ennis fishing access site. Rules change, so read the current FWP regulations before you go. Anyone aged 12 or older needs a conservation licence, a base fishing licence and an aquatic invasive species prevention pass. North of town, Ennis Lake and the walk-in water of Bear Trap Canyon offer other options.

Getting There Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is about 55 miles away, roughly an hour and a quarter by car. West Yellowstone and Yellowstone's West Entrance are about 72 miles south along US-287 and the Madison River. Virginia City is about 14 miles west. Yellowstone charges an entrance fee, and from 2026 non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an extra $100 per person unless they hold an annual pass.

When to Go June to September is the main season for fishing, floating and day trips to Virginia City, where the Nevada City museum and the Alder Gulch Short Line run from Memorial Day weekend into September. The Fourth of July weekend is the busiest in town, with the parade, the rodeo and the Madison Trifecta race between Ennis and Virginia City. Autumn brings fewer anglers and the start of hunting season, marked by the annual Hunters Feed the day before rifle season opens.