Ennis, Montana

Paradise found? You bet!   Ennis is known for it’s world-class fishing, hiking, and horseback riding trails.  The town itself has certainly maintained its small western town traditions and has a great mix of local restaurants, shops, art galleries, and authentic old-west saloons.

Ennis is located near the Madison River and is surrounded by Ennis Lake, the Ruby River, Quake Lake, Hebgen Lake, the Big Hole River, Cliff Lake and Wade Lake.  Not to mention the many smaller streams in the area.  You will also find a backdrop of three amazing mountain ranges; The Madison, Gravelly’s, and the Tobacco Roots which all create a photographer’s dream location.

Ennis has held onto the feel of a small western town with very good shopping, plenty of local art galleries, antique stores, outdoor shops, and of course, fly shops.   Ennis also offers an excellent variety of lodging accommodations to choose from.  If you are looking for the Guest Ranch experience there are several nearby.

The 4th of July is a big deal in Ennis with its renowned Parade and one of the biggest summer rodeos in Montana.  Fly-fishing enthusiast from around the US find their way to Ennis to compete in the Madison Fly Fishing Festival happening in each August.   You can always compete in the Madison Trifecta; two shorter races followed by a full Marathon at 9000 feet, the highest elevation run in America.   The season ends in October when you can sample wild game at the annual Hunter’s Feed.   In a street-fair format, you will find elk, moose, deer, and pheasant to name a few.

Ennis is an excellent stop between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park.