Ennis sits on the Madison River between the Tobacco Root, Gravelly and Madison ranges, about 73 minutes (53 miles) from our homes in Belgrade (approximate, OSRM routing; real times vary with weather, traffic and road work) OSRM.
Plan your visit
- Worth visiting? Yes for anglers and summer events; quieter at other times.
- How long: A day trip, best combined with Virginia City.
- With kids: summer events like the July 4th parade and Music in the Park.
- Combine with: Virginia City & Nevada City.
- Bad-weather option: limited; plan outdoor days here for good weather.
Things to do in Ennis
- Fly fishing the Madison and boating on Ennis Lake.
- Willie’s Distillery (312 E Main): a local craft distillery. site
- Combine with Virginia City & Nevada City, a short drive west.
Suggested itinerary from Belgrade: a full day, paired with Virginia City
- Belgrade → Ennis via Norris (about 73 min / 53 mi).
- Walk Main Street; the Madison River is the draw for anglers.
- Continue to Virginia City (about 26 min / 14 mi from Ennis).
- Return to Belgrade (Virginia City is about 96 min / 67 mi).
Seasonal notes: Summer is the season; many Virginia City attractions close after Labor Day.
Family tips: summer events such as the July 4th parade.
Suggested plan, not a tested report. Drive times are approximate OSRM routing estimates (no traffic, construction or winter conditions); allow more time in snow. Check hours and road status before you go.
Where to eat and drink
We have not yet verified individual Ennis restaurants on official sites; see the Ennis Chamber listings. Ennis Chamber Willie’s Distillery has a tasting room on Main Street.
Map and getting to Ennis
Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Markers are approximate.
The usual route from Belgrade goes via Four Corners and MT-84 or via Norris.
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Ennis by season
Summer is fishing, festivals and Music in the Park. Fall is hunting season (the Hunters Feed). Winter is quiet, with the Christmas Stroll. Spring is early fishing season.
Annual events
- 4th of July parade and rodeo, July 3–4. Ennis Rodeo
- Music in the Park, Thursdays June–September.
- Madison Valley Arts Festival, late July (July 25 listed).
- Fly Fishing & Outdoor Festival, mid-August (August 15 listed).
- Hunters Feed, October; Christmas Stroll, December.
Ennis Chamber Confirm dates for 2027 before you travel.
A short history of Ennis
William Ennis homesteaded here in 1863, after the gold strike at nearby Alder Gulch brought thousands of miners to the region. The town grew as a ranch supply center and later became known for its trout fishing on the Madison and on Ennis Lake. Wikipedia
Stay in Belgrade
Make Belgrade your base
Ennis is a scenic day trip from our homes.
Day trip or overnight? Ennis is about 73 min / 53 mi from Belgrade (OSRM, approximate; no traffic or winter conditions), a day trip that pairs well with Virginia City.
We host five whole-home vacation rentals in Belgrade, about 5 minutes from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN): three homes plus a duplex with two private units that can be booked together. Sky (3BR, up to 7 guests), Cozy (3BR, up to 8), Comfy Lodge (up to 6), and the Mountainview duplex: Unit A and Unit B (6 guests each), or the whole duplex for up to 12.
- Sky 3BR Lodge, up to 7 guests · Check dates on Airbnb
- Cozy 3BR Lodge, up to 8 guests · Check dates on Airbnb
- Comfy Lodge House, up to 6 guests · Check dates on Airbnb
- Modern Mountainview A, up to 6 guests · Check dates on Airbnb
- Modern Mountainview B, up to 6 guests · Check dates on Airbnb
- Whole duplex (A + B), up to 12 guests · Check dates on Airbnb
Belgrade works best as a base for day trips around southwest Montana. If you plan several days in a row inside Yellowstone, staying in a gateway town may suit you better; see where to stay near Yellowstone.
Nearby guides
Virginia City & Nevada City · Three Forks · West Yellowstone · All guides
Frequently asked questions
When is the Ennis rodeo?
Around July 3–4 every year, with the parade on the 4th; confirm dates with the rodeo organizers.