15 Yellowstone Filming Locations
Beth Dutton’s fiery and rebellious personality, Rip’s calm demeanor, and John’s insane loyalty to the Yellowstone Ranch pull viewers to the Yellowstone show, and they can’t help but fall in love. If you’re one of many fans, you’re probably hoping to breathe the same air as the legendary Kevin Costner and his fellow co-stars. Luckily for you, the U.S. is home to multiple Yellowstone filming spots, so here’s a good look:
Chief Joseph Ranch, Darby, Montana
You’ll quickly recognize the iconic Chief Joseph Ranch, which goes by the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch in the show and plays the primary residence. Interestingly, the portrayal of the ranch isn’t too far off from the show, although you won’t find the life-threatening enemies here. Chief Joseph Ranch is family-owned and run and has since become a famous inn for fans. Although costly, spending up to $1200 per night will land you in Lee Dutton’s cabin and even get a full-day tour.
Darby, Montana
It’s not only the ranch that makes its mark; the entire town of Darby becomes the center stage for Yellowstone. Here, multiple filming sessions for the first three iconic seasons took place, and you’ll even be able to spot some easter eggs when you step foot. The dainty little town displays some elements of the show but retains its historical southern charm all on its own. It’s also a fun location to tour, even if you weren’t motivated by the show.
Bozeman, Montana
Although Yellowstone primarily occurs in Darby, multiple scenes were filmed in Bozeman. The most common setting is Downtown Bozeman, where you’ll even be able to spot some stores that weren’t covered up in the show. Interestingly, while we think people don’t dress up as cowboys daily, Bozeman residents frequently don hats, bootcut jeans, and flannel button-downs, making the show feel even more real than imagined.
Livingston, Montana
Although only a few scenes throughout the first few seasons were shot in Livingston, visiting there gives most fans a feeling of relatability. Since it’s much harder to lock down a specific filming point, your best bet would be to explore the beautiful city. Its view of the Yellowstone River, the surrounding mighty peaks, and the lush forested areas is worth the trip. The city is also a historical landmark; it is the original gateway city to Yellowstone National Park.
Helena, Montana
The Montana State Capitol, a state government office in Helena, is one of the most recognizable locations. Governor Lynell Perry (also John’s on-and-off-again love interest) holds office here. Since this filming location is set in an actual state office, you might be unable to take a free tour. However, it offers virtual tours and allows tourists to go on guided tours in the summers, so you’ll still get a glimpse of the storyline.
Park City, Utah
Lying east of Salt Lake City, Park City is one of the few locations in Utah that made it on screen multiple times. You can visit the Dan Jenkin’s Lodge (the Promontory Ranch Club) to get a taste of Dutton’s contentious relationships or go to the Park City Library, the setting of Monica’s classroom. Since Park City was the filming location for multiple scenes in the first three seasons, there’s much to explore.
Utah Film Studios, Park City, Utah
If the city-wide tour doesn’t cut it for you, visit the Utah Film Studios, where you’ll get an insider’s look into the filming. Since the studios are jam-packed all day, you might have to deal with some tourist footfall, but this destination is home to where not only Yellowstone but shows and movies like Damsel, Wind River, and Hereditary were also filmed. Here, you’ll even be able to get tours and learn about the behind-the-scenes that preceded the show.
Spanish Fork, Utah
Who can forget the iconic scene when Jimmy tries his hand at bull riding? This iconic scene was filmed in no other place than Spanish Fork. The primary filming location for all rodeo scenes was the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, where you can get a real-life glimpse into thrilling performances and races. While the destination isn’t open to rodeos year-round (although you will be able to catch other events), you can get a good look into it in July when the city hosts the Fiesta Days Rodeo.
Missoula, Montana
The first three seasons of Yellowstone were mostly filmed in Utah, but Taylor Sheridan, the show’s writer and co-creator, decided to pack up and move to Montana. Here, he set the stage on the outskirts of Missoula, where he even purchased a 40,000-square-foot space for filming purposes. Missoula’s Ruby Cafe is where the tension-filled shootout between Rip and John was filmed, while the Missoula Community Medical Center served as the hospital.
Ogden, Utah
The iconic rodeos we witnessed throughout the show were filmed across the U.S., but several from the first three seasons took place in Pioneer Stadium in Ogden. The boutiques, cafes, and galleries strewn across 25th Street also frequently make it on the show, so you’ll get a good Yellowstone tour without taking too much attention away from the city.
Weatherford, Texas
The beautiful interior of Mary’s Brazos Cafe in Weatherford, Texas, will delight foodies and Yellowstone lovers. This dainty and cozy little cafe played a small part in the show, but its backdrop convinces you to take a trip. Plus, it’s an accessible way for Texans to explore movie locations without traveling too far. When you’re there, don’t forget to try its famous peach cobbler, chicken fried steak, and fried catfish.
Hamilton, Montana
Just a stone’s throw from Missoula, Hamilton was an essential filming location for multiple scenes throughout the show. Hamilton’s most popular and extravagant filming site is Marcus Daly’s mansion, the American businessman who founded the city in the late 1800s. The mansion stands in as the governor’s, so you won’t have to crane your neck to find the easter egg. Downtown Hamilton also appears as a backdrop in multiple scenes, so take a stroll and enjoy its fun-filled destinations.
West Haven, Utah
The steamy nightclub scenes where we witnessed a lot of intimate glances, rowdy people, and some thrilling moments took place in Outlaw Saloon. Set in the heart of West Haven, Outlaw Saloon is open to tourists and gives them a chance to live an eclectic lifestyle filled with dance sessions and live music performances. When you’re there, you might want to get an excellent smoked rib plate; it’s worth the $20-30 entrance.
Crow Indian Reservation, Montana
The Broken Rock Reservation, managed and owned by Thomas Rainwater in the show, is the Crow Indian Reservation, Montana’s largest reservation with over 2 million acres. If you get a tour, you’ll even be able to spot bison thundering along the ranch. However, being mindful of the reservation is important since it is home to the Crow Tribe.
Guthrie, Texas
Jimmy Hurdstrom’s toughest months, during which he had to be (SPOILER ALERT) relocated to another ranch to learn to be independent in season four of Yellowstone, took place in Guthrie at 6666. The 6666/ Four Sixes Ranch lies just a short distance from the Texan community of Guthrie and was recently purchased by Taylor Sheridan for $320 million.
14 Natural Attractions That Outrank Yellowstone in Popularity
14 Natural Attractions That Outrank Yellowstone in Popularity
14 Items You Should Never Pack When You Visit Yellowstone National Park
14 Items You Should Never Pack When You Visit Yellowstone National Park
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.