At The Sportsman’s Lodge in Ennis, there is always adventure waiting to be found. Situated between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, with the Madison River and Ennis Lake close by, there is a plethora of opportunities for outdoor recreation around every corner. Fishing, hunting, off-roading, and hiking are just some of the many activities available within a close distance to the Sportsman’s Lodge. When you come to this lodge, no matter where you are from, you are sure to have a wonderful stay after an adventure-filled day.
After a day trip to Yellowstone or an afternoon spent fishing on the Madison River, you can come back to the Sportsman’s Lodge for a warm meal and a wonderful night’s rest. This lodge is a cozy destination full of rustic charm, pleasantries, and plenty of opportunities for both excitement and relaxation—in one of the most breathtaking spots in all of America. You’re sure to feel right at home in this lodge, as it offers delicious food, beautiful housing, and plenty of fun.
The Sportsman’s Lodge is the perfect place to have an incredible dinner with family and friends. The menu features an array of options, some of which include mouth-watering chicken wings, fresh salads, delicious ribeye, and scrumptious homemade desserts. Burgers are also a favorite among patrons. There are many days throughout each month at the Sportsman’s that offer specials on food, including BBQ on Thursdays, prime rib on Fridays, Philly cheesesteak on Saturdays, and sliders on Sundays.
But the Sportsman’s Lodge offers more than just delicious meals and mouthwatering desserts. The warm atmosphere of the lodge makes it a great place to host get-togethers for friends and family. Feel free to grab your crew and check out the sports bar—which offers 16 beers on tap, famous Montana whiskies, a full food menu, and many HD TVs for all your sports-watching needs. This special bar also offers distinct food menus during major sporting events. There is a breathtaking outside deck by the bar where you can view the sunset, hang out, and play cornhole. And if you want to try your luck and win some money, feel free to check out the casino, which has 20 different slot machines.
On top of all the fun you can have here, The Sportsman’s Lodge has a unique history. It was built in 1945 by owners Otis and Laura Crooker right after the end of WW2. The lodge once housed a 3700-foot private airport runway that famous celebrities such as Bing Crosby, David Letterman, Ben Johnson, and Michael Keaton flew into. The runway has since been torn down, but the Lodge’s original rustic cabins remain—complete with all modernized technology. During the mid-1900s, the downstairs bar featured square dancing for teenagers every Tuesday night, along with what was once illegal gambling. Not only that, but infamous rodeo parties were held in the same downstairs bar throughout the mid to late 1900s. Winning cowboys and bull-riders would often use the lodge’s private airport runway to fly out for a quick weekend vacation after making it big.
The downstairs bar that once was the place for wild rodeo parties and illegal gambling was recently renovated in 2023. Now known as “The Canary,” this bar is still full of excitement and opportunities for fun. Game nights happen here multiple times each month which include bingo, video game nights, board game nights, a cribbage league, and more. The Canary is complete with a pool table, an electronic dart board, delicious drinks, and the opportunity to rent the space for private parties. Plus, this downstairs bar offers a unique atmosphere that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Curious to learn more about what makes The Canary so special? You’ll just have to stop by and find out!
As for lodging, the Sportsman’s Lodge offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. Each cabin is beautifully rustic with unique charms and breathtaking views, offering the perfect getaway from the stressors of life. After a day spent fishing or going to one (or multiple) of the national parks, you’ll be sure to come back to a suite and get a great night’s rest. There is plenty of parking space for trucks, boats, and more. Cabin amenities include Wi-Fi, microwaves, refrigerators, TVs, as well as heating and AC. If you have a furry friend with you, there is no need to look anywhere else for lodging, as all the cabins at the Sportsman’s are pet friendly.
The Sportsman’s Lodge was first known as “The Most Complete Resort in Western Montana,” and still is today. Whether you come to the Sportsman’s to find warmth and comforts in the wintertime, or during the fishing season on a lovely summer day, you will be welcomed.
Written by Georgia Sprague, a Montana resident who is an avid writer and outdoors enthusiast who recently graduated from Montana State University. In her free time, she loves to read, rock climb, fish, hike, backpack and spend time admiring Montana’s beautiful scenery.
