Enjoy your next vacation at
The Burgard Family Lake House
Ennis, MT

A view of the cottage from the end of the dock	A view of the dock and lake from the cottage porch.

More pictures of the lakehouse and lake

Enjoy "The Lakehouse" on Ennis Lake in McAllister, MT. For reservations and more information, visit www.vrbo.com/59094 or e-mail mjburgard@montanadsl.net. Ask for Michael or Lisa Burgard. 3 night minimum stay required.

Known by longtime locals as Meadow Lake (Forest Service mappers renamed it long ago), Ennis Lake was formed in 1905 when Montana Power built a dam on the Madison River at the head of the Bear Trap Canyon. The lake is shallow -- an average of 8 feet deep; 20 feet at the deepest -- which means the water is warm, just right for water-skiing, particularly in the morning before the wind comes up, and windsurfing in the windy afternoon. About 3 miles square (the braided channels of the Madison River make it look much longer), Ennis Lake is almost entirely surrounded by private property, mostly ranches, and seems to be a management no-man's land. Enjoy fishing, water sports, birding and wildlife viewing, all year round, all from the comfort of the lake and lake house.

The town of Ennis: Cattle and sheep ranching are extremely productive in this beautiful valley. Below the high peaks of the Madison Range, this spirited western town lies alongside the fly-fishing mecca of the Madison River.

The town of McAllister: James Alexander McAllister was born in Idaho on January 12, 1868. His father moved with his family to the Meadow Creek area of Madison County, Montana Territory, in 1871. They located a ranch there and James eventually established his own home in 1889. The town of McAllister was established in 1896 about seven miles north of Ennis Lake, with a post office bearing the name McAllister officially recognized in 1902. A Methodist Church was founded in the area in 1887, although services had been held in the area since 1869.

The Burgard Lake House is less than an hour from many attractions including Yellowstone National Park, Beartrap Canyon, Ennis National Fish Hatchery. Quake Lake, and Viginia City. And there's plenty to do at the cottage on rainy days or sunny days when you don't want to travel ~ like bocce ball, pool, ping pong, kayaking, water skiing, ice skating (in the winter) and much, much more! Even the youngest kids will have fun catching minnows, playing in the sand with trucks or other beach toys, coloring or playing with Barbies, Lincoln Logs and Light Bright.

The lake house sleeps 10+ people comfortably and has many amenities including air conditioning, a washer/dryer, dishwasher, whirlpool tub, television, large deck with outdoor seating and picnic table, two gas grills, fire pit, beach and a boat dock.