The sun setting over blue and purple mountain peaks, turning the sky into a painting. River rapids rushing over slick grey stones that carve into magnificent, miniscule waterfalls. A moose amidst sun-dappled foliage. The archaic, ivory bones of a once-fearsome dinosaur. These are just a few of the sights you can see around the Sportsman’s Lodge and Montana during summertime.
Maybe you’re coming to Ennis with your partner and aren’t sure about what outdoor activity to do first. Perhaps Dad went on a fishing trip for the day, so now you and the kids need something fun to occupy yourselves with. Maybe you’re visiting Ennis with some cousins who have never been to Montana, and it’s up to you to show them a good time. Possibly you’re just here on your own solo adventure. Whatever your situation may be, you can use this article as a helpful guide to the numerous fun activities to do in and around Ennis during the summer months. Whether you enjoy relaxing, seeking adventure, or engaging with history, Montana truly has something for everyone to enjoy.
Outdoor Adventures & Thrills
Hiking trails are extensive throughout the three mountain ranges surrounding the Sportsman’s Lodge: The Madison Range, the Gravelly Range, and the Tobacco Root Mountains. The beauty in each of these places is truly special, and each area is unique from the other. Sphinx Mountain and Bear Trap Canyon are popular spots to hike in the Madison Range, and there are many lesser known “hidden gem” trails throughout this range too. The Gravelly Range sits south of the Sportsman’s Lodge, with popular trails including Cave Mountain and Black Butte Summit. In the Tobacco Root Mountains, there are plenty of trails that lead to gorgeous lakes, such as the Twin Lakes and Curly Lake. In each of these mountain ranges, there is majestic wildlife waiting to be explored—so get out there, and don’t forget to bring bear spray with you!
The Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park has plenty of incredible opportunities for outdoor adventures. Open from May 1st to September 30th, this park is around an hour’s drive from the Sportsman’s Lodge, and it will be well worth your time to visit it. During your stay, you can fish, canoe, hike, view wildlife, and more. The park offers three guided cave tours, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty.
Montana wouldn’t be the same without its state parks, nor its national parks. Yellowstone National Park in West Yellowstone is a popular spot for both tourists and Montana natives alike. There are a multitude of reasons why so many travelers come to visit here every summer, and why you should come next. Yellowstone National Park is known as the first national park in the world, and it has the acreage and outdoor beauty to prove it. You can learn about fantastic natural history here, while taking in sights that will leave you breathless. More information about Yellowstone can be found here.
I first visited Yellowstone National Park last summer and could not believe the amount of incredible, once-in-a-lifetime sights I was lucky enough to witness. I watched geysers blast through the air, hot springs steam and bubble, waterfalls tumble down for hundreds of feet, and bison peacefully graze, all amidst a bright blue sky. I’ve heard many people say that Yellowstone is a beautiful place to visit, but words simply can’t do it justice—trust me. Hop in your car solo or with some loved ones and spend a day there, especially if you haven’t been yet. It will be well worth your time to go!
Have you ever wanted to try river rafting through fast-flowing waters? Perhaps relaxing while floating down a calm river as you watch the water sparkle in the sun is more your speed. Maybe you just want to rent a boat, cruise through a lake, and fish. Around the Sportsman’s Lodge, there are plenty of opportunities for water-related activities.
Beartrap Canyon, which flows out of Ennis Lake and the Madison River, is a popular class-III rafting location known for its exhilarating terrain. When you’re not busy traversing through rushing waters, you can stare in wonder at the stretches of beautiful cliffs and open blue skies. There are also extensive and exhilarating rafting opportunities down the Gallatin River. If rafting down rushing river rapids sounds a bit too intense for what you’re looking for, floating down the Gallatin or Madison River is a spectacular choice, especially if you’re someone who enjoys taking the scenic route.
One warm August summer day, I floated down the Madison River with some friends I consider to be family. It was nothing short of incredible—the feeling of the cool water against my hot skin, the stretches of cliffs high above us, and laughter and shouts of excitement from everyone around us. I would recommend this fun summertime activity to anyone and everyone. If you are interested in going on a more scenic and relaxing adventure, you can check out Montana Whitewater or Madison River Tubing.
