Lonesome Dove, a beloved western novel written by Larry McMurtry, captivated readers with its rich characters, sweeping landscapes, and gripping storytelling. It was no surprise that this iconic tale was adapted into a highly acclaimed television mini-series that aired in 1989. In this article, we will delve into the world of Lonesome Dove and explore the stunning locations where the series was filmed.
The original Lonesome Dove mini-series was primarily filmed in various locations in Montana. Specifically, the Ennis/Virginia City, Butte, and Billings areas served as backdrops for many memorable scenes. Montana’s picturesque plains and rugged terrain perfectly embodied the untamed spirit of the Old West that Lonesome Dove portrayed.
However, it is important to note that the actual town of Lonesome Dove, depicted in the series, was constructed on the Moody Ranch. This working cattle ranch is situated along the Texas/Mexico border, near the Rio Grande River. Unfortunately, the ranch does not accommodate sightseers, but its beauty and authenticity added a genuine touch to the on-screen portrayal of Lonesome Dove.
Another notable filming location for Lonesome Dove was the Alamo Village, located just seven miles north of Brackettville in Texas. This historic site, nestled 140 miles west of San Antonio, has been a popular filming location for numerous Hollywood productions. Lonesome Dove, with its grand scale and epic storyline, found the perfect setting in the Alamo Village.
Moving away from the American Southwest, the production team for Lonesome Dove ventured to Canada for its second season, which was renamed Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years. The series was filmed in the plains of Alberta, near Calgary. This change in location brought a fresh perspective to the story, showcasing the diverse landscapes that the West has to offer.
Additionally, Cerro Pelon Ranch in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, played a significant role in the filming of Lonesome Dove. This expansive ranch estate, previously known as the Cook Ranch and later the Cook Movie Ranch, has been featured in around thirty Hollywood productions, including Silverado, Wild Wild West, and Thor. Its rugged beauty and unique charm made it a fitting backdrop for the western epic that is Lonesome Dove.
Lonesome Dove, both the novel and the television mini-series, continues to captivate audiences with its timeless tale of friendship, love, and adventure in the Old West. The series was filmed in various locations, including Montana, Texas, Canada, and New Mexico, each contributing its distinctive landscapes to the overall visual storytelling. Whether it’s the open plains of Montana or the rustic charm of Cerro Pelon Ranch, these locations brought Lonesome Dove to life, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the rich and vivid world of the American frontier.
Where Were The Montana Scenes Filmed In Lonesome Dove?
The Montana scenes in the television mini-series “Return to Lonesome Dove” were filmed in three main areas: Ennis/Virginia City, Butte, and Billings. Here is a breakdown of where each area was featured on screen:
1. Ennis/Virginia City: This area served as one of the primary filming locations for the Montana scenes. Ennis, a small town in Madison County, Montana, was chosen for its picturesque landscapes and old-west charm. The nearby historic town of Virginia City also played a role in the filming. These areas provided the backdrop for various outdoor scenes, capturing the essence of the Western setting portrayed in the series.
2. Butte: The city of Butte, located in Silver Bow County, Montana, was another filming location for the Montana scenes. Butte’s unique blend of urban and rural elements made it an ideal choice for capturing the diverse landscapes and settings required for the story. The city’s historic architecture and surrounding natural beauty were showcased in the series, adding depth and authenticity to the Montana scenes.
3. Billings: The city of Billings, situated in Yellowstone County, Montana, also served as a filming location for “Return to Lonesome Dove.” Billings, being the largest city in Montana, offered a range of urban settings and facilities required for the production. The city’s downtown area and surrounding countryside were utilized to depict both rural and town scenes, creating a well-rounded representation of Montana in the series.
The Montana scenes in “Return to Lonesome Dove” were filmed in Ennis/Virginia City, Butte, and Billings. These locations provided a diverse range of landscapes and settings, contributing to the authentic Western atmosphere portrayed in the television mini-series.
Is Lonesome Dove A Real Town In Texas?
Lonesome Dove is a real town in Texas. However, it is important to clarify that the town of Lonesome Dove was built specifically for the filming of the famous TV miniseries “Lonesome Dove” based on Larry McMurtry’s novel of the same name. The actual town of Lonesome Dove was constructed on the Moody Ranch, which is located on the Texas/Mexico border at the Rio Grande River.
In reality, Lonesome Dove does not exist as a permanent town or settlement. The Moody Ranch, where the town was built, is a working cattle operation and is not open to the public for sightseeing or tourism purposes.
