Montana in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Just west of Billings, the sprawling landscape of the Beartooth Highway winds through the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where the rugged terrain served as a dramatic backdrop for parts of the film “A River Runs Through It.” This scenic byway climbs to alpine heights above 10,000 feet, offering visitors the chance to hike trails like the Beartooth Plateau Loop, a moderately challenging 13-mile trek that reveals sweeping views of jagged peaks and crystal-clear lakes. The highway’s autumn colors, especially in late September, create a cinematic palette that perfectly mirrors the film’s evocative mood, making it a favorite spot for travelers wanting a glimpse into Montana’s film legacy framed by some of the state’s most breathtaking vistas.
Heading north, the quaint town of Livingston, about 30 miles northwest of Billings, has long been a magnet for filmmakers drawn to its charming historic district and nearby Yellowstone River. This riverside town was featured in several movies, including “The Horse Whisperer,” where the peaceful stretches of river and rustic downtown streets provided an authentic Western ambiance. Visitors can stroll the downtown area, rich with galleries and cafes, or follow the nearby Yellowstone River Trail for an easy walk alongside trout-filled waters. The town’s blend of Old West architecture and natural beauty offers visitors a genuine feel for Montana’s role in shaping Western film imagery, especially vivid in the golden light of early fall when the leaves start to turn.
Further west, the dramatic peaks and valleys of Glacier National Park, located about 45 minutes north of Kalispell, have served as a stunning natural set for numerous productions, including scenes from “The Revenant.” Hiking the Highline Trail, a 7.6-mile stretch rated moderate to difficult, leads adventurers along cliffs with jaw-dropping views of the park’s iconic rugged terrain and wildlife such as mountain goats and marmots. What sets Glacier apart is its pristine alpine environment featuring turquoise glacial lakes and ancient forests, offering a vivid sense of frontier wilderness that is hard to match elsewhere. Summer months provide the clearest trails and wildflower blooms, but the shoulder seasons present quieter solitude with equally breathtaking vistas.
In the southwestern corner of the state, the historic mining town of Virginia City, roughly 40 miles southeast of Bozeman, offers a living museum feel that attracted filmmakers for productions like “The Horse Whisperer.” The town’s well-preserved 19th-century buildings and wooden sidewalks create an authentic Old West setting. Visitors can explore Main Street’s shops and saloons or join historic walking tours that delve into the town’s gold rush past. Virginia City’s charm lies in its tangible connection to Montana’s frontier heritage, making it a perfect spot to step back into the cinematic landscapes that helped define Western genre films. Visiting in summer or early fall ensures the best combination of welcoming weather and vibrant local festivals.
On the eastern plains near the town of Roundup, about 90 miles northeast of Billings, the sprawling badlands and rolling prairie served as a backdrop for the epic film “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot.” The surrounding landscape is a vast contrast to the mountainous west, with wide-open horizons and rugged rock formations. Exploring the nearby Makoshika State Park, Montana’s largest state park, visitors will find scenic trails like the High Point Trail, a roughly 4-mile moderate hike offering panoramic views of the colorful badlands below. This area’s stark beauty offers a reminder of how varied Montana’s cinematic landscapes can be, especially striking during the softer light of late afternoon or early spring when the grasses are green and the skies wide open.
In the heart of Missoula, the Roxy Theater stands as a cultural landmark where local film festivals celebrate Montana’s contribution to the movie world. While the city itself has hosted several indie films, the theater’s historic Art Deco design and intimate atmosphere provide a place to immerse yourself in the state’s ongoing cinematic story. Visitors can catch both contemporary indie films and retrospectives that highlight Montana’s film heritage. Exploring Missoula’s lively downtown before or after a show, with its vibrant music scene and eclectic eateries, offers a taste of the creative spirit that continues to draw filmmakers to the region year-round.
Southwest of Missoula, the Bitterroot Valley, stretching about 50 miles along the Bitterroot River, was a key filming location for the TV series “Yellowstone.” The valley’s lush riverbanks and towering Bitterroot Mountains provide a stunning setting for horseback rides and fishing excursions. Visitors can explore trails such as the Darby Canyon Trail, a moderate 6-mile round-trip hike featuring waterfalls and wildflower meadows. This valley’s blend of ranching heritage and natural beauty captures the rugged yet pastoral essence that made it ideal for depicting Montana’s modern Western lifestyle. Early summer, when wildflowers are in full bloom and the river runs high, is particularly magical here.
Just outside Bozeman, the Bridger Mountains and Bridger Bowl ski area have been used in various film shoots for their dramatic mountain scenery. In summer, the area offers hiking trails like the Fairy Lake Loop, a 4.5-mile moderate hike leading to a serene alpine lake surrounded by dense forests and granite cliffs. The Bridgers offer a different kind of cinematic setting — one of untouched wilderness close to a bustling college town. The contrast between Bozeman’s modern amenities and the wild mountain backdrop illustrates Montana’s appeal to filmmakers seeking both accessibility and authenticity. Late spring to early fall is prime time to explore, when trails are snow-free and wildflowers abound.
In the southwestern town of Red Lodge, roughly 50 miles south of Billings, the surrounding Beartooth Mountains appeared in scenes from “The Horse Whisperer” and other Westerns. Red Lodge itself is a charming base with historic brick buildings and a vibrant arts scene. Driving the Beartooth Scenic Byway from town, visitors enter one of America’s most spectacular mountain routes, rising above treeline to alpine tundra and offering countless overlooks. The combination of Red Lodge’s frontier charm and the dramatic high-altitude environment makes this area a favorite for those tracing cinematic footsteps. Fall colors here can be especially dazzling, providing a picture-perfect setting for both casual travelers and film buffs.
These destinations across Montana reveal how deeply the state’s diverse landscapes have inspired and shaped the imagery of American film and television. Whether exploring alpine trails in Glacier National Park or wandering the wooden sidewalks of Virginia City, visitors can walk in the footsteps of legendary movies while soaking in some of the most stunning natural scenery the West has to offer. Each place invites travelers to experience Montana’s cinematic spirit firsthand, making for an unforgettable journey through the Big Sky Country’s real-life movie sets.