“The Madison” is the latest neo-western drama to premiere on Paramount+, featuring a star-studded cast and beautiful scenery. The series was created and developed by Taylor Sheridan, who is responsible for such other classics as “Yellowstone,” “Tulsa King,” “Landman” and more. In “The Madison,” a family of NYC city-slickers packs up and relocates to southwest Montana in search of open skies, new adventures and some emotional distance from their trauma. Since the show centers so heavily on Montana and New York, it may come as a surprise to learn that the series was actually shot using another state entirely. The Montana scenes are captured on location, while the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area serves as a catch-all hub for everything else.
If you’re interested in visiting a few of “The Madison” filming locations, be sure to read ahead. We’ll give you the full scoop on the show’s key locations and offer a crash course on the best food, hotels and excursions along the way. Before long, you could find yourself taking to the open road in search of a clean slate like the Clyburns. Just be sure to avoid the first episode of the show before you hop on your flight. The last thing you need is pre-flight jitters over the harrowing fate of Preston and Paul.
Will The Duttons Be In ‘The Madison’?
If you’re a fan of Taylor Sheridan’s other works, you might be hoping for a “Yellowstone” crossover event. Especially so if you’ve been following along from the beginning, since “The Madison” was originally billed as an indirect “Yellowstone” sequel set in the modern day.
Unfortunately, it seems clear that the Dutton family will not appear in “The Madison,” as the show is designed to explore an independent story unrelated to the “Yellowstone” ranchers. Patrick J. Adams, who plays Russell McIntosh in the series, recently sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to clear up any confusion. When asked about any possible Dutton cameos, he responded, “That was certainly a question because that’s how it was [announced] in the world. And when we asked about it, it was like, ‘No, no, no. This is an independent thing. This is its own thing.’”
Where Were The River Scenes In ‘The Madison’ Filmed?
Key Scenes: If you’ve watched any of the six released episodes of “The Madison,” you’ll recognize the important role that the river plays in the story. The river, located right outside the Clyburns’ Montana ranch, is a source of power, cleanliness, and emotional release for Stacy and the gang. In reality, this river runs through Montana’s Madison River Valley, just outside the KG Ranch in the city of Three Forks. The flowing rapids can be visited today, as the KG Ranch is a functional cattle farm that welcomes the public.
Best Time to Visit: The annual production sale generally draws in the most foot traffic at the ranch, so be sure to bundle up and make your pilgrimage during December if you’re interested in joining in on the festivities. Just be advised, the locals might look at you sideways if you wade into the river for a good, cathartic cry.
Transportation Options: Because the area is deeply rural and vast, public transit and ride-sharing services (like Uber or Lyft) are virtually non-existent, making a rental car or personal vehicle essential for exploration. For travelers visiting specifically for the outdoors, the valley offers unique, specialized transportation in the form of river shuttles.
As noted by Atlas of Wonders, the primary filming location for “The Madison” is the Madison River Valley, in and around KG Ranch. Though these portions of the show primarily center on large rural landscapes and private life on the ranch, a handful of urban environments are also captured in cities such as Ennis, Three Forks and Bozeman. Needless to say, these areas won’t have buzzing nightlife quite like New York City, but they do provide some incredible sightseeing, gorgeous wide-open views and premiere access to fishing, hiking and wildlife.
Things to Do: Yellowstone National Park is the most obvious excursion, with nearly 3,500 square miles of pristine, untouched land. Natural springs and geysers can be found amongst herds of roaming elk, including the famed Fountain Paint Pot, Grand Prismatic Spring and Gibbon Falls. Depending on how you book your trip, you could even stay in the rustic Roughrider cabins, which were once frequented by Teddy Roosevelt himself. If you’re looking for something a little less exposed, you can always stick to the Museum of the Rockies or check out downtown Bozeman.
Where to Eat: Restaurants in the Madison River Valley are limited compared to other vacation spots, but they’re well worth the trip for their stunning atmosphere and big-game eats. Some of the finest restaurants in the area are in Bozeman, Montana. These include local favorites like Montana Ale Works, Jam! and the Carlisle.
Where to Stay: If you’re going to the trouble to trek all the way out to the Madison River Valley, you’re probably going to want to camp at Yellowstone. There are numerous grounds for setting up your own camper, and rustic cabins are available for flexible rates depending on the timing of your trip. Still, if you’re looking for something a little more modern, you can always try the Kelly Inn-west Yellowstone, Best Western Desert Inn or the Homewood Suites by Hilton Bozeman.
North Texas Stands In As NYC In ‘The Madison’
Key Scenes: The Dallas Observer reveals that Main Street and Ervay Street in downtown Fort Worth are the primary filming locations for “The Madison,” so be sure to check for any tell-tale signs during your visit to the DFW.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Fort Worth is during the spring or fall, when the North Texas weather is mild and the city’s outdoor festivals are in full swing. April is particularly popular for the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival and vibrant blooms at the Botanic Garden, while October offers crisp temperatures perfect for exploring the Stockyards or attending Fort Worth Oktoberfest.
Transportation Options: The sleek commuter TEXRail connects DFW Airport (Terminal B) directly to Fort Worth Central Station in about 50 minutes for just $2.50. Both Uber and Lyft are highly active throughout the metro area, though the downtown core and Stockyards are very walkable once you arrive.
North Texas stands in for all the non-ranch scenes in “The Madison.” This is a bit ironic, since the southern state is known for its own farms and ranches. Still, Texas locales like Dallas and Fort Worth are significantly more city-based than Montana, so they pass for New York just fine for most viewers. Of course, if you’re a DFW native, you’ll probably notice a host of local businesses in the backdrop as the Clyburn family packs their bags and heads west.
Things to Do: Whether you’re an outdoorsy person looking for an off-the-grid excursion, or a humble homebody content to browse local shops and hit a museum on your way home, the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area has what you need. Be sure to book a sightseeing tour when you first get into town so you can get the lay of the land and then launch straight into the fun with a zip line adventure, a visit to the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and a stop at Dinosaur Valley State Park. Other must-see tourist stops in the area include the Dallas World Aquarium and Reunion Tower’s GeO-Deck Observation Deck, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the entire city.
Where to Eat: If you’re looking to get the most out of your stay in the DFW, be sure to pop in to the Rodeo Bar, Uno Mas Tex Mex or The Woolworth. These highly-rated local favorites are perfect for dinner, drinks and a Texas-sized welcome to town. Don’t fret if you can’t squeeze a visit to these restaurants into your itinerary, though, as Dallas is home to a wide array of excellent Mexican food, barbecue and steakhouses.
Where to Stay: One of the best parts about visiting Texas is the relatively affordable hotel accommodations. Most rooms will run significantly cheaper than those in other major metropolitan hubs across the United States, allowing you to get more bang for your buck elsewhere on your trip. For the best low-cost options, check the rates at chains like the Holiday Inn, DoubleTree or Hilton. If you’re in the market for something a little ritzier, you can always shell out for a room at the Omni Dallas, The Adolphus or the Virgin Hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kurt Russell in all episodes of “The Madison”?
Yes, Kurt Russell appears in each of the six episodes of “The Madison” season one. Though his character, Preston Clyburn, dies in the season premiere, Russell’s performance is captured in a series of flashbacks, memories and dream sequences. Preston looms over the entire production as a major figure, shaping his family’s journey even in his absence.
Is there going to be a season two of “The Madison”?
If you loved the first season of “The Madison,” and can’t wait to see more, you’re in luck! Not only has the series been renewed for a second and third season, but season two has already been shot. This means that you likely won’t have to wait more than a year for the next batch of episodes to land on Paramount+.
