The Madison Valley
It just doesn’t get any better!
Montana’s famed Madison Valley is an area rooted in farming and ranching with blue ribbon rivers, majestic mountain ranges, abundant wildlife, and small towns with rural values.
Lewis and Clark crossed this scenic valley of majestic mountain ranges and the fabled Madison River in 1805, but not until 1864, shortly after gold was first discovered in the valley, did Madison County become part of Montana Territory. Soon after, ranchers, farmers, and businessmen flocked to the area. There were three major stage lines by the late 1880s. Livestock thrived, wild game was abundant, and the Bannock Indians were friendly neighbors of the first settlers.
Ennis is the basecamp of the Madison Valley. A colorful town filled with fly anglers and ranchers, Ennis sits on the banks of the Madison River and is surrounded by 3 mountain ranges. Approximately 50 miles from Bozeman and it’s International Airport, Ennis is a small Southwestern Montana town offering an old western flair, great dining, shopping, and local entertainment including its annual 4th of July Parade and Rodeo.
The Madison River
In addition to its old west charm, Southwestern Montana has arguably the most superb fly-fishing waters in all the world and the Madison River may be our most glorious. Meriwether Lewis named the river in 1805 after James Madison, who was the US Secretary of State at the time. Starting in Yellowstone National Park, the river is 183 miles of perfectly moving riffles that are teaming with trout.
Historic Virginia City
Just 15 minutes down the road from Ennis is Virginia City, the county seat of Madison County. Virginia City is an old gold mining town that was home to over 10,000 residents in the mining boom of the 1860s and ’70s. Today, Virginia City is a popular visitor stop where its past seems to be frozen in time. In the summer you will see actors posed as original mining town patrons, old candy shops and saloons, and modern eateries situated in the town’s old western structures.
Ranch Life
Are you a fan of Westerns? Ever dreamt about being a cowboy, or cowgirl? Or wondered what life on a ranch is really like? Today, rural and community values keep ranching as the main way of life in the Madison Valley. Through conservation, the Madison Valley has sustained productive agricultural land, healthy grasslands, and abundant wildlife.
Ennis Public Schools
Home of the Mustangs! We believe that education is a process of growth and development in which each student should develop knowledge, interest, ideals, and habits so that he or she may find and succeed in their place in our society. This process should include a stimulating environment and opportunities for learning experiences which will promote satisfactory adjustments to life.