Ennis, MT

Ennis is a Madison County town on the Madison River, with U.S. 287 following the valley toward West Yellowstone. The 2020 census counted 917 residents. Gold discovered in Alder Gulch in 1863 brought the first rush of settlers, and William Ennis homesteaded here soon after, giving the town its name. The river valley later settled into ranching, with cattle and sheep operations stretching north and south of town beneath the Tobacco Root, Gravelly, and Madison ranges.

Ennis still has the feel of a working valley town with a few excellent oddities. Madison Valley Public Library serves the community, Ennis K-12 Schools cover the local school years, and Willie's Distillery gives the town a bourbon story alongside its fishing and ranching reputation. About twelve miles north, Madison Dam creates Ennis Lake at the head of Bear Trap Canyon. That combination makes Ennis easy to place: a river town under three mountain ranges, with gold-rush history behind it and a reservoir, ranches, and a main road keeping the valley connected.