Where Is The Madison Filmed? All Filming Locations for the Yellowstone Sequel

The Quick Answer

The Madison was filmed across two U.S. states: Montana and Texas. Principal photography for Season 1 took place in the Madison River Valley, Montana (September-October 2024) for the authentic Western landscapes, while Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas doubled for New York City scenes (November-December 2024).

Season 2 was filmed entirely in North Texas between September and December 2025.

Deep Dive: Every Filming Location

Montana — The Real Madison River Valley

The heart of the show's setting is the Madison River Valley in southwestern Montana. This isn't just a name on a script — the production actually filmed on location in the real valley that gives the series its title.

Why This Location Matters:

• The Madison River is one of the most famous fly-fishing rivers in the world
• The valley sits between the Madison Range and the Gallatin Range, offering dramatic mountain vistas
• It's relatively close to Yellowstone National Park, reinforcing the franchise connection
• The landscape embodies the "healing through nature" theme of the series

What You'll See On Screen: Sweeping mountain panoramas, winding river valleys, vast grasslands with grazing cattle, rustic ranch properties, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets in North America.

Texas — Dallas and Fort Worth as New York City

In a creative filmmaking choice, the production used Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas to stand in for New York City — a practice that's become increasingly common in the industry due to Texas's favorable tax incentives and diverse urban architecture.

Dallas/Fort Worth as NYC: The metroplex offers modern skyscrapers, upscale neighborhoods, and the urban density needed to convincingly portray Manhattan. With careful camera angles and set dressing, audiences may never realize they're looking at Texas instead of New York.

Season 1 Texas Filming (November-December 2024):

• NYC apartment interiors
• Manhattan street scenes
• Office buildings and restaurants
• Urban contrast scenes before the family's move west

North Texas — Season 2

Season 2 filming shifted entirely to North Texas (September-December 2025), a notable departure from the Montana-heavy Season 1. This could indicate:

• Story elements that require different landscapes
• Expanded NYC flashback sequences
• New locations within the story's narrative
• Production logistics and Texas tax incentives

Filming Timeline

Connection to Other Yellowstone Filming Locations

The Yellowstone franchise has a rich history of Montana filming:

• Yellowstone — Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana (the "Dutton Ranch")
• 1883 — Filmed across Texas, Montana, and other Western states
• 1923 — Filmed in Montana and Africa
• The Madison — Authentic Madison River Valley + Texas

By filming in the actual Madison River Valley, Sheridan ensures geographic authenticity that fans have come to expect from the franchise.

Key Details

Can You Visit the Filming Locations?

The Madison River Valley is a real, accessible destination in southwestern Montana. If you're inspired to visit:

• Fly Fishing: The Madison River offers world-class trout fishing
• Hiking: Trails through the Madison and Gallatin Ranges
• Wildlife: Elk, deer, and bald eagles are common
• Proximity: About 1.5 hours from Bozeman, Montana
• Yellowstone Access: Close to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park

Note: Specific ranch properties used for filming may be private. Always respect property boundaries and local regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why wasn't The Madison filmed entirely in Montana?

Budget and logistics. Montana offers stunning landscapes but limited production infrastructure. Texas provides tax incentives, experienced crew pools, and urban settings (Dallas/Fort Worth for NYC scenes) that would be expensive to replicate elsewhere.

Is the Madison River Valley a real place?

Yes! It's a real valley in southwestern Montana, formed by the Madison River flowing between the Madison Range and the Gallatin Range. It's famous for fly fishing, outdoor recreation, and stunning natural beauty.

Did Yellowstone film near the same area?

Yellowstone primarily filmed at the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana — which is in the Bitterroot Valley, several hours west of the Madison River Valley. While both are in Montana, they're in different parts of the state.

Will Season 2 return to Montana?

Season 2 was filmed in North Texas, but future seasons could return to Montana filming. The show's identity is deeply tied to the Montana landscape, so expect continued use of Montana locations in one form or another.