If you are interested in visiting a location associated with “Lonesome Dove,” you can consider visiting Alamo Village, which is located just seven miles north of Brackettville, Texas. Brackettville is approximately 140 miles west of San Antonio. Alamo Village is a movie set that was constructed for the filming of various Western films, including “Lonesome Dove.” It provides an opportunity to experience the ambiance of the Old West and the setting of the iconic series.
Was Lonesome Dove Filmed In Canada?
Lonesome Dove, a popular television series, was indeed filmed in Canada. More specifically, the series was filmed in the plains of Alberta, which is located near Calgary. The production team chose this location to create the authentic frontier setting and capture the vast landscapes that were characteristic of the American West during that time period.
To be more specific, here are some key details about the filming location:
– The series was primarily filmed in the plains of Alberta, Canada.
– The specific area near Calgary was chosen for its resemblance to the American West.
– Alberta’s vast open spaces and beautiful landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for the show’s setting.
– The production team took advantage of Alberta’s natural beauty to create the authentic look and feel of the frontier.
It’s worth noting that for the second season of the series, it was renamed Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years. During this retooling, the show shifted its focus to incorporate more action-oriented storylines. However, despite the name change and retooling, the series continued to be filmed in the same location in Canada.
Lonesome Dove, along with its subsequent season titled Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years, was filmed in the plains of Alberta, Canada near Calgary. The location was chosen for its resemblance to the American West and its ability to provide the authentic frontier setting required for the show.
Where Was Lonesome Dove Filmed In New Mexico?
Lonesome Dove, a renowned Western television miniseries, was filmed at Cerro Pelon Ranch in Santa Fe County, New Mexico. This expansive ranch estate, previously known as the Cook Ranch and later the Cook Movie Ranch, has served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood productions over the years. Some of the notable films shot at Cerro Pelon Ranch include Silverado, Wild Wild West, 3:10 to Yuma, and Thor.
Here are some key points about Cerro Pelon Ranch and its significance as a filming location:
1. Location: Cerro Pelon Ranch is situated in Santa Fe County, New Mexico. Its picturesque surroundings and diverse landscape make it an ideal setting for Western-themed productions like Lonesome Dove.
2. Hollywood Productions: Over the years, Cerro Pelon Ranch has been utilized as a filming location for approximately thirty Hollywood productions. Its scenic beauty and versatility have attracted filmmakers from various genres.
3. Lonesome Dove: This critically acclaimed television miniseries, based on Larry McMurtry’s novel of the same name, was filmed at Cerro Pelon Ranch. The ranch provided the perfect backdrop for capturing the essence of the Old West and the epic journey depicted in the series.
4. Other Films: In addition to Lonesome Dove, Cerro Pelon Ranch has hosted the production of several other notable films. Some examples include the action-packed Silverado, the steampunk-inspired Wild Wild West, the gripping 3:10 to Yuma, and the superhero blockbuster Thor.
Lonesome Dove was filmed at Cerro Pelon Ranch in Santa Fe County, New Mexico. This ranch estate, known for its extensive use as a filming location, has played a significant role in the creation of numerous Hollywood productions, including Western-themed classics like Lonesome Dove.
Conclusion
Lonesome Dove is a highly acclaimed western television series that captivated audiences with its compelling storyline, exceptional acting, and stunning filming locations. The series, along with its sequel Return to Lonesome Dove, showcased the beauty and vastness of Montana, Alberta in Canada, and Santa Fe County in New Mexico.
The production team expertly utilized these diverse locations to create a visually immersive experience for viewers. From the rugged plains of Alberta to the picturesque landscapes of Montana, the series transported audiences into the untamed and rugged world of the Old West.
The decision to film in Montana, particularly in the Ennis/Virginia City, Butte, and Billings areas, added an authentic and rustic feel to the series. These areas provided the perfect backdrop for the characters’ journeys, showcasing the vastness of the frontier and the challenges they faced.
Additionally, the use of Cerro Pelon Ranch in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, added a touch of grandeur and elegance to the series. This iconic ranch estate has been a popular filming location for numerous Hollywood productions, and its inclusion in Lonesome Dove further enhanced the visual appeal of the show.
The filming locations chosen for Lonesome Dove and its sequel Return to Lonesome Dove played a crucial role in bringing the story to life. The stunning landscapes, from the plains of Alberta to the ranches of Montana and New Mexico, added depth and authenticity to the series, making it a beloved and memorable western classic.
