Ennis Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Chuck Haney
Photo provided by Chuck Haney
Photo provided by Tom Robertson
Photo provided by Chuck Haney
Photo provided by Chuck Haney

Cradled by three mesmerizing mountain ranges, this traditional Old West town is famed for its rivers brimming with trout and its cowboy charm.

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.

Where to stay in Ennis

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Virginia City Ranches

If you're spending some time in Virginia City Ranches, Madison Valley History Museum is a top sight worth visiting.

Virginia City Ranches
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Shining Mountains

If you're spending some time in Shining Mountains, Big Sky Resort and Madison River are top sights worth seeing.

Shining Mountains
Red Bear Inn
Red Bear Inn
2.5 out of 5
204 N Main St, Ennis, MT
The price is NZ$304 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$304
per night
20 July - 21 July
Stay at this motel in Ennis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (441 reviews)
"Very clean, easy check in and check out. Pleasant for a quick overnight stay in a small town."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Red Bear Inn
Sportsmans Lodge
Sportsmans Lodge
3 out of 5
310 North Main St, Ennis, MT
The price is NZ$284 per night from 17 July to 18 July
NZ$284
per night
17 July - 18 July
Stay at this 3-star lodge in Ennis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Wildlife ...
7.8/10 Good! (349 reviews)
"Our stay was nice. A bit cold... glad we brought coats and long pants. Food was okay. Not a lot of choices for kids. But adults... good. Nice place to stay and fish."

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Sportsmans Lodge
Whitewater Inn
Whitewater Inn
2 out of 5
47214 Gallatin Road, A quarter mile south of MT 64, Gallatin Gateway, MT
The price is NZ$309 per night from 22 July to 23 July
NZ$309
per night
22 July - 23 July
Book a stay at this ski hotel in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (923 reviews)
"Everything was good at this property. It would have been even better if they had offered veggie burritos for breakfast."

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

Whitewater Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vacation Rentals at Big Sky Resort
Vacation Rentals at Big Sky Resort
4 out of 5
PO BOX 160001, Big Sky, MT
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Big Sky. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Big Sky Resort and Big Sky Town ...
9/10 Wonderful! (38 reviews)
"we had a lovely time!! would definitely come back in a heartbeat! check in was easy, place was perfect!!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Vacation Rentals at Big Sky Resort
Aspects Big Sky
Aspects Big Sky
4 out of 5
200 Misty Mountain Court, Gallatin Gateway, MT
Stay at this 4-star villa in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Popular attractions Big Sky Town Center and Soldiers Chapel are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Aspects is wonderful. The decor is cozy and stylish. The house is immaculately clean. The views are amazing. There’s so much attention to detail and the property manager is friendly and responsive. We stayed for a week, and would love to go back!"

Reviewed on 1 Jun. 2025

Aspects Big Sky
NEW FULLY REMODELED 1 BEDROOM/ 1 BATH-SLEEPS 4 IN BIG SKY MEADOWS
NEW FULLY REMODELED 1 BEDROOM/ 1 BATH-SLEEPS 4 IN BIG SKY MEADOWS
Big Sky
Stay at this condo in Big Sky. Enjoy laundry facilities, tennis courts, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Big Sky Resort and Big Sky Town Center ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Jist right for a dad and son for a few days
"Communication with the host was easy. It's a smaller place but it works for a dad and son staying for a quick few days. Easy to find, right there in town, and right around the corner from Big Sky Gilf Course, which is really a good course."

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

NEW FULLY REMODELED 1 BEDROOM/ 1 BATH-SLEEPS 4 IN BIG SKY MEADOWS
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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