Top Charming Small Town Filming Locations from ‘The Madison’ to Visit

The Madison River Valley in Montana is the beautiful backdrop for the latest neo-western drama, “The Madison,” available on Paramount+. Created by Taylor Sheridan, the show follows a family from NYC as they start fresh in southwest Montana. Surprisingly, the Montana scenes were actually filmed in another state entirely, using the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area as a stand-in.

If you’re looking to visit some of the filming locations featured in “The Madison,” keep reading for all the details. We’ll take you through key locations and give you tips on the best places to eat, stay, and explore. Just be sure to skip the first episode before you take off on your adventure, so you can avoid any pre-flight jitters over the show’s suspenseful moments.

Fans of Taylor Sheridan’s work might be hoping for a “Yellowstone” crossover event, but it seems that won’t be happening in “The Madison.” The show is set to explore an independent story separate from the “Yellowstone” ranchers, as clarified by Patrick J. Adams who plays Russell McIntosh in the series.

The river scenes in “The Madison” play a crucial role in the show and were filmed in Montana’s Madison River Valley near the KG Ranch in Three Forks. You can visit the ranch today, especially during the annual production sale in December, for a taste of the show’s atmosphere. Keep in mind that public transportation in the area is scarce, so having a rental car or personal vehicle is essential for getting around.

While the primary filming location for “The Madison” is the Madison River Valley, other scenes were also shot in cities like Ennis, Three Forks, and Bozeman. These areas offer incredible sightseeing, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching opportunities, even if they don’t have the bustling nightlife of NYC.

For those looking to explore further, Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit destination with its vast natural beauty and wildlife. Dining options may be limited in the Madison River Valley, but nearby Bozeman offers a variety of restaurants like Montana Ale Works, Jam!, and the Carlisle. When it comes to accommodation, camping in Yellowstone or staying in rustic cabins can immerse you in the Montana experience, while modern options are available in nearby hotels.

In “The Madison,” North Texas stands in for the urban scenes set in NYC. Downtown Fort Worth is the primary filming location, offering a glimpse into city life for the characters in the show. Spring and fall are the ideal times to visit Fort Worth, with mild weather and outdoor festivals in full swing. Transportation options in the area are convenient, with options like the TEXRail connecting DFW Airport to Fort Worth Central Station and active ride-sharing services available throughout the region.