Frequently Asked Questions

Where is El Western Cabins & Lodges located?

El Western Cabins & Lodges is located in Ennis, Montana. We are centrally nestled in the Madison Valley along the Madison River. El Western Cabins & Lodges places guests within easy reach of Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky, and Bozeman, as well as local favorites like Norris Hot Springs and the historic ghost towns of Virginia City and Nevada City. What truly sets Ennis apart is the people, where locals greet you with a wave as you pass, hold doors open, stop to help if you if needed, tip their hat in gratitude, and make you feel less like a visitor and more like family from the moment you arrive.

What makes El Western Cabins & Lodges unique?

El Western Cabins and Lodges is unique because it offers a genuine Montana experience rooted in comfort, character, and care. The property blends charming cabins and lodges with thoughtful amenities, personalized service, and a pace that encourages guests to slow down and settle in. Rather than feeling like a standard hotel, El Western feels like a place you belong, where families gather, anglers return year after year, and guests are welcomed by name and treated like friends, making each stay personal, memorable, and deeply connected to the spirit of the Madison Valley.

What types of accommodations do you offer?

We offer a variety of cabins and lodge-style accommodations, ranging from cozy studios to larger cabins and private lodges suitable for families or groups.

Is El Western Cabins & Lodges kid friendly?

Yes, El Western Cabins & Lodges is kid friendly, with multiple cabin choices featuring multiple beds, 2 bedrooms, kitchens and more. El Western provides families with space and comfort to enjoy a fantastic vacation together. We have pack n plays, crib sheets, high chairs, games, and toys for families to use during their stays to make travel with children easier.

Do cabins include kitchens or kitchenettes?

Many of our cabins feature fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes. Please check individual cabin descriptions for specific amenities, and space descriptions. Click here for more details.

What kind of coffee makers are available in the kitchens? 

We know coffee is important. Each kitchen is equipped with a drip coffee maker, along with a supply of locally fresh roasted ground coffee, filters, creamer, and sugar. Decaf coffee is not provided in the cabins, but is available in the front office through our Keurig machine along with a variety of favorite coffee blends.

Coffee is available in the front office daily from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm.

Are linens and towels provided?

Yes. All cabins are stocked with fresh towels and premium linens to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. We are happy to provide a fresh supply throughout your stay.

Do you have Wi‑Fi?

Yes. Complimentary premium Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

How do I make a reservation?

Reservations can be made directly through our website, click here, or by contacting us by phone at 406-682-4217, email at info@elwestern.com, or by texting 406-693-4031.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation policies vary by cabin, larger, multiple room Cabins have a smaller cancelation window. See our policies page for all the pertinent information, click here or call us for details at 406-682-4127.

For our Creekside cabins, cancellations must be made at least 14 days prior to arrival. For larger suites and lodges on the Mountainside of the property, cancellations must be made at least 30 days prior to arrival. 

Is there a minimum stay requirement?

Our Creekside Cabins are perfect for shorter stays and do not require a minimum requirement outside of peak holiday time periods. El Western Cabins & Lodges’ larger Mountainside suites and Lodges, do require a minimum stay. Visit our policies page for more detailed information.

What time is check‑in and check‑out?

Check-in at El Western Cabins and Lodges begins at 3 pm. We ask that guests check out by 10 am. 

Is parking available?

Yes, complimentary on‑site parking is available for guests.

Are pets allowed?

Select cabins may be pet‑friendly. A pet fee of $30 a day, per pet apply, with a max of two dogs per room. Please visit our policies page for all the details for pet accommodations. Contact us in advance to confirm availability.

Do you have outdoor spaces?

Yes, guests can enjoy outdoor seating areas, and open spaces ideal for relaxing and taking in the scenery. Bear creek meadow offers a beautiful crystal clear creek, water wheel, and lush lawn space with seating. Beautiful mountain views surround the property and provide a stunning backdrop to a great vacation. 

