If you’re head over heels for the lodge in the popular TV series Yellowstone, you’re in good company. This impressive structure is instantly recognizable to fans of the show, with its striking log wood and stone façade.
You might be surprised to learn that much of Yellowstone is filmed on location at a 2,500-acre working ranch in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. The ranch has a storied history, having changed hands several times before being purchased in the early 1900s by William Ford, a glass tycoon from Ohio.
After purchasing the ranch, Ford commissioned a company to build the sprawling 6,000-square-foot Yellowstone log home and iconic dairy barns seen in the series. The buildings were constructed over a three-year period from lumber and stone found on site at the ranch.
In the 1950s the property was sold and renamed “Chief Joseph Ranch” in honor of the Nez Perce chief who crossed the property in the summer of 1877 while fleeing the US Army. Today, the ranch (still called Chief Joseph Ranch) is owned by Shane Libel and his family.
While the buildings look very much like they did a century ago, the Yellowstone production team made a few changes to the lodge for the series, including adding a small porch in the front as well as the large back porch, where patriarch John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner) frequently spends time.
Yellowstone Lodge Design Features
The architecture of the Yellowstone log home is classic Western style with handcrafted accents.
Some of the most visually striking exterior elements include the stone pillars and entryway arch, the expansive covered porches around the perimeter of the lodge, and the prominent eaves and overhangs.
Inside the home your eye is immediately drawn to the impressive stone fireplace and huge great room with multiple seating areas. Turn your gaze upward and you’ll be wowed by handcrafted railings on the upper mezzanine, complemented by an abundance of French doors and windows.
It’s a captivating example of authentic Western style.
Building and Designing Your Yellowstone Log Home
Whether you’re on the hunt for property near Yellowstone National Park for your new log home or are ready to build on land that’s been in your family for generations, here are some tips to help you achieve the Yellowstone aesthetic.
Interior Spaces
In the spirit of the Old West, Yellowstone Dutton Ranch décor emphasizes natural materials, from floor to ceiling.
To mimic the look, incorporate lots of wood elements and natural fabrics like leather, cotton, wool, and burlap into your design.
Furnish each room with cozy, oversized furniture to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, and consider adding fireplaces throughout the home—including in bedrooms.
Opt for a nature-inspired color palette (think muted beiges, greens, browns, and reds), and choose warm lighting options to give each space a warm glow.
Here are some décor elements that can help you achieve the Yellowstone style:
- Oversized leather armchairs and ottomans
- Carved wood lamps with animal hide shades
- Handcrafted wood furniture
- Antler chandelier
- Wall-mounted deer bust
- Pillows and throws in Southwestern patterns
- Gingham-pattern drapes
- Large antique area rugs
- Cowboy-inspired decorative elements, such as cattle brands and leather saddles
Outdoor Spaces
If you’re in the planning phase of your log home building project, don’t overlook incorporating a deck or porch into your design. It’s an affordable way to boost the livable space in your home by as much as 1,000 square feet or more.
Most log homeowners will tell you that the simple pleasure of admiring a great view and taking in the sounds and smells of nature is an essential part of the cabin experience. These alfresco spaces make it easy to spend time outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home.
If you want to be able to entertain guests or host parties all year long, consider a fully covered deck or screened-in porch. To keep your guests and family comfortable, also think about incorporating heating for the cold winter months and misters for summertime.
Landscaping is entirely dependent on your preferences. If you have kids and dogs, having a lawn may be a priority. But many log homeowners opt for subtle landscaping so as not to distract from the surrounding natural environment or an amazing view.
Where to Build Your Yellowstone Log Cabin
For the true Yellowstone experience with easy access to the world-famous national park, here are a few places you’ll want to consider for your new log home build.
Big Sky – Known for its scenic beauty and epic skiing, living in Big Sky, Montana gives you year-round access to Yellowstone National Park. If you live for outdoor recreation, you can’t do better than Big Sky. It’s a pricey area, but the location is unbeatable.
Dubois – This authentic western town sits along the Upper Wind River in a serene and peaceful valley. It’s just a 1- to 2-hour drive from Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Dubois is ideal if you love peaceful, quiet seclusion. Vacant land with mountain views starts at just $40,000 an acre.
Jackson Hole – Inarguably one of the most spectacular places in the US, living in Jackson Hole means phenomenal views of the Grand Teton and Gros Ventre Mountain ranges. This famous valley is known for its epic skiing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. If you have a sizable budget, Jackson Hole is a first-class destination for a log home.
Partner with eLoghomes for Your Yellowstone Log Cabin
If you’re ready to build your very own Yellowstone log home, eLoghomes is ready to help. We are one of the nation’s leading log home manufacturers and builders. We’ve created our log home kits to help streamline the home-building process.
Each of our home models is fully customizable, giving you the flexibility to create a home that’s all your own, down to the last detail. We offer a variety of upgrades, including handcrafted wood accents, tongue and groove paneling, and beautiful decks and porches to help you achieve an authentic Yellowstone look.
Explore our catalog of more than 200 customizable log home models—including our Yellowstone cabin—and get in touch to get started on your project!