Madison County, Montana
Southwestern Montana is home to Madison County, where the Old West still feels alive and well. The county is named after James Madison, the former U.S. president. There’s also the Madison River, which is a dream spot for fly-fishing.
Virginia City is the county seat and looks like something straight out of a Western movie. And guess what? It pretty much is. This historic gold-mining town now serves as a living history museum. You can try your hand at gold panning, take a stagecoach ride, or grab a drink at a saloon that has been around since the 1860s.
The Madison Range towers over the valley, providing killer views and excellent hiking opportunities. Ranching remains a major part of life here, and you’ll see plenty of cowboys who aren’t just putting on a show. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the annual rodeo in Ennis.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Madison County |
| County Seat | Virginia City |
| Etymology | Named after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Ennis, Virginia City, Sheridan, Twin Bridges, Harrison, Pony |
| Interstates and Highways | MT 287, MT 41, MT 84 |
| FIPS Code | 30-057 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 3,603 square miles (Land: 3,588 sq mi, Water: 15 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Beaverhead County (Southwest), Silver Bow County (Northwest), Jefferson County (North), Gallatin County (East), Fremont County, Idaho (South) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone (MT) |
| State | Montana |
| Coordinates | 45.2716° N, 111.9186° W |
| Major Landmarks | Virginia City Historic District, Yellowstone National Park (nearby), Big Sky Resort |
| Population | Approximately 8,800 |
