What the Yellowstone locations look like in real life vs. the show

As a native Montan, I recently set out to see what the Yellowstone sites are like in real life.

You’ve put off watching Yellowstone long enough.

After that it was Born and raised in MontanaAny mention of my state over the past five years has been met with questions along the lines of, “Is it like Yellowstone?”

In short, no. Contemporary Western drama, with its five seasons of stark and unapologetic mayhem, is a stark contrast to the drowsy state in which it was raised. Centered around the Dutton family, led by patriarch John, Yellowstone boasts a team that would do anything for their dynasty: the largest ranch in Montana. Think Succession, but with more cowboy hats.

But with the current season airing while I was home for the holidays, I knew it was time to settle down and learn about my culture. And within a few episodes, I realized there really are a few things the TV show and the situation have in common: settings.

Although some scenes were filmed in Texas, Oregon, and Utah, many of the show’s locations are really spread across Montana’s diverse countryside — including the infamous Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. So I set out to see some sites for myself.