Plan a Journey to Darby, Montana

In its 5 seasons,Yellowstone has been filmed throughout Montana, Utah, and even down in Texas. Some of the recognizable spots within the tv present, the fictional Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, is about on Chief Joseph Ranch, an actual working cattle ranch in Western Montana. Whereas two of the property’s cabins — named after present characters Lee Dutton and Rip Wheeler — have beforehand been obtainable to hire, the ranch notes it gained’t be taking visitor reservations for 2024 or 2025. However that doesn’t imply you shouldn’t make a visit out to Darby, a vacation spot generally known as the gateway to the Bitterroot Valley.

“Darby is a particular place to go to as a result of it’s stored the small-town feeling that so many locations have misplaced,” says Sheena Gillespie, a concierge at Triple Creek Ranch, the Relais & Chateaux property that’s been named the prime resort in Montana within the World’s Finest Awards two years operating. Jim and Bonnie Mitchell, house owners of the Bitterroot Fly Firm, share the identical affinity for his or her city, noting that “when you get right here, you will fall in love with Darby’s appeal.”

From using horses at Triple Creek Ranch and fly fishing the Bitterroot River to watching a rodeo and strolling down Darby’s historic Major Road, the 883-person city has one thing for everybody — particularly those that can’t get sufficient of the Dutton household. Forward of the November premiere of the ultimate episodes of Yellowstone, right here’s all the pieces to find out about visiting Darby, Montana.

The place to Keep

Triple Creek Ranch

Triple Creek Ranch has constantly acquired excessive marks within the World’s Finest Awards, partly because of the freedom the all-inclusive operation gives its visitors. The adults-only resort options 25 standalone cabins, and the nightly fee covers meals, drinks, and most actions, together with horseback using, snowboarding, interior tubing, mountain biking, and cooking lessons. When you’re up for a bit extra journey, be part of the cowboys and cowgirls on a cattle drive, or join canine sledding by way of the snowy mountains.

Bitterroot River Ranch

Bitterroot River Ranch is an all-season bed-and-breakfast baked in Western hospitality. Every of the three visitor rooms inside the primary lodge has an authentic theme — cowboy, safari, and chalet. The widespread areas really feel proper out of Yellowstone, with a porch for taking within the mountain air, a hearth within the nice room, and a eating room the place a country-style breakfast is served every morning.

Hannon Home

The Mitchells suggest Hannon Home, a historic Montana homestead, as a result of it’s “not removed from city and a brief stroll to the Bitterroot River.” The property has two trip leases — a one-bedroom bungalow and a 2-bedroom with a stocked kitchen — and its location means it’s excellent for anglers or anybody on the lookout for a big dose of peace and quiet.

Finest Issues to Do

Fish the Bitterroot River.

In keeping with the Mitchells, “Darby is a trout vacation spot for a lot of fishermen from everywhere in the nation.” Their enterprise, Bitterroot Fly Firm, provides full-day and half-day guided fly fishing journeys alongside the primary Bitterroot, in addition to the West Fork and East Fork. When you’re not focused on casting a fly, go for a scenic float journey, the place you may admire the Montana views and native wildlife by way of boat.

Swim, paddle, or take a ship out on Lake Como.

Montana’s Lake Como may not have as massive of a repute because the Italian model, nevertheless it’s equally lovely. In the summertime, head over to Lake Como Seashore and its designated swimming areas, or convey your boat all the way down to the Lake Como Boat Launch Web site. There are additionally mountain climbing trails and a campground within the space; the latter is normally open from late Might by way of early September.

Go for a hike within the Bitterroot Mountains.

“When you like to hike, ensure you cease on the Darby Historic Ranger Station situated proper in Darby for maps of brief to longer hikes,” says Jim. Or you may obtain All Trails and see which trailheads are close by. His favourite one? “Trapper Peak is a tremendous hike, and the views don’t disappoint,” he says.

See a rodeo.

For Gillespie, a part of the magic of Darby is present in its native occasions, just like the rodeo. The Darby Rodeo Affiliation brings the time-honored custom to the Richard Cromwell Memorial Rodeo Grounds every summer time — and yow will discover dates and reserve tickets on-line.

