The Madison Valley is a narrow north south valley lying between the Madison Range and the Gravelly Range of the Beaverhead National Forest. The terrain varies from lush riverbanks and flat pasture land to rocky benches and forested mountains. The elevation ranges from 5,000 feet in Ennis to nearly 11,000 feet in the surrounding peaks.

    Spring and Fall: These “shoulder” seasons are short–lived, but much appreciated. Spring rains and melting snows bring green grass and wildflowers to the rangelands and mountain pastures. Fall is punctuated by a change in colors as Aspen trees turn golden and pasture land and grasses turn beige. Fall is the most outstanding season of the year in the valley.
    Winter: Wintertime brings snow and cold weather, but the sun shines throughout. Temperatures average in the 30’s, with short below–zero cold snaps. The beauty of frosted trees and snow capped peaks make winter a treasured time.
    Summer: Summer weather is pleasantly cool with low humidity, temperatures seldom reaching 90, and crisp nights and mornings (so use layering).

The Madison Valley is primarily Cattle country. Prize Herefords and Black Angus are raised here, along with rotating crops of hay and grain. Timber is harvested from nearby National Forests, including the Beaverhead, the Targhee and the Gallatin. There are several mines, including silver, copper and talc. Gold mining is making a comeback in the area.

There is no big industry in the valley, thus leaving our air and waters natural and pure. Job opportunities are limited, which creates a challenge for young people who wish to live here but need to work. It is recommended that people wishing to move here and needing income either buy an existing business, have a trade, or "bring their own." There are many retirees, seasonal and "independent" residents.

Tourism is important to the area and the valley draws fishermen, hunters, campers, bicyclers, snowmobilers, antique and western buffs, as well as people just looking for the charm and simplicity of a small western town.

This is Lewis and Clark country. It is also a true part of the Treasure State. Gold was discovered here in the 1860's and rubies can still be found in the Ruby Valley only 20 miles from Ennis.

Lewis and Clark found their way into the Madison Valley back in 1805. While there is no direct record of their ever stepping foot in what is now Ennis, it can be assumed that at least some of their party came this way as the explorers wended their way through the area that is now Twin Bridges, not too far from Ennis.

Prior to the arrival of the white man, Shoshone, Flathead and Bannock Indians hunted the valley. Historians say the winters were too fierce for the Indians to make their permanent homes in the valley, but the lushness and generosity of the land brought them to the area each spring for a month–long stay.

In 1863, gold was discovered in Alder Gulch. Madison County was created in 1864 in what was then Idaho Territory. That same year, the area was designated the Montana Territory.

Two months after gold was discovered in Alder Gulch, William Ennis, a freighter who delivered goods from Colorado to the area, decided to set up shop along the banks of the Madison River. That site along the river quickly became the town of Ennis. M. D. Jeffers, a friend of William Ennis, did likewise across the river.

The two towns, their bridges, the tall grass and favorable climate soon attracted ranchers, farmers and businessmen. By the late 1800's, three major stage lines freighted through Ennis; horse, sheep and cattle thrived; wild game was plentiful and White Cloud's tribe of Bannack Indians were valued friends and neighbors. Today Ennis is a thriving community of 11,000,000 trout and approximately 1,000 people eager to lend a hand.

Pre–school, elementary, and high school education are all "under one roof" by School District #52 in Ennis. Dedicated teachers devote nearly one–on–one attention to students. School enrollment is approximately 230 students K–8 and 136 students at the high school level. Out of a high school graduating class of around 25, over 90% go on to college. The school district covers 1600 square miles.

Bozeman is the home of Montana State University and the Museum of the Rockies. The town also hosts numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year.

UM–Western, located in Dillon, offers degrees ranging from teaching to natural horsemanship. Montana Tech, located in Butte, offers degrees from Nursing to Engineering. Both colleges are affiliated with the University of Montana, located in Missoula. Having a variety of colleges so close to Ennis adds to the attractiveness of the community.

The Bozeman and Butte airports offer excellent service to most major hubs in the country. Flights are also available between Salt Lake City and West Yellowstone in the summer months. The Ennis "Big Sky" Airport, a county airport just 7 miles south of Ennis, offers a 6,600 foot–long paved and lighted runway which can handle small jets. Rental cars are available upon request and tie downs and hangar space are available. Only 15 minutes to the Madison River, it's a great way to visit the valley.

VIRGINIA CITY: A remarkably well–preserved gold mining town and a living example of the real Old West. Original buildings are filled with historical artifacts. This “ghost town” is very much alive and waiting to be explored.

SHERIDAN: A quiet ranching community located at the heart of the Ruby Valley.

TWIN BRIDGES: A small but very beautiful Montana town. Fly–fishing is a favorite activity, since the Ruby River, Big Hole River, and the Beaverhead River join to form the Jefferson River. Home of the Winston Rod Company.

BOZEMAN: Bozeman satisfies most of the area’s “big city” needs, with a major airport, excellent medical facilities, outstanding shops, exceptional restaurants, comfortable lodging, professional services, Montana State University and an exciting cultural community.

BIG SKY: A thriving year–around resort community where tourism is the economic base, outdoor recreation enthusiasts flock here from around the world for its world–class skiing, blue–ribbon trout fishing, white water rafting, and exceptional golf.

HARRISON: A ranch town with a single street, a few houses, a post office established in 1870, and 165 very friendly people.

PONY: Tucked away in the Tobacco Root Range, Pony’s one remaining business is the world–famous Pony Bar. Although listed as a ghost town, Pony continues to endure. This place is truly a “must visit.”

WEST YELLOWSTONE: The western gateway to Yellowstone National Park and the “snowmobile capital of the world.” This historic town is full of family entertainment.