ENNIS, MONTANA

in the Heart of the MADISON VALLEY

This country is truly the best of the west.
The Indians called this valley, "The Land of the Shining Mountains"
Some call it, "The Last Best Place"
The locals call it "Heaven"
We just call it
"home"

Contact our office and ask for a copy of our new, "Madison Valley Relocation & Investment Guide."
It is a valuable resource that will help you decide if
the Madison Valley is the place for you.

LOCATION: An authentic western town, Ennis is surrounded by three ranges of the Rocky Mountains and three million acres of the Beaverhead National Forest.

Although isolated from the heavy tourist traffic, Ennis is easy to reach on US Highway 287 -- just 40 miles south of I-90 or 70 miles northwest of West Yellowstone, Montana. Situated just one hour from Bozeman, 1-1/2 hours from Butte, 1-1/2 hours from Yellowstone National Park and 2 hours from Dillon, Ennis is ideally located.

HISTORY: 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. In 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 860 people eager to lend a hand. The population in the county is close to 6,500, which includes the towns of Ennis, Dillon, Lima, Sheridan, Twin Bridges, and historic Virginia City.

ECONOMY: 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. There are also few jobs, 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 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.

TOPOGRAPHY: The Madison Valley is a narrow north-west valley lying between the Madison Range and the Gravelly Range of the Beaverhead National Forest. The Tobacco Root Mountains define the north end of the valley and the Henry Mountains of the Gallatin National Forest define the southern border. The terrain varies from lush riverbanks, flat pastureland and rolling hillsides to rocky hilltops and forested mountains. The elevation ranges from 5,000 feet in Ennis to nearly 11,000 feet at the tops of many surrounding peaks.

CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT: The Madison Valley is known for its pleasantly cool summer days with low humidity and the temperature seldom reaching 90. The Fall is punctuated by the change in nature's colors as the Aspen trees turn to gold and the pastureland to beige. The nights and mornings are crisp and the days filled with sunshine.

Wintertime brings snow and cold weather, but the sun continues to shine throughout the season, creating a continuing beauty found in few other locales.

The temperatures averages in the mid 30's in winter, with short periods dipping into the 20's and 30's below zero. This cold spell generally only lasts for 2-3 days and

the sun still shines and the valley sparkles with the crisp, clear air. We dress appropriately and enjoy a multitude of winter recreational opportunities. Because our climate is quite dry it does not feel as cold as many other areas of the U.S. with similar temperatures.

The spring rains herald the warming trend and completion of nature's cycle of life for the flora and fauna. The average annual temperature for Ennis is 43.2 degrees Fahrenheit. The average annual precipitation is 11.55 inches.

The environment offers nature at its best with pollutants and other big city problems notable by their absence. We know of no plans which would change this in the future.

They say there are only two seasons in Montana -- "winter and company." When you live here, your list of friends will grow, as everyone will want to visit.

RECREATION: For the out-of-doors types, we have some of the most scenic attractions to be found anywhere. Mountains, meadows, streams, glacial lakes, mining camps, even a National Fish Hatchery.

The Madison Valley is world renowned for its fishing. In fact, the Madison River is considered by many to be the best "blue ribbon" trout stream anywhere. You can fish from the shore, wander right into the river, or float the Madison in a specially designed boat. Or, if you prefer, bring your own boat or a raft or even an old inner tube and float away a day. And the mysterious Whirling Disease which has cursed the river the past few years has not ruined the fishing, as many people predicted.

The fishing enthusiast will find this valley central to an incredible number of Blue Ribbon fisheries in Southwestern Montana. The waters of the Gallatin, Ruby, Jefferson, Beaverhead, and Yellowstone are all within an hour's drive.

Ennis Lake offers the usual water sports, such as canoeing, water skiing and wind surfing, plus more fishing. The dam that created Ennis Lake lies in the Bear Trap Canyon, a beautiful and exciting area for white water rafting and great fishing. There are also endless numbers of high mountain lakes where the fish are plentiful and you will find yourself alone to enjoy the quiet beauty.

If you are an explorer by nature, consider panning for gold, searching for garnets or rubies, roaming through ghost towns, or simply climbing the highest mountain. You will also find wonderful places to go horseback riding, biking, and rock climbing.

For the nature lover, the backcountry abounds with wonders. You may stumble upon an old miner's camp complete with diggins or you can prowl around areas used long ago by Indians and trappers. Maybe you'll get lucky and find a teepee ring, or perhaps you'll explore a buffalo jump.

