ABOUT
A row of log cabins sitting next to each other on a gravel road.

About El Western

Celebrating over 75 years of Montana Hospitality. El Western is a rare remaining glimpse into the changing nature of the west over the past 6 decades. Beginning in 1948, El Western played host to those first discovering the sport of fly-fishing and the beauty of the Madison River Valley. Although ranching was the primary occupation of the residents of Ennis and the surrounding area, many wealthy and notable guests came to spend their summers enjoying the growing sport of fly-fishing in this "exotic" location.

The Morgan Family

Neil and Maude Morgan, with their sons, Tom and Jerry, built and developed the first 8 cabins, home, and office from 1948 to 1956. Later, the property on the other side of the highway was added, making 16 total acres. The Moose Lodge came as a part of that addition. In the 1960s and '70s, 4 large cabins, a restaurant (The Country Kitchen), and "Mary's House" (later the Trout Lodge) were completed. Although ranching continued to dominate, fly-fishing grew in importance to the economy of the valley during those years. Tom Morgan became a well-known fishing guide and went on to purchase the Winston Rod Company after his family sold El Western.

A man in a hat is holding a fishing rod

The Bjork Family

The Morgan family sold the property in 1975 to interim owners. In 1979, it was sold once again to Ted and Bobby Bjork. The Bjorks, originally from Wisconsin, had been living in Birmingham, Alabama. On a snowy November day, they visited the property and immediately gave up corporate life to follow their western dream. For the next 18 years, they restored, expanded and maintained El Western. The restaurant became a tackle shop. Two more large log cabins were added and the lawns and flower gardens were improved.

A man and a woman are standing at a counter in front of a map

The Hauck Family

Beginning in 1997 - April 2021, Kris and John Hauck operated El Western Cabins & Lodges after taking over for Kris' parents (the Bjorks). After 22 years as Air Force nomads, Kris and John, along with their children, Brian and Lauren, arrived to make El Western their home and second career. Having added the Eagle's Lodge then named "Eagles Loft" in 1995 and remodeling the restaurant/tackle shop into a conference center in 1998. This made the El Western property you see today.

A family posing for a picture in front of a stone wall

The Bennett Family

The Bennett Family purchased El Western Cabins & Lodges from Kris and John Hauck in April 2021. After camping for several years in Yellowstone National Park, the Bennett’s visited Ennis, MT, and fell in love with the area! Drawn to the Madison River Valley and Ennis by the natural beauty, world-class fishing, charming downtown, and friendly residents, the Bennett’s quickly decided to purchase a ranch near El Western. Ennis has become a special place where the Bennett's have continued to enjoy many family vacations, making memories, and spending time together.

Over the years Mr. Bennett always loved passing the charming El Western property,  enjoying its rustic and well-maintained log cabins, beautiful landscaping, and lush grass. After 20 years of watching and admiring the property, Mr. Bennett is proud to call El Western his home away from home, as it is for many of the long-time returning guests, of this very special place. 

 

Bennett Hospitality is a family-owned and operated hospitality company with properties located in Bozeman, MT, Charleston, SC, and Savannah, GA. These properties range from Hilton and Marriott branded hotels to boutique cottages and cabins to the Five Star luxury Hotel Bennett in downtown Charleston. The Bennetts are excited to continue the 75-year legacy of El Western Cabins & Lodges and create their unique mark on this historic and special place.



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