Cole Hauser Discusses Family Ties to Montana and Impact of ‘Yellowstone’

Cole Hauser has strong connections to Montana that extend beyond his work on the “Yellowstone” franchise. Hauser revealed that his family’s history with the state dates back nearly 140 years. “Montana, my family has been there since 1886. So, the Hauser legacy there is huge,” Hauser shared. Samuel T. Hauser, his ancestor, was the seventh governor of Montana and played a significant role in the state’s development through banking, mining, and railroads.

For Hauser, filming in Montana for the “Yellowstone” series was more than an acting job; it was a return to his roots. As the franchise expands with a new series set in Texas, experts note that tourism related to the show’s settings is on the rise. Adam Duckworth from Travelmation commented, “Traveling to the sets of popular TV shows, movies, and even books has increased substantially over the past few years.” He identified this trend as “set-jetting,” where fans visit locations seen in their favorite shows.

According to Duckworth, few shows have influenced American travel like “Yellowstone.” He said, “‘Yellowstone’ was one of the first shows to spark this trend.” The series has led many viewers to visit places like Yellowstone National Park as the show gained popularity. As the franchise moves to Texas with “Dutton Ranch,” similar tourism effects are anticipated.

“Yellowstone” premiered in 2018 and has become a significant television franchise. The Montana landscape has become a character in its own right, drawing viewers with its expansive ranches and open skies. Hauser believes the show’s success is partly due to this landscape. He remarked on the show’s growth, “You know, 10 years ago when we started this, it was a really kind of grassroots show in Montana and then, you know, we grew out to the edges, Los Angeles, now New York and now the world.” The actor noted how international fans have embraced the series.

Hauser attributes the global appeal of “Yellowstone” to Taylor Sheridan’s storytelling and the captivating beauty of Montana. Travel advisors note that fans seek to experience the luxurious ranch lifestyle depicted on screen. Duckworth explained, “Fans want to feel like they are their favorite characters by visiting the exact places they are seeing on their screens.” Travel to locations around Northern Texas, where “Dutton Ranch” was filmed, is expected to increase.

Cole Hauser shared that filming in Texas for “Dutton Ranch” provided a new experience due to the different environment. Despite the change in setting, Hauser emphasized maintaining the essence of characters Rip and Beth. He stated, “Kelly and I were very cognizant of making sure that those two characters continue to be the same polarizing, strong, loyal characters that they’ve always been.”

Travelmation advisor Kris Porter noted a shift in travel demand from destinations like Montana to Texas. She commented, “Before the Yellowstone craze, I’d gotten exactly one request for a ‘dude ranch’ vacation. Now, they come from the most unlikely places.” Visitors are looking for upscale ranch experiences, preferring luxury accommodations and fine dining alongside traditional ranch activities.