Who owns the Yellowstone ranch in real life now? Details explored

Premiered on November 10, 2024, Yellowstone season 5 part 2 won hearts with its dramatic portrayal of ranch life and stunning Montana landscapes. Taylor Sheridan created a series about the Dutton family who own the huge Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Meanwhile, the ranch shown in the series is called the Chief Joseph Ranch in real life and is in Darby, Montana.

Shane and Abigail Libel have owned the estate since 2012, and when it's not being used as the Dutton family's home, it's turned into a working cattle ranch. Viewers who love the series can watch episodes on the Paramount Network or stream them on Peacock.

The series follows the Dutton family as they fight developers, politicians, and tribal nations to preserve their land. Yellowstone explores family loyalty, greed, and survival in a changing world, through gripping drama and stunning scenery.

Situated in the Bitterroot Valley, the Chief Joseph Ranch is not solely a place for filming but is also a real working ranch with a long history. It was built in 1880 and is now famous as the background of Yellowstone National Park. The property shows the rough beauty of the American West.

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The real-life Yellowstone ranch: Chief Joseph Ranch

The ranch, known as Chief Joseph Ranch in real life, is a 2,500-acre working cattle ranch located in Darby, Montana. Its history dates back to 1880 when it was first homesteaded by settlers.

Originally called the Shelton Ranch, it was renamed Ford-Hollister Ranch in 1914 after being purchased by glass tycoon William S. Ford and Judge Howard Hollister. The iconic lodge, built in 1917, showcases architectural brilliance with a 153-foot-long timber roof crafted from a single tree.

In the early 1950s, the property was renamed Chief Joseph Ranch to honor the Nez Perce leader Chief Joseph, who crossed the area during his tribe’s historic journey.

Shane and Abigail Libel acquired the ranch in 2012 and have embraced its fame. They have even left the Dutton Ranch sign at the gates year-round for fans to photograph. Despite its television popularity, the Libel family ensures the ranch continues operating as a cattle farm.

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Features of Chief Joseph Ranch

Iconic lodge and cabins

The 6000-square-foot lodge serves as the Dutton family's home in the series. Two cabins, the Ben Cook Cabin and the Fisherman Cabin, are available for rent. These cabins, also having separate names inspired by Yellowstone characters, feature modern amenities, like full kitchens and grills, while maintaining their rustic charm. However, reservations are paused until 2026 due to high demand.

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Scenic beauty and functionality

Chief Joseph Ranch is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including mountain vistas and sprawling pastures. While the estate is used for filming, it remains a functional ranch, with cattle grazing across its vast lands. This balance of cinematic appeal and real-world use highlights the ranch's uniqueness.

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Cultural and historical significance

The ranch’s historical significance adds to its charm. Its connection to Chief Joseph and its preservation of the original architecture reflect its enduring legacy. The Libel family’s commitment to maintaining the ranch’s historical integrity ensures this property remains a symbol of the American West.

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What makes the ranch famous

The ranch gained worldwide recognition as Yellowstone's primary filming location. Its sprawling landscapes and authentic Western aesthetic made it the perfect backdrop for the show. As mentioned by set decorator Carla Curry in a Facebook post on March 19, 2021, the lodge itself became a character in the series, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

The property was not originally listed as a filming location. However, the series' location manager saw the ranch and selected it. This decision cemented Chief Joseph Ranch's place in television history, with the Libel family playing host to the production crew for several seasons.

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Yellowstone is available to stream on Peacock.