Ennis Lodging & Attractions
Ennis, Montana is our home — and one of the great fly-fishing towns in America. Madison River Fishing Company's fly shop sits on Main Street in the heart of Ennis, minutes from the world-famous Madison River. Anglers come from around the world to fish these waters, and they stay for everything else the Madison Valley offers: authentic Montana dining and saloons, gold-rush ghost towns, natural hot springs, and Yellowstone National Park just down the road.
Whether you're here for a week of guided fly fishing or passing through on a Montana road trip, here's how to make the most of your time in Ennis.
Fly Fishing the Madison River
Let's start with the obvious: Ennis exists because of the Madison River. This is one of the most storied trout rivers on the planet — a blue-ribbon fishery famous for big rainbow and brown trout, prolific hatches, and stunning Madison Range scenery. The river runs right through town, and more than fifty miles of fishable water lie within a short drive.
Fish it on your own with flies and intel from our shop, or book a guided trip with our professional guide staff. Our guides are on the Madison every day of the season and know exactly where the fish are and what they're eating. Check the Madison River fishing report before you go for current flows, hatches, and fly recommendations.
On the Water & In the Mountains
Float the Madison. Beyond wade fishing, the Madison is a classic Western float river. Drift boat trips through the Upper Madison's riffles and runs are unforgettable — and our guides run them daily all season long.
Ennis Lake. Just north of town, Ennis Lake offers stillwater fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding with the Madison Range towering overhead. It's a beautiful change of pace from the river.
Hiking and the great outdoors. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest surrounds the valley with endless trails. For a bigger adventure, Yellowstone National Park's west entrance is about an hour south of Ennis — an easy and spectacular day trip to see geysers, wildlife, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Horseback riding. Trade your waders for a saddle and see the Madison Valley's backcountry the old-fashioned way with a local outfitter.
Madison Meadows Golf Course. A scenic 18-hole course right in the valley — perfect for a non-fishing morning.
History & Culture
Southwest Montana is gold-rush country, and Ennis sits in the middle of it.
Virginia City & Nevada City. About 15 minutes west of Ennis, these are among the best-preserved ghost towns in America. Walk the boardwalks of an authentic 1860s gold-rush town, pan for gold, and catch a show at the historic opera house.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. Near Three Forks, about 45 minutes away, tour one of the most beautiful limestone cave systems in the Northwest.
Quake Lake. Drive northwest on Highway 287 to Earthquake Lake, formed in seconds during the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake. The visitor center tells a gripping story of that night — a sobering and fascinating roadside stop.
Dining & Drinking in Ennis
You won't go hungry or thirsty in Ennis. This little town eats and drinks well.
Breakfast & lunch: Start the day at the Pharmacy — a true Ennis institution — and grab a to-go lunch from Kalena's before heading to the river.
Dinner: Wells Fargo Steakhouse serves outstanding Montana-sourced fare for a proper evening out. For burgers and beers after a day on the water, the Gravel Bar is the classic post-float rendezvous. Bob's Place does the pizza job, and Sugar High's shakes and fries are a mandatory pit stop.
Drinks with character: Belly up at an authentic Western saloon for an old-timey feel, then tour Willie's Distillery to see how Montana whiskey is made — tastings included.
Relaxing & Family Fun
Norris Hot Springs. About 20 miles north of Ennis, this funky, beloved hot springs — the "Water of the Gods" — is the perfect evening soak after a long day of fishing. Live music on weekends, a great little café, and water that melts the day away.
Shopping. Stroll Main Street in Ennis for Western wear, art galleries, and fly-fishing gear (start at our shop, naturally). Make a day of it with the historic streets of Virginia City and the shops of Bozeman, about an hour away.
Family time. Ennis is an easy, welcoming town for kids — the Lions Club Park has a kids' fishing pond and a Saturday farmers market in season, and there's always ice cream within walking distance of wherever you're standing.
Where to Stay
Ennis offers everything from classic Western motels and riverside cabins to vacation rentals and nearby lodges. Here are our favorite local places to stay:
El Western
A long-time favorite of our clients, the El Western offers a full range of lodging options from basic rooms and cabins to apartment-like units with kitchens to fully furnished log home "lodges".
Phone: (833) 341-2317
Website: www.elwestern.com
Riverside Motel
Quaint, clean and right in town. Riverside offers fully equipped cabins that offer an authentic Montana experience. Located just a short walk from the Madison River and all that Ennis has to offer.
(406) 682-4240
www.riversidemotel-outfitters.com
Sportsman's Lodge
The historic Sportsman's Lodge was built in the 40's of lodge pole pines and offers the relaxed country atmosphere and hospitality that Big Sky Country is known for.
(406) 682-4242
www.sportsmanslodgemt.com
OCAAT Retreat
Serene farmhouse and cabin located a few miles outside of the town of Ennis. The perfect space for lounging out and taking in the Southwest Montana lifestyle.
Lure Me Inn
We're Lure Me Inn, the most hospitable lodging you'll find in Ennis, Montana. And we have a nice comfortable cabin just for you! And Ennis is not just about fishing and hunting! We are a great base camp to hike, see wildlife, and explore Yellowstone National Park, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.
(406) 682-7100
www.luremeinn.com
Ennis Homestead
The Ennis Homestead is a gated, historic property located in the heart of Ennis, Montana with three log cabin rentals. The property is nestled amidst a stand of mature trees and curving driveway. The original 3 bed and 3 bathroom house serves as the primary lodging option for many families, and the two additional log cabins with 2 beds and 1 bathroom are also available for rent.
(406) 682-4240
www.ennishomestead.com
Red Bear Inn
Easy access to downtown shopping and restaurants! As you explore town, check out is the Lions Club Park where you can picnic and enjoy the view of beautiful Fan Mountain and other mountain ranges in the area. Walking distance of the Madison River, coffee shops, and local eateries.
(406) 682-5200
www.redbearinn.com
The Mercantile Lodge
3000 sq ft lodging above the Mercantile downtown. Extensive kitchen and dining area with a full-size table. Staircase alongside the Mercantile shop provides easy acces from the Main Sreet sidewalk. 3 bedroom and 3 bath lodge.
(406) 404-0550
www.ennismercantile.com
See our full photo guide: Places to Stay in Ennis, Montana.
Visiting Ennis, Montana — FAQs
Where is Ennis, Montana?
Ennis is in the Madison Valley of southwest Montana, on Highway 287 between Bozeman and West Yellowstone. It's about an hour from Bozeman and an hour from Yellowstone National Park's west entrance.
What is Ennis, Montana known for?
Ennis is best known as a world-class fly-fishing destination on the Madison River, one of the most famous trout rivers in North America. It's also known for its authentic Old West character, gold-rush history, and stunning Madison Range scenery.
When is the best time to visit Ennis, Montana?
Summer (June through September) is peak season for fly fishing, warm weather, and events. Spring and fall offer excellent fishing with fewer crowds. Winter brings a quiet, snowy beauty — and nearby skiing at Big Sky.
How far is Ennis from Yellowstone National Park?
The west entrance of Yellowstone is about an hour's drive south of Ennis via Highway 287 — an easy and spectacular day trip.
Is Ennis worth visiting if I don't fly fish?
Absolutely. Between ghost towns, hot springs, hiking, horseback riding, golf, great food and drink, and Yellowstone next door, Ennis makes a wonderful Montana base camp for any traveler.
Visiting Ennis? Stop by the shop at 109 E. Main Street — we'll point you toward the fish, the food, and everything in between.
