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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Shining Mountains

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

Shining Mountains
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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
Red Bear Inn
Red Bear Inn
2.5 out of 5
204 N Main St, Ennis, MT
The price is ₹14,073 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹14,073
₹15,730 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Ennis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (444 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 ₹13,642 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
₹13,642
₹14,733 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star lodge in Ennis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their 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 ₹14,332 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹14,332
₹16,052 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this ski hotel in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (929 reviews)
"Nice stay before leaving the area, swimming pool and seeing fireworks from the pool elevated experience. Staff were friendly!"

Reviewed on 13 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 Wi-Fi, 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
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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