Even in Montana, man or woman cannot live on fly fishing alone. Sometimes you need to take the day off and just “smell the roses” (or the pine trees, depending on where you find yourself). When you need to take a break from catching all those rainbows on the Madison, I think the first stop to pencil in on the map is Virginia City, located about 15 miles west of Ennis, Montana.
Virginia City, and Nevada City its close neighbor, was the creation of Ford Bovey, a collector of the old west. He spent a large part of his lifetime collecting pieces of history from the area. Now both Virginia City and Nevada City are maintained by the state.
Nevada City is an actual ghost town with all the shops and businesses intact. You'll find products from the 1800’s on the shelves, old buggies, old wagons - tons of great memorabilia. The whole town is a museum, very interesting good fun and educational.
Virginia City also has some great night entertainment. The Virginia City Players are an acting troop that have been around almost as long as Virginia City itself. They do nightly shows of old period plays followed by a series of variety acts. All good family entertainment.
The other choice is the Brewery Follies, a live show in the old brewery, where you sit at tables. Adult beverages are served, and it is a show that is more appropriate for adults. Comedy is a little “blue” but hilarious.
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Horseback Rides and Hiking Trails
Another thing I like to do when not matching wits with the local fish populations is to take a ride up in the cool mountains on Horseback. There are several outfitters in the area that do everything from day rides to week long elk hunts in the fall. There are even some angling opportunities via horseback. A few good outfitters choices for the area are Todd France, Tim Beardsley and Wolfpack Outfitters.
As far as hiking goes, there are about 20 different trailheads within 15 miles of Ennis, most of which are hardly used except during the hunting season. We have great streams to hike up and some pristine high mountain lakes - a little something for everyone. More on where and how later.
Just Go Driving
Montana is a beautiful place to hit the open road. One gem is Gravelly Range road. This is a great drive up through the Gravelly Mountains. You can make a loop starting at the MacAttee Bridge fishing access and coming back out either on the other side into the Ruby valley or out at west fork 20 miles upstream. A drive through the Gravelly Range is stunning in the spring, when the flowers are out. Miles upon miles of color during June or early July. Plus, you might want to wet a line in the Ruby on the way home.
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This is certainly just a partial list of things to do when you're not fly fishing in Ennis Montana. You are limited only by your imagination. Go out and explore. Have fun!
Let us know in the comments what other things you like to do in and around Ennis.