Go to the Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum.

A historic hand-hewn log homestead homes the Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum, which is open seasonally from June 1 to Sept. 15. Inside, you’ll discover a assortment of pioneer artifacts in addition to pictures and memorabilia from households within the Darby space.

Finest Procuring

Double H Customized Hats

Not all cowboy hats are created equal — and you may anticipate the most effective of the most effective from Double H Customized Hats’ grasp hatter, Jimmy Harrison. The Darby showroom has numerous kinds on show, and you may even design your individual (be able to spend a fairly penny). You most likely gained’t stroll out of the shop together with your hat in hand, however the staff will ship it to you when it’s prepared.

Previous West Antiques & Sweet Retailer

“My favourite place to buy in Darby is the Previous West Sweet Retailer together with its hooked up vintage and collectible emporium,” says Gillespie. The multi-room retailer is crammed with artisan presents, jewellery, all issues huckleberry (a Montana specialty), and a formidable number of vintage furnishings and old style sweet.

Mr. T’s Mercantile

Procuring isn’t the primary exercise in Darby, however Gillespie says it’s all the time enjoyable to “cease on the mom-and-pop outlets on our historic Major Road.” A type of shops is Mr. T’s Mercantile, the place you’ll discover each important gadgets (those you forgot to pack), {hardware}, and quite a lot of distinctive stuff you didn’t know you wanted. 

Finest Eating places

Previous West Deli

The Previous West Deli is one in every of Gillespie’s go-to locations to eat on the town. Right here, she says, “you’re more likely to bounce right into a pleasant dialog with locals whereas having fun with hearty meals and quite a lot of drink choices.” The menu contains breakfast entrees — biscuits and gravy, burritos, and egg skillets — which are served till 3 p.m.

Little Blue Joint

For the “finest hen strips ever” and a usually “nice menu,” Jim recommends Little Blue Joint. The restaurant serves up pizza, burritos, burgers, fish and chips, and a chef’s menu of rotating entrees. The environment is pleasant and welcoming, and it’s an ideal spot for a post-hike beer.

406 Saloon and Massive Cat Cafe

Half bar, half restaurant, the 406 Saloon and Massive Cat Cafe is a gathering spot in Darby. Together with the indoor atrium, there’s a yard bar, yard area, and a lined “outdated city” boardwalk. The menu ranges in choices from burgers and seafood to sandwiches and steaks, so everybody in your get together ought to be capable of discover one thing that fits their temper.

Finest Time to Go to

The very best time to go to Darby is dependent upon your most popular actions, although Gillespie is a fan of the winter. “Do not let the chilly scare you away. The heat from the solar makes the snow glisten and sparkle like a winter wonderland,” she says. It’s this time of the 12 months when you may construct an itinerary round cross-country or downhill snowboarding, canine sledding, and snowshoeing. The Mitchells, nevertheless, choose the spring and summer time in Darby. “March by way of the center of June is the Skwala hatch that brings in lots of anglers,” says Bonnie. From the center of June by way of October, she says you may anticipate to fish, hike, and “simply discover our lovely Bitterroot Valley.”

Get There

The city of Darby is situated within the south finish of the Bitterroot Valley in Western Montana. It’s about 64 miles from Missoula and an hour and 20 minutes from the closest airport, Missoula Montana Airport (MSO). MSO has year-round and seasonal flights from Delta, United, Alaska Airways, Allegiant, American, Frontier, and Suncountry Airways. Bozeman Yellowstone Worldwide Airport can be an choice for vacationers flying in, although the 3-plus hour drive is considerably longer.

Get Round

Like most small Western cities, Darby is finest navigated by way of automotive — and also you’ll wish to give your self not less than three or 4 days to see this a part of Montana. “Earlier than coming to Darby, you need to know that you could be want extra time than you assume to discover,” says Gillespie. “Though the city is small and welcoming, there are various sights inside a day’s drive that you could be wish to expertise when you’re within the space.”