Finding Home in “A River Runs Through It”: More Than Just a Movie, It’s a Feeling

Finding Home in “A River Runs Through It”: More Than Just a Movie, It’s a Feeling

“A River Runs Through It.” Just hearing the title conjures up images of Montana’s big sky, the dance of fly fishing, and a family bound together by love and, well, a little bit of heartache. Robert Redford’s 1992 film, based on Norman Maclean’s classic book, isn’t just a movie; it’s practically a love letter to the West. But here’s a little secret: that picture-perfect house you see on screen? It’s not quite where you think it is.

The story says Missoula, and Maclean’s heart was definitely there, but the film crew played a bit of location hopscotch. The truth is, the house that stands in as the Maclean family home is actually in Livingston, Montana. Yep, Livingston, a charming spot in Park County, stepped in to play the role of early 20th-century Missoula.

So, if you’re planning a pilgrimage, head to Front Street in Livingston. You can’t miss it. Cross over from N 5th Street and turn left at the first crossroad; the house is a short distance from the intersection. Just remember, it’s a private residence, so admire it respectfully from the street. Think of it as visiting an old friend – you wouldn’t barge right in, would you?

Now, here’s where it gets a little more complicated. While Livingston gets the close-up, other spots around Montana lent their beauty to the film. Exteriors of the Maclean house were shot at Springhill Community Road in Belgrade. Talk about spreading the love!

And what about Norman Maclean’s actual childhood home? That’s in Missoula, sitting pretty at 302 S 5th St W. So, you could say the “real” house and the “movie” house are two different things.

Why Livingston, though? Well, the town’s got that perfectly preserved, turn-of-the-century vibe that Redford was after. It just felt like the Missoula Maclean described. Plus, the crew roamed all over Montana – Bozeman, the Gallatin River, the Yellowstone, the Boulder – snagging those incredible landscapes. Heck, they even dipped into Jackson, Wyoming, for some scenes! It’s like they grabbed the best pieces of the West and stitched them together to create the perfect backdrop.

Look, the film might’ve taken a few liberties with geography, but it nailed the feeling of Maclean’s Montana. The Gallatin River stood in for the Blackfoot in those iconic fishing scenes, and honestly, who could tell the difference? The point is, they captured the raw beauty and the rugged spirit of the place.

Thinking of visiting? Do it! Montana is calling your name. While the Blackfoot River is legendary, the Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Boulder are waiting with open arms (and plenty of trout). And Livingston? Well, it’s a chance to step back in time and imagine life as a Maclean, even if just for a little while.

So, go ahead, chase that feeling. “A River Runs Through It” is more than just a movie; it’s an invitation to find your own Montana, your own river, your own sense of home.