While you're patiently awaiting for new Yellowstone episodes to drop this fall, why not spend the summer cosplaying as a Dutton?
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Taylor Sheridan's massively successful Western series is filmed across Montana, Utah and Texas — all the makings for a perfect backdrop for a dreamy summer vacation. Sure, you could mingle with the crowds in Yellowstone National Park and enjoy all the stunning scenery it has to offer. But if you want to experience what real cowboy life is like, here are a few other activities you should add to your itinerary.
Eat Breakfast at Ruby's Cafe
Nestled in the heart of Missoula, Montana, sits a charming little locally owned cafe that serves up a classic American breakfast — and was home to the infamous shootout scene in Season 4 (RIP, Sheriff Haskell).
Despite its new star-studded reputation, Ruby's Cafe is still as unassuming as ever, and owner Brenda Hallas told the local news station that she finds the constant stream of selfies a bit funny. "It's kind of cool that Ruby's has become a star in Yellowstone," she said. "I realize it's not as big as the name people, but Ruby's Cafe won a bit of a star profile in this whole Yellowstone saga."
While selfies and fangirling are absolutely welcome, make sure to support the local businesses and grab a bite to eat. We hear the homemade cream cheese cinnamon rolls and flaky biscuits are to die for. If you want a bit more Yellowstone memorabilia — and some out-of-this-world pie — Glen's Cafe is another filming location that's worth a stop.
Grab a Beer at The Outlaw Saloon
Pretty much all the bar scenes — possibly including Beth Dutton's (Kelly Reilly) infamous bar fight — were filmed at The Outlaw Saloon in Northern Utah. While the establishment doesn't mention its Yellowstone connections, it stays true to its vibe on the show of being the local watering hole. Not only does the bar offer free line dancing lessons every Thursday, but it also has live music every Friday and Saturday night.
Who knows? Maybe you'll discover the next Lainey Wilson or Ryan Bingham.
Go on a Real-Life Cattle Drive
Paramount Network
No one can deny the magic of watching John Dutton (Kevin Costner) lead his people on a cattle drive in Season 5. Between the early morning sunrises and the unbridled beauty of the open range, it's no surprise that many travelers are inspired to live out their own cowboy fantasies.
If you want to experience a little bit of that Montana magic for yourself, book a working cattle ride at Triple Creek Ranch. You'll spend the day learning how to herd cows from one grazing area to the next, with the scenic backdrop of the mountains in the distance. It won't be as intense as the real thing, but it's a great way to get an up-close and personal experience of what real cowboys do.
Explore the Montana Wilderness
Paramount Network
If you've found yourself wondering where exactly all those gorgeous, sweeping shots of the Montana wilderness were filmed, the answer is probably Bitterroot Valley. Sitting on the southwestern part of the state, this 95-mile-long stretch of land is filled with crystal blue lakes, deep canyons and lush green meadows.
Get up close and personal with this Yellowstone staple by hiking the Bitterroot Trail or going trout fishing in the Bitterroot River. If you're lucky, you may even get a chance to see some of the bighorn sheep and mountain goats that call this area home.
Take a Roping Class
What's more cowboy than learning how to rope? This Airbnb Experience in Livingston, Montana, teaches beginners how to "properly build, swing, and deliver your loop" like a total pro. The class is taught by real-life Montana ranchers who can help you pick up the basics of roping so you can feel like you're a part of the bunkhouse crew.
Play the Slots at Gray Wolf Peak Casino
It wouldn't be a Yellowstone trip without a visit to Gray Wolf Peak Casino, which is owned by the elected high chief of the Confederated Tribes of Broken Rock, Chief Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham). Gray Wolf exists IRL — located just outside of Missoula — and has tons of slots and table games, plus a cozy sports bar.
Of course, it's not owned and operated by the fictional Broken Rock Reservation. In reality, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation are to thank for the casino's existence.
See a Rodeo
What do cowboys do when they're not roping cattle or doing chores? They go to the rodeo. Montana has an abundance of both professional- and amateur-level rodeos, and you can find one almost every weekend during the summer months.
If you want the real Yellowstone experience, head down to Utah's Ogden Pioneer Days, where some rodeo scenes from the show were filmed. The festivities take place each July and include not only bull riding but also barrel racing, steer wrestling and a parade. It's the perfect way to get a taste of true Western culture.
Stay at the Real Dutton Ranch
Paramount Network
Of course, no trip would be complete without a visit to the real Dutton Ranch. Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana, spans over 2,000 acres of beautiful countryside and is situated along the banks of the Bitterroot River. It's no wonder why Sheridan chose this ranch as the backdrop for his show.
It's hard to get reservations to stay directly on the ranch. But if you plan far ahead enough, you can stay in Lee Dutton's or Rip's cabin. At this time, tours of the ranch are not available unless you're staying on-site. But you're more than welcome to drive by and take a photo of the Dutton Ranch sign at the front gate. Just don't block the driveway.
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Whether you choose to re-create scenes from the show or just take in the beauty of Montana, you'll find yourself immersed in a special kind of Western magic that only Yellowstone can provide. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey into paradise.
