Yellowstone: Is the Dutton Ranch real?

As the homestead of John Dutton and his family, the Dutton Ranch is a key location across Yellowstone — here’s what you need to know about whether it’s a real place, and where it’s located.

When you think of Taylor Sheridan’s hit drama series, you might think of cowboys. Or cattle. Or a nice glass of whiskey by the fire. Of course, that would all be true, but there’s nothing more iconic to this particular series than the place where it all happens: the Dutton Ranch.

In Yellowstone, the ranch is the driving force behind everything. John Dutton will do anything he can to protect his ancestors’ home, and there are plenty of other Yellowstone characters who’d like to take it from him. The Duttons claimed their piece of Montana way back in 1883, making it one of the most important pieces of their family history.

But is the Dutton Ranch real? Here’s everything you need to know about the on-screen property.

Is the Dutton Ranch on Yellowstone a real place?

Technically, the Dutton Ranch is a fictional location, but it’s filmed on a very real and working ranch in Montana called the Chief Joseph Ranch.

The Duttons and their ranch hands are entirely fantasy, and the on-screen ranch itself is fictionalized. However, it’s not a set. For the main Dutton Ranch, the scenes are shot at Chief Joseph Ranch near Darby, Montana.

This location houses the large Dutton family mansion and the smaller homes on the property. The Chief Joseph Ranch is actually a working cattle ranch and 5,000-square foot residence — so yes, that beautiful Dutton home that’s housed so many of the most shocking moments in the series does actually exist, just under a different name.

The ranch itself spans 2,500 acres, and can be found along the same trail that Lewis and Clarke once traveled across. Founded in 1880 by settlers, the Chief Joseph Ranch has just as much history as its on-screen counterpart.

Can you visit the real-life Dutton Ranch?

Yes, you can visit the Chief Joseph Ranch where Yellowstone is filmed!

The Chief Joseph Ranch offers bookings for the two cabins on the property. If you were hoping to sleep in the same house as John Dutton, you’d be disappointed, but you can stay in both Lee and Rip’s cabins. (If you really wanted to see the inner workings of the Dutton mansion, you can also book a tour.)

Lee’s cabin starts at a rate of $1400 per night, while Rip’s is a little more costly at a rate of $1700 per night. Still, for any die-hard Yellowstone fan, it’s a price worth paying, right?

For more Dutton action, take a look at our guides for Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2, 1923 Season 2, and Yellowstone Season 6.