Wild West vacation: Dutton Ranch welcomes guests
If you love nature, history, and the western lifestyle, Dutton Ranch is the perfect place for you. Dutton Ranch is the family home that is the main setting for the popular television series Yellowstone. But it's not just a movie studio, it's a real ranch with a rich history and unique atmosphere.
The cattle ranch is located in Darby, Montana, near Yellowstone National Park and the Broken Rock Indian Reservation, and is truly called "Chief Joseph's Ranch." It is a historical landmark named in honor of Chief Joseph, who in 1877 led his people through the ranch while fleeing from the U.S. Army.
The ranch was built in 1914 by glass magnate William Ford and Judge Howard Hollister, who created one of the greatest log structures of the American West. The house has since served as a guest ranch, dairy farm and movie set.
Address: 125 Appaloosa Trail, Darby, MT 59829, United States
Phone: +1 406-821-0894
Website: https://www.chiefjosephranch.net/cabins
Rating: 4.6 ⭐
Lee Dutton's Cabin and Rip's Cabin
The ranch still operates like a real farm. The Lodge is the family home of the new owners. There are two lodges for rent: the Lee Dutton hut (the Fisherman's house) and the Ripa hut (the Ben Cook house).
"From the Fisherman's Cabin you can look out over the Bitterroot River, which gives you a beautiful panoramic view of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains," the owners tell us on the Lee Dutton Cabin website.
The space was built in 1916 and served as a dwelling for maids. Today, the cabin is a guest house used by fishermen and tourists in the Bitterroot Valley.
The cabin has room for eight guests in several large bedrooms:
- king-size bed in the main bedroom on the first floor;
- living room;
- kitchen;
- covered veranda;
- bedrooms on the second floor;
- loft;
- equipped bathrooms.
Cabin rentals cost from $1,400 per night for four people with an additional $50 fee for each extra guest.
Ripa's Cabin, also accommodates up to eight guests, but in more modest accommodations. It includes two master suites with fully equipped kitchens and two huge verandas where you can cozy up and enjoy the stunning views as much as you want. This cabin is priced from $1,700 per night for four people with an additional $50 charge for each additional guest.
The rental also includes a tour of the ranch and filming locations, which is a real treat for true fans of the series.
Each cabin is equipped with a brand new washer and dryer. Dry cleaning and professional laundry facilities are located in Hamilton, Montana.
What to do at the ranch
Besides the beautiful nature and the atmosphere of your favorite movie, you can fish, ride horses and just relax, feeling like characters from your favorite show.
For outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, skiing and snowmobiling, head to the Bitterroot National Wildlife Refuge, which covers more than 1.5 million acres and is located 20 miles from Darby.
History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Darby Museum, where you can see exhibits on Native Americans, early settlers, logging, railroads, schools and other aspects of life in the region.
And for beer and food lovers, in Hamilton, 20 miles from Darby, is Bitterroot Brewing. Here you can sample a variety of beers brewed on site, as well as order tasty appetizers.
Food at the ranch must be sourced on your own. Each house has a fully equipped kitchen, as well as an outdoor grill. However, the hosts are happy to share contacts of local catering companies who can deliver food to your cabin at your request.
Two miles from the ranch is the People's Market in Darby. There are also several grocery stores in Hamilton, which is a 25-minute drive away. And if you have gluten allergies or other dietary restrictions, there is a Good Food Store in Missoula. And of course there are great restaurants nearby, so getting food won't be difficult.
Dutton Ranch is a place where you can feel a part of the history and culture of the West, and enjoy comfort and hospitality. It's a place you'll want to return to again and again.
