The hit drama series “Yellowstone” has captured the hearts of many with its dramatic storyline and beautiful scenery. One of the main reasons viewers are drawn to the show is its portrayal of the cowboy lifestyle, which is brought to life by the breathtaking landscapes and picturesque valleys of the western United States.
Where was “Yellowstone Season” Filmed?
The show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, wanted to make sure the imagery was as authentic as possible, so he chose to film a large part of “Yellowstone” in Montana, where the story is set. While some scenes were filmed in different locations, the majority of the show was shot in Montana, right down to the interiors of buildings. The story of “Yellowstone” revolves around the commercialization of Montana and the efforts of the main character, John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, to keep the land unspoiled.
Chief Joseph Ranch, Montana
The heart of the Yellowstone series is the Dutton Ranch, which was filmed at Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana. This real-life ranch is located about 90 minutes from Missoula, nestled in a scenic valley that perfectly represents the rugged beauty of Montana. The ranch is surrounded by natural wonders like Trapper Peak and the Bitterroot River Valley, making it the perfect location to showcase the cowboy lifestyle.
Chief Joseph Ranch has a rich history, as the land was once inhabited by the Salish Native Americans, just like the Dutton Ranch in the show. The valley where the ranch is located was also part of the route taken by Lewis and Clark during their famous expedition in 1805. Established as the Shelton Ranch in 1884, the property has changed hands many times over the years.
Today, the ranch operates as a tourist destination, offering lodging facilities for visitors. However, staying at the ranch is quite popular, and reservations for 2023 are already fully booked. When available, fans of Yellowstone can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,500 per night to stay in one of the cabins featured in the show.
Helena, Montana
In the fifth season of Yellowstone, John Dutton becomes the governor of Montana, shifting much of the action to the state capital, Helena. The scenes in the governor’s office were filmed at the Montana State Capitol building in Helena. However, the swearing-in ceremony for John Dutton was actually filmed in the Missoula County Courthouse, as a slight change from the real location.
Crow Indian Reservation, Montana
Next to the Yellowstone ranch is the Broken Rock Reservation, where Thomas Rainwater is the chairman. The scenes for the Broken Rock Reservation were filmed at the Crow Indian Reservation, which is the largest reservation in Montana. The Crow tribe, which manages a large herd of bison, calls this land home. Many important scenes in Yellowstone involving Rainwater and the Tribal Casino were shot here, with the Apsaalooke Nights Casino standing in for the show’s Tribal Casino.
Missoula, Montana
After filming much of the first three seasons in Utah, Taylor Sheridan decided to move most of the production to Montana. He purchased a 40,000-square-foot space on 100 acres just outside Missoula for filming. This location was used for many scenes in seasons 4 and 5.
Missoula is prominently featured in the later seasons of Yellowstone. The city is the backdrop for several key scenes, including the intense diner shootout with John and Rip Wheeler at Ruby’s Café. Hospital scenes were filmed at the Missoula Community Medical Center, and Glen’s Café, where John frequently orders Salisbury steaks, is also located in Missoula.
Hamilton, Montana
South of Missoula lies the small town of Hamilton. This town has historical significance, as it was founded by copper magnate Marcus Daly in the late 1800s. Daly’s extravagant mansion serves as the governor’s mansion in Yellowstone. The area around Hamilton was also used for Kayce’s car chase scene, where he pursues the assailants who attacked him and his family.
Ogden, Utah
Before moving to Montana, the first three seasons of Yellowstone were largely filmed in Ogden, Utah. This charming ski town provided the backdrop for many city-based scenes, including the offices of Beth’s employer, Schwartz & Meyer. The Outlaw Saloon, a real bar in Ogden, was used for the bar scenes frequented by Beth and the ranchers.
Park City, Utah
Park City, Utah, is another iconic location featured in Yellowstone. Known for its skiing and the Sundance Film Festival, Park City is where the scenes at Dan Jenkins’ luxury lodge were filmed. The Nicklaus Clubhouse, a popular dining spot with stunning views, served as the location for these scenes.
Guthrie, Texas
After being sent away from the Dutton Ranch, fan-favorite character Jimmy Hurdstram finds himself at the 6666 Ranch in Guthrie, Texas. The ranch, which covers over 350,000 acres, is still a fully operational cattle ranch and provides a vast, isolated backdrop for the show. The 6666 Ranch is so large that it remains nearly untouched by nearby towns, making it an ideal filming location.
Interestingly, the ranch was featured in Yellowstone and will be the setting for the upcoming spinoff, 6666, because Taylor Sheridan, the show’s creator, is part of the buyer group that now owns the ranch. Sheridan and his group purchased the 6666 Ranch in 2021, ensuring that it will continue to play a role in his future projects.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Yellowstone
Q: Where was Yellowstone filmed?
A: Yellowstone was filmed primarily in Montana, with several key locations showcasing the state’s stunning landscapes. The show used Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana, as the main setting for the Dutton Ranch. Additional scenes were shot in Helena (Montana State Capitol and Missoula County Courthouse), the Crow Indian Reservation, Missoula (Ruby’s Café and Missoula Community Medical Center), and Hamilton (Daly Mansion). Some scenes from the first three seasons were filmed in Ogden and Park City, Utah, and the 6666 Ranch in Guthrie, Texas, was used for parts involving Jimmy Hurdstram.
Q: When was Yellowstone filmed?
A: The filming of Yellowstone began in 2018 and has continued through various seasons. The first three seasons were primarily filmed in Utah from 2018 to 2020. Production then shifted to Montana, with significant filming occurring between 2020 and 2022 for seasons 4 and 5. The show has also used locations in Texas for scenes involving the 6666 Ranch.
Q: When did Yellowstone first release?
A: Yellowstone premiered its first season on June 20, 2018. Subsequent seasons were released annually, with Season 2 debuting on June 19, 2019, Season 3 on June 21, 2020, Season 4 on November 7, 2021, and part one of Season 5 starting on November 13, 2022 and part two set to release in November 2024.
Q: Who is in the cast of Yellowstone?
A: he cast of Yellowstone features Kevin Costner as John Dutton, the head of the Dutton family who manages the ranch. Luke Grimes plays Kayce Dutton, John’s son, while Kelly Reilly portrays Beth Dutton, John’s daughter. Wes Bentley is Jamie Dutton, John’s adopted son. Cole Hauser stars as Rip Wheeler, a ranch hand and Beth’s love interest. Kelsey Asbille plays Monica Dutton, Kayce’s wife, and Jefferson White is Jimmy Hurdstram, a young cowboy on the ranch. Denim Richards plays Colby Mayfield, another ranch hand.
