Cole Hauser’s Montana Connection and the Impact of ‘Yellowstone’

Cole Hauser has a strong link to Montana that goes beyond his involvement with the “Yellowstone” series. Hauser recently shared that his family’s history with Montana dates back nearly 140 years. “Montana, my family has been there since 1886,” Hauser stated. “Samuel T. Hauser was the seventh governor of Montana and played a significant role in its early development.”

Hauser’s ancestor, Samuel T. Hauser, not only governed the Montana Territory but also invested in banking, mining, and railroads, shaping Montana’s early growth. For Hauser, filming in Montana meant returning to a place deeply rooted in his family’s legacy.

“Samuel T. Hauser served as the seventh governor of the Montana Territory and was a businessman whose investments in banking, mining and railroads helped shape the territory’s early development.”

The success of “Yellowstone” has led to a new trend in tourism, known as “set-jetting,” where fans travel to filming locations of their favorite shows. “Set-jetting is when fans ‘jet’ to the sets of their favorite shows,” said Adam Duckworth, founder of Travelmation. “Yellowstone” has sparked this trend by drawing visitors to Montana’s stunning landscapes.

Since its 2018 debut, “Yellowstone” has grown into a major television franchise, with its breathtaking backdrops becoming iconic alongside the Dutton family. The vast ranches and panoramic views are essential elements appreciated by the show’s audience.

Hauser acknowledged that the landscapes have contributed significantly to the series’ appeal. He noted that “Yellowstone” started as a grassroots effort in Montana and gained worldwide acclaim. During his travels, Hauser noticed the show’s global influence, seeing fans from Europe and other continents embrace the cowboy culture.

With the “Yellowstone” expansion into Texas, experts predict a boost in Texan tourism, similar to what occurred in Montana. Duckworth said fans aren’t simply looking for scenic overlooks or filming locations. They want to immerse themselves in the same lifestyle they see on screen.

According to Duckworth, few modern television shows have influenced American travel quite like “Yellowstone.” “‘Yellowstone’ was one of the first shows to spark this trend,” he said.

The new spin-off series “Dutton Ranch” will likely lead to increased visitors, with popular filming sites in Northern Texas, like Ferris and Weatherford, attracting attention. As travel advisors such as Kris Porter observe shifts from Montana to Texas, the demand for luxurious, authentic ranch experiences grows.

Porter noted that travelers seek high-end experiences similar to those depicted in “Yellowstone.” They wish to combine rugged adventure with upscale accommodations, balancing rustic charm with modern comfort. Texas’s climate offers visitors year-round opportunities for such trips.

Duckworth also pointed to Saunders Ranch as a destination likely to draw devoted fans. “This is a real-life working ranch with a history that dates all the way back to the 1800s,” Duckworth said.