Remnants of Montana’s frontier days, Virginia City and its smaller neighbor, Nevada City, are two of the state’s standout attractions. Boardwalks pass in front of partially restored historic buildings, and 19th-century goods stock the stores. Virginia City prospered when miners stampeded into Montana Territory after the 1863 discovery of gold. The diggings were rich in Alder Gulch, and Virginia City eventually became Montana’s second territorial capital. Enticed by the city’s wealth, criminals came to prey on the miners. In turn, vigilance committees held lightning-fast trials and strung up the bad guys. The outlaws were buried atop Boot Hill, overlooking town.
Fourteen miles east of Virginia City is Ennis. In addition to being a hub of ranching in the area, this tiny town sits among some of the best trout streams in the West. People come from around the world for the area’s blue-ribbon fishing, particularly in the area of Beartrap Canyon. Welcoming you to town is a sign that reads: "840 people, 11,000,000 trout." One of the town's biggest annual events and consistently rated among the most exciting and challenging rodeos in Montana, the July 3 and 4 Ennis Rodeo attracts top cowpokes.