Maybe white-water rafting or floating down a river doesn’t sound quite up your alley. If this is the case, don’t worry, because there are still plenty more water-related activities you can check out around Ennis. If you want to rent a boat and cruise across a lake, you can do just that at Hebgen Lake. You can also try paddle boarding, canoeing, and sailing. Plus, there are a variety of fish swimming in these waters, which makes Hebgen Lake a great place to go fishing, whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned pro.
If you’re looking to do some serious relaxing after an exhilarating day outside, Norris Hot Springs is the place to be. Known as the “Water of the Gods,” this hot spring is only a skip and a jump away from the Sportsman’s Lodge and is sure to provide an experience you won’t forget. This hot spring is known to be one of the best in Montana due to its extensive history, live music performances, and opportunities for public and private soaks—but be aware that private soaks are reservation only.
The sheer number of outdoor activities you can do in the land surrounding the Sportsman’s Lodge make for daily adventures and tons of great memories… but the fun doesn’t stop there.
Cultural & Historical Immersion Adventures
One of the many great things about Ennis is the rich history that runs through the town’s roads and beyond. Walking down Main Street is a great place to begin your cultural immersion journey with your loved ones. Main Street is filled with unique shops to visit, along with charms that make this small town so unique. As you stroll, feel free to check out the Scoop Shack which has delicious ice cream, or the Ennis Farmers Market that happens in the summertime.
If you’re a big famer’s market enthusiast, there are plenty more to check out in other locations around Ennis, such as the Bozeman Farmer’s Market beginning June 17th.
The Madison Valley History Museum is only a six-minute drive from the Sportsman’s Lodge. It’s an excellent place to go if you’re interested in historical folklore, stories, and artifacts… especially those related to Ennis itself. This museum opens in June and is free to the public. Some popular exhibits include the “Madison Monster,” and the Blacksmith’s shop.
Virginia City, which is about a 20-minute drive from the Sportsman’s Lodge, is a quintessential Montana town with a fascinating history. This cultural city was once a hot spot for gold mining, with many people settling in the area during the 1800s. This city has both original and restored saloons, churches, historical sites, and plenty more that you won’t want to miss out on exploring. Next to Virginia City is Nevada City, another small town with a truly rich Montana mining history. There are walking tours, delicious restaurants, and cultural sites nestled within both of these sites that you won’t want to miss during your stay at the Sportsman’s.
The Museum of the Rockies located in Bozeman is an incredible place to spend a good chunk of time at. The exhibits here range from the lives of early settlers and Native American histories to the complex evolution of dinosaurs. The most popular exhibit, known as the Siebel Dinosaur Complex, has one of the largest assortments of dinosaur fossils in the United States. This incredible exhibit features the bones of a gigantic T-Rex, among many fascinating topics such as the unique and complicated lifestyles of many dinosaurs. The MOR also has a living history museum (one of my personal favorite exhibits) offering a glimpse into the lives of a family in 1899, featuring a restored home with the necessary components fit for survival: a blacksmith shop, chicken coop, vegetable gardens, and so much more.
I have been to the Museum of the Rockies plenty of times with family and friends. There is always something new to explore, as the museum has rotating exhibitions to keep curiosity growing. This museum also has a special charm—no matter how many times I visit, I am always wowed by the complex Montana histories and the restored fossils from dinosaurs that existed so long ago.
South of Ennis in West Yellowstone, you can check out the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. If you or someone in your family is an animal lover, then this is the place to visit. This discovery center offers an amazing experience where you can not only watch, but learn about different animals of Montana, including grizzlies, wolves, eagles, otters, owls, and woodchucks. It is not only a place to learn about animal histories, but to watch them happen in real time. Something great about this specific discovery center is that it is accredited by the American Zoo & Aquarium Association, meaning that employees across the GWC care for every animal to the highest standard. Be aware that most of the animal exhibits are outside, so going there on a rainy day may not be ideal.
I’ve taken cousins to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center and have been myself many times with other family members and friends—going there never gets old. One time I saw wolf pups; many more times I saw grizzly bears frolicking together. I’ve learned about the habits and the characteristics that make each animal so unique. It is always a joy for me to visit there, and I hope you will feel that same joy when you step foot into this animal sanctuary.
After a day of exploring Montana’s beauty, come back to the Sportsman’s Lodge to have a nice, warm meal and a comfy bed to sleep in. I wish you nothing but the best for the exciting adventures that await you.
May 2025.
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.
