The captivating world of Yellowstone has drawn countless viewers into the rugged beauty of the American West, inspiring many to dream of a simpler life amidst sweeping mountain landscapes. While the show is steeped in the essence of Montana, its visual identity is a blend of creative geography and real-world locations, many of which fans can visit.

The Iconic Dutton Ranch and the Infamous ‘Train Station’

At the very heart of Yellowstone lies the Dutton Ranch, a sprawling symbol of the family’s legacy. This iconic property is, in reality, the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana. Nestled in the Bitterroot Valley beneath Trapper Peak, this historic guest ranch, dating back to the early 1900s, is where much of the show’s intense drama unfolds. Remarkably, you can book a stay in cabins previously occupied by the cast, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Yellowstone experience (reservations for 2025 are already closed, but 2026 bookings will open soon).

Even more intriguing is the infamous “Train Station” – the desolate, chilling ravine where the Duttons dispose of their problems. This isn’t just a grim plot device; it’s a real place. You can find this ominously named location on U.S. Highway 93 at Sula, just south of Darby.

Utah’s Hidden Role in the Early Seasons

While Yellowstone is set in Montana, a significant portion of its visual identity in the early seasons was actually forged in Utah. For its first three seasons, approximately three-quarters of the show was filmed at Park City’s Utah Film Studios, leveraging attractive tax incentives and a landscape as wild and cinematic as Montana’s.

Here’s where the series filmed throughout Utah:

• Ogden: Its historic 25th Street served as the bustling town, providing backdrops for everything from Beth Dutton’s after-work escapades at The Outlaw Saloon to the sleek Schwartz & Meyer bank headquarters at 2505 Lincoln Avenue.
• Spanish Fork: The series’ thrilling rodeo scenes were filmed at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, where real-life cowboy grit met onscreen heroics.
• Park City: Beyond the Sundance Film Festival, Park City’s Nicklaus Clubhouse at Promontory Club famously stood in for Dan Jenkins’ slick, modern mansion.

Montana’s True Close-Up in Later Seasons

As the Dutton family’s fortunes rose and more bodies found their way to the ‘Train Station,’ a significant shift occurred. A more favorable tax incentive in Montana lured filming out of Utah, bringing the production home for Season 4 and beyond. Suddenly, Montana—the show’s true spiritual and scriptural home—got its long-overdue close-up.

Key Montana locations include:

• Hamilton: In Downtown Montana, the stately Daly Mansion became the governor’s residence, while its nearby winding rural roads set the scene for explosive chases.
• Missoula: Ruby’s Café has become a pilgrimage for fans since Yellowstone’s release, and the city’s Missoula Community Medical Centre also frequently appears as a recurring ‘hospital’ for the Dutton family’s walking wounded.
• Helena: When John Dutton stepped into the governor’s boots, his pivotal moves were filmed in the hallowed halls of the real Montana State Capitol.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan looking to walk in the footsteps of the Duttons or simply curious about the real places behind the fictional world, these Yellowstone filming locations offer a unique road trip opportunity.