Here in Ennis, you'll find one of the most exciting rodeos anywhere. It takes place July 3rd and 4th, following a colorful Fourth of July Parade. Other annual events to enjoy include a Pioneer's Day celebration, a 10K Fun Run, Art Fairs, Hunter's Rendezvous and Hunters Feed.

Golfers will enjoy our challenging 9-hole course with the great mountain views or travel to any of 11 other courses within 2 hours driving. In the winter, you can reach four major ski resorts from 1 to 2 hours away or escape into the forest on cross country skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles (where permitted).

The valley is surrounded by National Forest, Bureau of Land Management and State lands, giving the public unlimited access to the wilderness. With Yellowstone National Park just an hour and a half away, you can enjoy countless hours of fishing, hiking and touring in the summer months and snowmobiling in the winter.

Big Sky Ski Village, another 45 minutes north of the Park (or 45 minutes south of Bozeman), offers long trails and short lines.

If the heart of an artist beats within you, then drink in the natural, magnificent vistas of "The Last of the Big Time Splendors." The light and colors are constantly playing and changing against the backdrop of majestic mountains. This is Big Sky country at its best. Photographers, professional and amateur alike, can keep busy "shooting" such attractions as Sphinx Mountain, the fascinating old buildings in historic Virginia City, or just the natural splendors of moving sunrises and gorgeous sunsets.

Old West history is all around us. Virginia City, founded in 1863, is considered to be the most complete, original town of its kind in the United States. Today you can tour the city's restorations, visit Boot Hill and enjoy top-quality summer stock with the Virginia City Players.

Neighboring Nevada City represents a busy mining town the way they used to be. You can visit Alder Gulch where the yellow metal, Gold, brought in scores of fortune hunters in the 1860's. You may even find some of that gold if you try your hand at panning.

Hunters will find a challenge tracking down elk, deer, mountain lion, bear, antelope, mountain goat, white tail and mule dear, and of course, varmints ranging from the wily coyote to the bothersome ground squirrel. Waterfowl and game birds also make the Madison Valley their home...in season, of course.

For more civilized recreation, the town of Ennis offers 3 city parks, a library, golf course, bowling alley, movie theater (summer only), winter ice skating rink, kids' fishing pond, playgrounds, senior citizens' center, and excellent shopping. You will also find good accommodations, true old West saloons and fine dining...sports stores, fishing and hunting outfitters, antique shops and art galleries.

CHURCHES: There are 9 churches in the area, including nearly every major denomination: Catholic, Baptist, Mormon, Assembly of God, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Lutheran and Christian Science.

MEDICAL: Madison County is served by the Madison Valley Hospital in Ennis. Two doctors are in residence in Ennis, one nurse practitioner, and a chiropractor. An ophthalmologist visits once a week, as well as an orthopedic surgeon. More specialized care is available in Bozeman, Butte and Dillon. Ennis also offers a top-quality 46-bed, full-service, skilled nursing home for elderly residents.

SOCIAL: The community is supported by many civic groups, such as Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Women's Club, plus numerous special clubs and groups. The natives are friendly and helpful to neighbors and newcomers alike.

You'll like it here, whether you stay for a day, a week, a month or forever. And one of the main reasons is the folks who call Ennis home. You won't find a friendlier town anywhere.

LAW ENFORCEMENT: The Madison Valley is protected and assisted in emergencies by the Madison County Sheriff's Department and the Montana Highway Patrol. And, in Ennis, by a local Police Department. However, there is very little crime to protect us from. A 22-member volunteer ambulance service provides basic life support and assistance throughout the county.

EDUCATION: 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 in 1995-96 was approximately 280 students K-8 and 110 students at the high school level. Out of a high school graduating class of around 15, 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.

Western Montana College, located in Dillon, is affiliated with the University of Montana, in Missoula, and is just one of the features which adds to the attractiveness of the community. Butte offers the School of Mines and Montana Tech.

TRANSPORTATION: 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 mile-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.

QUALITY OF LIFE: The best.

"The next passage in my journey is a love affair. I am in love with Montana.
For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection,
but with Montana it is love, and it's difficult to analyze love
when you're in it.....Montana is a great splash of grandeur."
John Steinbeck, 'Travels With Charlie'

Compliments of ARROW REAL ESTATE, P.O. Box 546, Ennis, MT 59729

For more information about the area, contact the Ennis Chamber of Commerce (406) 682-4388, ennischamber.com