Yellowstone Filming Locations: Where is Yellowstone Filmed? (Seasons 1-3)
I finally started watching Yellowstone after the first three seasons came out and when I say I was hooked, I mean I was HOOKED! I was so skeptical at first, but it has such a good plot line, plenty of drama, and suspense that will make you stay up until 1am just to see what happens. Also…Rip.
The show just so happens to be based outside one of my favorite towns: Bozeman! After living there for two years, it was really cool to see shots of Bozeman’s downtown in the show and know that we drove past those locations every day. This got me thinking…where is the Dutton Ranch? Is everything actually filmed in Montana? If you’re a fan of the show, keep reading to find out the answers to these questions and the filming locations in Yellowstone.
Where is Yellowstone Filmed?
Much to my surprise, a lot of Yellowstone filming locations for the first three seasons are in Utah – almost 75% of the show! This was a little disappointing to learn, the 4th season was entirely shot in Montana. This was mainly a financial decision since it sounds like they were getting tax cuts in Utah which stopped after season 3.
Personally, I was a little disappointed to learn this! However, I was happy to know that the Dutton Ranch is one of the locations that is actually filmed in Montana – read more about that further down.
All the Nature is Real
None of the mountains, rivers, lakes, or beautiful landscapes are computer-generated. They’re all real. Having lived in the area for two years, I don’t find that hard to believe. The scenery around Bozeman is incredible – why wouldn’t you use it?
–> Read more: Montana Scenic Drive starting in Bozeman <–
Of course, this means that a lot of the filming is weather-dependant. If the weather is particularly bad one day, the crew has to either take the day off, or film indoor shots until the weather is good again.
Dutton Ranch Filming Location
The Dutton Ranch is one of the few places that is filmed in Montana and it’s a real working ranch! The ranch is actually called the Chief Joseph Ranch and is located in Darby, Montana. The lodge is currently a family home and the owner’s family lives in the log mansion year-round unless Yellowstone is filming. They also rent out the two cabins on the ranch – The Ben Cook Cabin (where both Rip and Casey have lived in the show) and the Fisherman’s Cabin (where Lee lived in seasons one and two). Just make sure to book far in advance as they book up quickly.
This ranch is the location for all of the cabins, the lodge, the barns, the corrals, the bunkhouse, Rip’s childhood home, and more in the show. If you want to visit and just take pictures from the gate, the family doesn’t mind at all. However, security won’t allow it during filming to keep the driveway clear for the crew.
Here is the official address:
Chief Joseph Ranch
‪125 Appaloosa Trail,
‪Darby, Montana 59829.
Find more info on their website!
Downtown Bozeman
Downtown Bozeman shows up quite a bit in the show and certain scenes are actually filmed in downtown Bozeman! A lot of the nightlife is filmed in Utah (read further down for info on that), but some scenes are distinctly Bozeman. I don’t really have any credible sources for this, accept my own knowledge of what downtown Bozeman looks like.
I saw the spinning horse above the “Bicycles and XC Skis” sign every time I drove downtown and that horse has made it into a few scenes in Yellowstone.
Governer’s Office
The Governer’s Office and court scenes are filmed in Helena, Montana at the State Capital Building. This is one of the filming locations for Yellowstone that makes a lot of sense since one would assume the Governer’s office would be in the capital of the state.
Dan Jenkins’ Lodge
Dan Jenkins’ Lodge is located in Park City, Utah. It’s the Nicklaus Clubhouse which offers membership for golfers, horseback riders, people who own property through them, and social members. There are a number of activities to do onsite as well as a restaurant and pro shop.
Find out more on their website!
–> Planning a trip to Montana? Here are some of the most unique experiences you can have! <–
Rodeo Scenes
The Spanish Fork Fairgrounds in Utah is the filming location for all of the rodeo scenes. This is where Jimmy learned he loved to bullride and where it almost cost him his life. If you’re interested in attending a real rodeo here, plan a trip to this area in July during their Fiesta Days Rodeo!
Visit their website to buy tickets!
Nightclub Scenes
Most of the nightclub scenese where Beth always seemed to be stirring up trouble (but that’s why we love her, right?) are filmed at the Outlaw Saloon in West Haven, UT. They have live music and dance lessons!
Visit their website for more info on this!
Plan a Trip to See it All
If you’re a Yellowstone super fan, I know what you might be thinking – how do I see it all??
If you’re looking to plan a trip to see all of the Yellowstone filming locations, here’s what I’d do:
Start in Bozeman, Montana. Explore the downtown area where you’ll find a lot of shopping and great restaurants. Here is a list of the best boutiques to shop at in Bozeman. There are a ton of other things to do in Bozeman, but if we’re sticking to filming locations, your next stop will be Helena. Check out the capital building where self-guided tour brochures are available.
The next stop will be Chief Joseph Ranch. If you can, book a stay in one of the two cabins that are prominent on the show. You can fish, horseback ride, and pretend you’re doing it all alongside Kevin Costner! If you don’t have time for all that, simply stop by to see the Dutton Ranch in person and snap a few photos.
After you visit the Dutton Ranch, you’ll head south through Idaho and into Utah. Your first stop in Utah will be the Outlaw Saloon to party Beth-style. You can take dancing lessons or just stop in and have a beer. Next up is Park City Utah to see Dan Jenkins’ Lodge, aka Nicklaus Clubhouse. Lastly, you’ll finish at the Spanish Fork Fairground to see where the Rodeos are filmed. If you’re able to make this trip in July, you can even catch a real rodeo here!
Read More About Montana
Why not plan a trip to the state that inspired Yellowstone? Here are a few blog posts that will get you in the mood to travel to Montana:
