Aside from the dramatic storytelling, many people watch the hit series "Yellowstone" because it provides a detailed portrait of daily ranch life in Montana. From the difficulties of cattle ranching, to family drama, to relationships between ranch hands, this show has it all. Excitingly, fans of the show can actually visit the Dutton family ranch in real life.
While much of the show's first three seasons were filmed in Utah, production has since moved to Montana. Now, any of the scenes depicting the "Yellowstone"
ranch — including the famous white barn emblazoned with a "Y" — are filmed at Chief Joseph Ranch, a real working ranch in Darby, Montana, steeped in Old West history. Located in the Bitterroot River Valley, the ranch welcomes guests through reservations and is itself a family-owned business — sadly, not the Dutton family.
The town of Darby itself is small, with a population of just under 1,000 people. However, it offers all kinds of activities for those seeking the "Yellowstone" experience in real life. This includes horseback riding, fly fishing, attending a rodeo, floating on the gorgeous Bitterroot River, and much more. This underrated town could easily be considered one of the best "cowboy core" vacation destinations in the American West.
Read more: The 5 Best Parks Where You Can See Bison Roam (Other Than Yellowstone), According To Visitors
Live Like A Dutton At Chief Joseph Ranch
The best way to experience life like a Dutton is to stay at Chief Joseph Ranch, located just off of U.S. Route 93 near the edge of the Bitterroot River. Here, you can stay in one of the two guest cabins featured on the show: Lee Dutton's Cabin (The Fisherman Cabin) and Rip's Cabin (The Ben Cook Cabin). A tour of the property and all of the filming locations is included with every reservation, and staying overnight is the only way to get a tour. However, there's a minimum three-night stay with every reservation, so plan your visit accordingly.
Chief Josef Ranch is a working ranch and often has live animals roaming around. Due to its proximity to the river, many guests enjoy fishing during their stay. While you can venture out solo on the ranch's property along the Bitterroot River, connecting with a local guide who knows the area is recommended. After your day out on the river, use the cabin's barbecue grill to cook up a Dutton-style meal.
Though Chief Joseph Ranch isn't taking any more reservations for 2025, visitors are welcome to stop at the front gates for a photo when filming is not underway. If you'd like to have a similar experience, Triple Creek Ranch is another great option 12 miles down the road. This luxurious accommodation offers a variety of "Yellowstone" inspired experiences for guests, including cattle working rides, horseback riding, and even dog sledding in the winter.
Embrace The Wild West Spirit In Darby
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly way to see Dutton territory, Darby awaits you. Simply strolling the streets of Darby will bring you back to the days of Lewis and Clark with its quaint Old West atmosphere and spectacular scenery. The town even has a rodeo with a range of competitions, events, and concerts throughout the spring and summer. The Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum is a trove of fascinating pioneer artifacts in a historic hand-hewn cabin.
When you're ready for adventure, float down the river on a guided rafting trip with the Bitterroot Fly Company. You can also check out Lake Como (not to be confused with the undeniably romantic Italian place in Italy of the same name), located just 10 miles from Darby. Lake Como is an idyllic spot for paddling, fishing, and boating surrounded by mountains. There are also scenic hiking and biking trails around the lake. Another beloved activity in the Bitterroot Valley, particularly in the warmer months, is wildflower viewing. Wildflower season in Montana lasts longer than you think, from May to September, and it only gets better the higher you climb.
The best way to get to Darby is to fly into Missoula, Montana, also home to the nearest international airport. From there, the drive to Darby is about 75 minutes long, which is roughly the same time it takes to get to Chief Joseph Ranch. No matter how you plan your Old West adventure, the majestic town of Darby is sure to get you feeling like a Dutton.
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Read the original article on Islands.