Where can we get snacks & groceries?

We offer a variety of snacks and coffee in the front office from 8 am - 10 pm. For groceries and all the items you might need to cook a delicious dinner we recommend Madison Foods, and Deemo’s Meats, a local butcher, located just up the road. For more information on this and area restaurants click here for our dining page.

*Complimentary snacks, frozen dinner items, microwaveable meals, and beverages in our front office lobby 7:30 am - 9:30pm.

What activities are nearby?

Ennis offers endless year-round recreation including world famous fly fishing and floating on the Madison River, paddle boarding or boating on Ennis Lake, exploring glacier-fed lakes like Cliff and Wade, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, golf, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, as well as, shopping local stores featuring handmade goods and Ennis, Montana favorites. 

Guests also enjoy nearby regional attractions such as Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky, Norris Hot Springs, Virginia City and Nevada City, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, Lewis and Clark Caverns, and seasonal events including live music and farmers markets. Stop by the lobby for brochures or ask our staff for local recommendations. We are always happy to help you plan a memorable visit.

How far away from Yellowstone National Park is El Western Cabins & Lodges? 

El Western Cabins and Lodges is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes north of the West Yellowstone entrance. Our guests enjoy the space away from the crowds, time on the Madison River, and proximity to other area attractions like the Lewis and Clark Caverns, Virginia City & Nevada City, Quake Lake, etc. 

Where are the closest boat ramps for the Madison River?

he closest boat ramp take-out is located approximately 0.6 miles from El Western Cabins and Lodges. There are numerous public access and launch sites along the Madison River within just a few miles of the property, offering convenient options for floating or fishing. A boat ramp is also available at Ennis Lake for guests interested in lake fishing or recreation. Our front desk is happy to provide directions, maps, and local recommendations based on current conditions and your planned route. 

The closest boat launches to 4787 US-287, Ennis, MT, are located at the north end of Ennis Lake and on the Madison River just outside town. Key nearby options include Clute's Landing on the west shore of Ennis Lake, Kobayashi Beach on the north shore of Ennis Lake, and multiple access sites along the Madison River, such as Varney Bridge. 

Clute's Landing (Ennis Lake): The only public boat launch on the west shore of Ennis Lake, suitable for motorized boats, with limited camping spots.

Kobayashi Beach (Ennis Lake): A day-use area on the north shore offering fishing and launching access.

Madison River Access (Near Ennis):

Varney Bridge: Popular launch point south of town.

Town Bridge/Ennis Fishing Access: Located just outside the town of Ennis.

Ennis Lake is very shallow, averaging 8 feet deep, making it ideal for morning boating or windsurfing. 

Where can I get a one day fishing license?

All local fishing guide shops sell Montana fishing licenses, in addition to the online source with Montana Fish and Wildlife Parks, a fantastic source for both fishing regulations, as well as licenses at https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/fishinglicenses .

Where can I take my kids to fish? 

Lions Park just a couple moments up the road provides a special space for kids to fish. This park offers activities for literally every age group. The fish pond offers children 12 and under the opportunity to catch a “lunker” that would make any fisherman envious. The Fish Hatchery located south of Ennis stocks the pond with enormous trout. The pond does have a platform that allows handicapped persons, especially those in wheelchairs, to fish safely. The park has several play areas for various ages from toddlers through teens. The paved walking path offers a safe place to walk, run, bike, scooter or even push your walker.

Additionally, Kids 12 and under can fish right on our property in Bear Creek that runs along our Bear Creek Meadow just behind our Creekside cabins. We offer a couple kids fishing rods on a first come first serve basis. 

How can I contact you with additional questions?

You can reach us by phone at 406-682-4217, email at info@elwestern.com, or by texting 406-693-4031, we’re always happy to help plan your stay.

Still have a question?

If you don’t see your question here, please reach out—we look forward to welcoming you to El Western Cabins & Lodges!