Where is “Yellowstone” Filmed?

Can’t get enough Yellowstone? Neither can we. Featuring an all-star cast led by Kevin Costner, along with tons of drama, romance, and heart-pounding action, is it any wonder we’re all a little bit obsessed? If the show itself isn’t enough to draw you in, the setting will certainly do the trick. Taking place in the heart of the midwest, the show boasts breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, open prairies, and other beautiful vistas. But where is Yellowstone filmed? Where’s the real-life Dutton Ranch located, along with other iconic locations in the series?

That’s what Peerspace is here to clear up. Besides providing these answers, did you know that Peerspace can also provide hourly rentals for productions and events? It’s true! So if you’re a filmmaker in need of a setting to bring your vision to life, be sure to check out Peerspace today. We also have tons of rentable listings on real-life ranches that you can book for a Yellowstone-inspired retreat! Read on to learn all about the real locations behind your favorite modern western!

Where is Yellowstone filmed? The real-life Dutton Ranch

One look at the gorgeous land that the Duttons call home, and you immediately understand why everyone wants it—and why John Dutton fights tooth and nail to protect it. “[The Ranch] is almost the most central character,” Kevin Coster revealed during an interview with Vanity Fair. “You step outside and you see running horses and men working, and the weather dictates what you do.” To capture the beauty of this slice of paradise, the showrunners had to film on location in the midwest. 

Chief Joseph Ranch in Montana is the real Dutton ranch. According to the ranch’s website, the ranch wasn’t a filming location before Yellowstone. Instead, Paramount cold-called the owners about using their home for the series, and the rest is history. Chief Joseph Ranch is home to many of the most recognizable locations on the show, including the kitchen, front and back porches, yard, and jaw-dropping living room. 

“This is what makes our show sing,” explains Carla Curry, Yellowstone’s set decorator. “This is the feel we wanted for the Dutton family. The lodge has certainly been here for generations, and we wanted it to feel like it had evolved over these generations.” 

Curry used a blend of modern furnishings with old-fashioned antiques for the Dutton’s decor to bring life to the lodge’s great room. This blend of styles helps sell the idea that multiple generations have left their touch on the lodge over the years. “This is not a set,” says Curry. “This is not on stage. This is a private home that we are lucky enough to be in.”

The Ranch is a private residence. But a lucky few can visit

When the show isn’t filming, the ranch owners live in the home full-time. They even keep the set decorations up year-round. You can find the famous “Dutton Ranch” sign at the entrance to the ranch’s property, and if you’re in the area, you can even stop for a photo. But the Yellowstone experience doesn’t stop at the gate. 

While the lodge itself is private, the ranch owners rent out guest cabins on the property to a handful of lucky guests. This includes the houses that belong to Lee Dutton and Rip in the series. Each Cabin sleeps around eight guests and has full amenities like a kitchen and washer/dryer. But just like the show, the real star here is the view. 

When staying at the cabins, the owners also provide tours of the ranch to guests. You’ll get to see more Yellowstone filming locations, like the corrals, bunkhouse, fields, and Bitterroot river. Sound amazing? You can inquire about reserving a cabin on the ranch’s website. However, between filming the show and tons of fan interest; it’s tough to get in. 

Where is Yellowstone filmed outdoors? 

What about the outdoor scenes? Where can you find more stunning vistas of the Dutton property in real life? They primarily filmed the first three seasons of Yellowstone in Utah and Montana. More than 20 Utah locations provided beautiful backdrops for the show, including the Salt Flats, Promontory Club, and Spanish Fork. For Season 4, however, production moved solely to Montana. According to the Saltlake Tribune, this likely was due to hefty new tax incentives Montana offered for film productions—incentives that Utah couldn’t match. 

Missoula County, Montana, served as a primary hub for many locations in season 4. Locals will recognize spots like the Community Medical Center and Missoula County Courthouse on the screen. Season 4 also took a brief detour into Texas for a few scenes.  

FIlming briefly took place at the co-creators favorite breakfast spot

The Mary Brazos Cafe, located in Parker County Texas, features prominently in one episode of season 4. According to Audacy, Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan is a regular at the diner and hand-picked it as a film location. “I chose Mary’s because that’s where we have breakfast when I’m here,” said Sheridan. “I spent a lot of time at horse shows and rodeo and whatnot, so I was kinda raised at Will Rogers and obviously the Stockyards; everyone’s gone there. I didn’t discover Mary’s until a few years ago, at least Mary’s down here on the Brazos and sure like her and her place.” 

The diner even got to keep its name on the show. “I couldn’t believe they put Mary’s Brazos Cafe on the shirts,” said Mary Anderson, the cafe’s owner for the last 29 years. “The street on the other side was lined up with my customers watching and trying to see what was going on. It was awesome.”

Getaway to your own midwest paradise with Peerspace

Now that you know where they film Yellowstone, let’s talk about how you can capture some of that breathtaking midwest scenery for yourself! Public land is a popular choice for those looking to film nature shots. You can scout out amazing locations at the Montana film office and the Utah film commission. 

If you’re looking for a more private location for your film project, check out Peerspace. With tons of private, picturesque sites throughout Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and other midwest states, it’s a fantastic option for filmmakers on a budget. It’s also perfect for anyone hosting a party, special event, or private retreat in the heart of the midwest — or anywhere else in the country. Just use Peerspace’s simple search tools to enter the location and filter for your needed features and amenities. You’ll get instant access to a ton of excellent spots just waiting for you and your crew that you can book by the hour, for as long as you need the space. 

Find unique filming locations on Peerspace