The wait is finally over for fans eager to return to the gripping world of Yellowstone. This acclaimed drama series has made its highly anticipated return to Paramount+, bringing back the sprawling landscapes, vast skies, and iconic imagery of cowboys and cattle drives that have captivated audiences worldwide.
While the Kevin Costner-led Western is celebrated for its intricate storylines and intense family dynamics, the breathtaking, albeit fictional, Montana setting is undeniably a central character in itself, as compelling as any member of the Dutton family. The picturesque backdrop of Yellowstone Ranch and its surroundings has become synonymous with the show’s identity.
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Whether you are drawn to the serene sunrise scenes of John Dutton enjoying his morning coffee on the porch or the expansive wilderness surrounding his majestic ranch – which, remarkably, is a real working ranch in Montana – delve deeper to discover the actual filming locations of Yellowstone.
The Iconic Yellowstone Ranch: Chief Joseph Ranch, Darby, Montana
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In an era where television and film often rely heavily on studio sets, backlots, and digital effects, the authenticity of John Dutton’s Montana homestead is truly refreshing. The impressive estate you see in Yellowstone is not a Hollywood fabrication but a genuine, functioning cattle ranch nestled in the heart of Montana. It’s clear that no amount of movie magic could replicate the genuine grandeur of Yellowstone’s sprawling property and its stunning natural environment.
Chief Joseph Ranch, located in Darby, Montana, provides the undeniable authenticity to the coveted Dutton family land. This vast and historically significant landmark, complete with its remarkable 5,000-square-foot mansion, is a family-owned and operated ranch that looks virtually identical in real life to its on-screen portrayal. Familiar Yellowstone settings, from the ranch house’s rustic interiors to the outdoor barns, stables, and bunkhouses, are all integral parts of the real-life Chief Joseph Ranch.
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Dedicated fans can even experience the Yellowstone magic firsthand by booking stays in cabins that are known on screen as Rip Wheeler’s (Cole Hauser) and Lee Dutton’s (Dave Annable) residences. Ranch tours are also available, although it’s highly unlikely that a visit to the infamous “train station” is included in the itinerary.
The ranch’s location near the picturesque Bitterroot Valley further enhances its appeal. This historic valley, part of the route explored by Lewis and Clark in 1805, is surrounded by the breathtaking Bitterroot Mountain Range, highlighted by the striking Trapper Peak, adding to the dramatic scenery of Yellowstone.
Broken Rock Reservation: Crow Indian Reservation, Billings, Montana
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Much of the conflict in the Dutton family’s saga, particularly in season 1, arises from land disputes with the adjacent Broken Rock Reservation and its chairman, Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham). While they are portrayed as feuding neighbors – and sometimes uneasy allies – in the series, John Dutton and Thomas Rainwater would find themselves geographically separated in reality. The real-world location for the Broken Rock Reservation filming, the Crow Indian Reservation, is situated near Billings, Montana, approximately a six-hour drive from the Chief Joseph Ranch.
Despite this geographical liberty, the real reservation, the largest in Montana, shares many characteristics with its fictional counterpart. Home to the Crow Tribe, the reservation was established in the 19th century and remains active today, encompassing 2.3 million acres and supporting a population of hundreds of free-roaming bison.
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While Rainwater isn’t depicted herding buffalo in Yellowstone, many outdoor scenes featuring the character are indeed filmed within the Crow Indian Reservation. Additionally, the Painted Horse Casino, central to Rainwater’s operations, is also a real establishment, known as the Apsaalooke Nights Casino in southern Montana.
Utah’s Scenery: Seasons 1–3 Filming Locations
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Even though Yellowstone is set in Montana, the initial three seasons of the show were primarily filmed outside of the state. Utah became a prominent stand-in for Montana during these seasons, with key scenes filmed in and around Ogden, Spanish Fork, and Park City.
Park City, a well-known ski resort destination, provided the backdrop for bustling city scenes, including the exterior shots of Beth Dutton’s (Kelly Reilly) office at Schwartz & Meyer. Beth was also frequently seen unwinding at The Outlaw Saloon in Ogden, a real-life country music bar that contributed to the show’s authentic Western atmosphere.
Rodeo events, a recurring theme in the Duttons’ lives, were also filmed in Utah during these early seasons. While some rodeo action was captured at Ogden’s Pioneer Stadium, the majority of the bull-riding scenes were filmed at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, the venue for the annual Utah County Fair, complete with real rodeos and tractor pulls.
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Fans who have followed Yellowstone from the beginning will recall Dan Jenkins (Danny Huston) as a persistent adversary to John Dutton. When this land developer wasn’t being outmaneuvered by Beth, he was often seen enjoying the luxury of his “Montana” lodge. This opulent estate was actually the Nicklaus Clubhouse at Promontory Point in Park City, a location renowned for its recreational activities, fine dining, and upscale amenities.
Montana Takes Center Stage: Seasons 4–5 and Beyond
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While Utah served admirably as Montana in the initial seasons, Yellowstone production shifted to Montana for season 4 and subsequent seasons. Although this move was reportedly influenced by tax incentives, it also aligned perfectly with the evolving storylines of the show.
Montana’s state capital, Helena, became a key filming location, especially as John Dutton assumed the governorship in season 5. Many scenes, including those set in Beth’s office within the governor’s complex, were filmed inside the actual Montana State Capitol Building. While John’s office and other interior capitol scenes are authentic, the dramatic swearing-in ceremony for the new governor was filmed a couple of hours away at the Missoula Courthouse.
Missoula itself became a prominent filming location, featuring recognizable spots such as Ruby’s Cafe and Missoula Community Medical Center, where John Dutton recuperated after a near-fatal attack.
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The courthouse, medical center, and other locations throughout Missoula provided backdrops for numerous scenes, from Beth’s initial meeting with Carter to a heated protest outside the Livestock Association headquarters. Glen’s Cafe in Missoula also gained notoriety as the source of “the best Salisbury steak in Montana,” a meal John Dutton famously gifted to Jamie’s biological father, Garrett Randall (Will Patton), during a tense and threatening encounter.
Hamilton, another charming Montana town, also hosted important Yellowstone filming locations, including the Governor’s mansion in season 5. The Victorian-era Daly Mansion, named after Hamilton’s founder Marcus Daly, serves as a museum when it’s not featured on Yellowstone. The high-octane car chase in the season 4 premiere, where Kayce (Luke Grimes) pursued attackers, was also filmed near Hamilton, adding to the Montana locations utilized by the show.
The Legendary 6666 Ranch: Four Sixes Ranch, Guthrie, Texas
Yellowstone season four introduced audiences to the 6666 Ranch in Texas, where the character Jimmy Hurdstram (Jefferson White) was sent to refine his cowboy skills. While Jimmy’s storyline is fictional, the 6666 Ranch is very real. Officially known as the Four Sixes Ranch, this expansive 142,000-acre property is a genuine, working cattle ranch of historical significance.
Founded in 1870, the Four Sixes Ranch is currently owned by Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan (Taylor Sheridan), who acquired the land in 2021. This iconic ranch, which hosts events and offers tours of its Supply House, is anticipated to be the primary setting for the upcoming 6666 spinoff series, further expanding the Yellowstone universe.
By utilizing real locations across Montana, Utah, and Texas, Yellowstone has cultivated a sense of authenticity that resonates deeply with viewers, making the stunning landscapes as integral to the show’s success as the compelling storylines and characters.
