Population10,026 (2025 estimate)
Historic Streets Meet Wide Valley Horizons
Madison County, MontanaExplore Madison County, Montana, through Virginia City’s historic setting, the Madison Valley and the communities around Ennis. This guide brings local places and practical public resources together so you can plan an outing, find a service or get to know the area. Start with Virginia City, the county seat, then explore the communities and landscapes around it. Follow the linked organizations for current schedules, access details and the information you need before heading out.
County at a Glance
Population10,026 (2025 estimate)
County seatVirginia City
Largest communityEnnis
Established1865
ZIP coverage12
Total area3,603.5 sq mi (land and water; 2020 boundary data)
Major routesUS 287, MT 84, MT 41
Area code406
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Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover Madison County
Madison County
Madison County was established in 1865 during Montana’s territorial era. Virginia City, its county seat, preserves an important connection to the region’s gold-rush history. Nearby Nevada City adds another historic destination, while Ennis and other valley communities reflect enduring ranching and river connections. The county’s towns are separated by substantial stretches of open landscape, making travel part of daily life. Historic interpretation, agriculture, local services and outdoor enterprise contribute different layers to a county whose story extends well beyond any one main street.
A visit can combine a historic-town outing with time in the valley, but seasonal operations matter. Residents rely on local schools, clinics, shops and community networks while planning longer drives for some services. Ennis, Sheridan and Twin Bridges each provide their own starting points for exploring the county. Use the official public-service links for current information, check road conditions before traveling between valleys, and contact attraction operators about opening seasons, admission and the specific activities available during your visit.
What shapes us
Living Heritage
Discover how territorial history, gold discoveries and ranching communities helped shape local identity. Historic places and community organizations offer starting points for understanding the county’s past and its continuing story.
Working Landscapes
Explore Virginia City, Nevada City and the Madison River valley alongside the landscapes that support everyday life. Local businesses and outdoor destinations connect the county’s natural setting with practical work and recreation.
Community Connections
Historic attractions, ranch work, fishing-related businesses and small-town gatherings bring residents and visitors into the same local places. Follow current programs and schedules to find opportunities that match your interests and the season.
Find your next connection in the places around you.
Around the county
Madison County in Pictures
A closer look at local places and landscapes.
The Madisonian
Rebuilding 70 years of family, community and legacy
“I remember my first time skiing. It was with my mom. I probably was two or three years…
Read the Story Oct 1, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Madison County
Stories from every corner of Madison County.
Rebuilding 70 years of family, community and legacy
“I remember my first time skiing. It was with my mom. I probably was two or three years…
Oct 1, 2026 • 2 min read
Madison County Planning Department recognized with Achievement in Planning Award
The Madison County Planning Department was awarded the Achievement in Planning award by the Montana Association of Planners…
Sep 30, 2026 • 2 min read
The grizzly bear conversation
“I work with bears,” said Amber Mason over the din of sound in the Pioneer Bar on a…
Sep 25, 2026 • 2 min read
220 sheep killed by lightning strike in Gravelly Mountains
Sometime around Aug. 23, Heart of the Rockies Initiative carnivore conflict reduction manager Steve Primm says a lightning…
Sep 6, 2026 • 2 min read
Montana leading the charge to protect the hemp industry
From the fields to finished products, Montana is home to a wide variety of hemp producers, all of…
Aug 27, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Useful connections
Madison County resources
Find official agencies and useful organizations for everyday needs. Open the relevant resource for current services and contact information.
Government
Schools
Hospitals
Public Safety
Disaster and Emergency Services
Emergency Services
State Parks
Trails
Forest Service lands and trails
Utilities
Montana Public Service Commission
Libraries
Courts
Montana Legal Services Association
DMV
Transportation
Postal Services
Veterans
Montana Department of Military Affairs
Employment
Find your way around Madison County
Practical answers for residents and visitors.
Local knowledge
Frequently asked questions
Start here, then follow the linked organization for current details.
Virginia City is the county seat of Madison County. Start with Madison County government for department contacts and public services.
Start with Virginia City and the other history and cultural destinations in the directory. Confirm each attraction’s current schedule before visiting.
Ennis, Virginia City, Twin Bridges, Sheridan provide starting points within Madison County. Each has its own community setting; check local businesses and public resources when planning your route. Follow Madison County government for public-service connections.
Use Montana 511 for current conditions. Major routes associated with the county include US 287, MT 84, MT 41; check the specific route before travel.
Start with Office of Public Instruction and the Office of Public Instruction. Confirm enrollment and attendance boundaries with the relevant school district.
Madison Valley Medical Center is a local healthcare starting point. Use the provider’s own site for current locations, services and contact information.
Use Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the land-management links in the resources section. Confirm access, permits, fees and seasonal restrictions for the specific destination.
Madison County government provides the official starting point for departments, meetings and records. Contact the relevant office to confirm its procedures and opening hours.
Start with Montana Veterans Affairs or VA Montana Health Care for program and location information.
Use MontanaWorks and the Department of Labor & Industry. Check employers directly for current openings and requirements.
Virginia City is one starting point for a family outing in Madison County. Use the Kids’ Fun and Outdoor Fun listings, then confirm age suitability, schedules and admission directly with the operator.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find something fun
Explore local placesPlan your next stop with these specific local destinations.
Kids’ Fun
Restaurants
Shopping & Retail
Clothing & Boutiques
Free Things To Do
Make time for a local discovery.Choose a place and check its current details.