If to watch Succession is—to quote Stephen Colbert—to experience a sense of "schaden-p*rn" in seeing the really dysfunctional but aesthetically stunning lives of a superrich New York media baron and his daddy-issue-ridden kids, Paramount's Yellowstone serves up much of the same, except with a superrich Montana cattle baron and his own set of highly unstable adult children.
Their problems may be ridiculous and, consequently, make for great TV—the super-sized fifth season of Yellowstone premiered on Paramount yesterday—but all those superficial trappings of extreme wealth sure do look fun. John Dutton, like Logan Roy, also prefers whirlybirds as his primary mode of transport, and broods over his crumbling empire from the plush, dimly lit, wood-paneled confines of his lair, in his really big house, on his colossal ranch.
Kelly Reilly and Kevin Costner as Beth and John Dutton in Yellowstone.
While no one would ever really want to be in John's shoes, what with greedy property developers and murderous rivals constantly hot on his spurs, it's hard to resist the allure of a sumptuous western lodge surrounded by not much else but wild horses and vistas so impossibly gorgeous they look like CGI (except they're not). And it becomes quite easy to understand why John is willing to go to such extremes to protect it all. Wouldn't you?
That Yellowstone's Dutton Ranch isn't a set on the Paramount lot in L.A. but a real-life working ranch in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana only perpetuates the dream. Not to mention the fact that you can actually stay at the place, waking up to the same wide open skies and rolling hills and snowcapped mountains that greet John, Beth, Rip, and co. at the crack of dawn each day.
The drama might be fiction but the stunning backdrops of Yellowstone (pictured here, Luke Grimes and Cole Hauser as Kayce Dutton and Rip Wheeler) are very real.
Situated along the same trail once traversed by Lewis and Clark, the Chief Joseph Ranch—as the Dutton Ranch is officially called—was homesteaded by settlers in 1880. Thirty-four years later, the 2,500-acre property was purchased by federal judge Howard Clark Hollister and glass tycoon William Ford, who commissioned architectural firm Bates & Gamble to build the main 6,000 square-foot lodge—portrayed onscreen as John's home—and brought in the largest herd of Holstein cattle west of the Mississippi.
Today, its current owners, who received a cold call from Yellowstone producers asking if their home could be turned into a set for the series, operate their Darby, Montana property as both a guest ranch and working ranch when the show isn't filming. Two cabins on property are available for bookings (the main lodge is a private home, unfortunately, though tours of the ranch and sets are included with each reservation) and will look familiar to Yellowstone devotees: Lee's cabin as seen in season 1 and Rip's (and later Kayce's) cabin from seasons 1 and 2. Both can sleep up to 8 (rates start at $1,200 per night for 4 guests and $50 per additional guest). Meals aren't provided but the cabins are equipped with a full kitchen and outdoor grill. There are grocery stores in town but why not do as a real rancher might and go fish for your dinner in the Bitterroot River? When in Rome...
Mornings at Chief Joseph Ranch may look like this—sans shiner.
Editor
Leena Kim is an editor at Town & Country, where she covers travel, jewelry, education, weddings, and culture.
Certainly! The article you've provided delves into the thematic and locational elements of the TV series "Yellowstone," juxtaposing the lavish, turbulent lives of a wealthy Montana cattle baron and his family against the allure of the picturesque landscapes and settings. Here's an analysis of the concepts involved:
"Yellowstone" Series Overview:
- Plot Summary: The show follows the Dutton family, led by John Dutton, a powerful figure navigating challenges to maintain control over his ranch amidst conflicts with property developers and rivals.
- Characters: John Dutton, his daughter Beth, ranch hand Rip Wheeler, and John's son Kayce, among others, constitute the central characters shaping the dramatic arcs.
- Setting: The series unfolds against the backdrop of the expansive and breathtaking landscapes of Montana, showcasing the Chief Joseph Ranch, depicted as the Dutton Ranch in the show.
Themes Explored:
- Wealth and Power Dynamics: The portrayal of extreme wealth and its associated problems, mirroring the dysfunctional lives of the superrich, creates an engaging narrative.
- Conflict and Protection: John Dutton's continuous efforts to safeguard his empire against adversaries contribute to the series' tension and drama.
- Nature and Setting as Characters: The stunning natural landscapes of Montana serve as not just a backdrop but almost as characters themselves, adding depth and allure to the storyline.
Real-Life Location: Chief Joseph Ranch
- Historical Significance: Originally homesteaded in 1880, the ranch has a rich history linked to settlers and prominent figures, later developed by Judge Howard Clark Hollister and William Ford.
- Transformation into a Set: The actual ranch, operating as both a guest and working ranch during off-seasons from filming, allows visitors to experience the authentic scenery and some familiar settings from the show.
- Accommodation: Two cabins are available for booking, offering an immersive experience akin to the characters' living spaces, while tours of the ranch and sets are included.
- Recreational Activities: Guests can engage in various activities typical of ranch life, such as fishing in the Bitterroot River, providing an authentic experience.
Relevance of Leena Kim's Role:
- Expertise in Travel and Culture: Leena Kim, an editor at Town & Country, covers topics related to travel, culture, and possibly entertainment, making her a credible source to explore the authenticity and allure of locations like Chief Joseph Ranch.
The article captures the essence of "Yellowstone" by intertwining the opulent, tumultuous lives of its characters with the allure and authenticity of the real-life ranch where much of the series is filmed. It merges the fascination with extreme wealth and power with the raw beauty of Montana's landscapes, offering viewers and potential visitors an immersive connection to the show's world.
