Where was A River Runs Through It filmed?

Like many films in the 90s, this A River Runs Through It film scene starts with a bit of narration. The Reverend of the Church, Reverend John Norman Maclean (Tom Skerritt), is giving a sermon, "The poor without Christ are, of all men, the most miserable. But the poor with Christ are princes and kings of the Earth." A young Normal Maclean (young Joseph Gorgon-Levitt) is narrating his day and how the town of Missoula, Missouri, treats fly-fishing for trout as a religion and not just a hobby or career.

He then continues narrating how his father, the Reverend, would start the day with Church and walk with his sons, Paul and Norman, simply unwinding from the sermon in the afternoon. Their father always chose a pathway that meandered along the Big Blackfoot River. For the young boys with their father, the Blackfoot River was so familiar that the boys considered the river to be their family river.

This introductory scene was shot at the Lutheran Church in Livingston. This Church is still open to visitors, and those wishing to sit in for a sermon can enjoy some time with the Lord while viewing the interiors. Before clicking pictures in a religious location, it is always best to take permission to not hurt any religious sentimentalities. To get to the Church, turn right onto W Geyser St and left onto S East St till you reach 1505.

Uncover Filming Locations

Young Norman Maclean narrates how he and his brother would fish in the afternoons once his lessons were over in the morning. Since Norman and Paul were home-schooled by their father, the Reverend, they would only be allowed to fish once their father was satisfied with their progress. Norman narrates, "There was a balance to my father's system. Every afternoon, I was set free, untutored, and untouched, till supper to learn on my own the natural side of God's order. And there could be no better place to learn than the Montana of my youth."

Young Norman starts tutoring young Paul (portrayed by young Vann Gravage) about the do's and don't's with fly fishing and which mistakes he should not repeat. As Norman continues narrating about his childhood with his brother and father, he says about Montana, "It was a world with dew still on it," to explain the wonder and possibility of his childhood.

This A River Runs Through It filming location is at the banks of the Gallatin River, a tributary of the Missouri River. Its origin is at Yellowstone National Park and is used by many to explore the rapids. In this region, visitors may also come across other hikers, trekkers, and adventurers, so it is necessary to continuously maintain decorum. To get here, follow Frontage Road E to Yadon Rd, and continue this road to reach the Gallatin River.

Scout Video Shoot Locations

Young Paul fights with some bullies while his elder brother Norman is getting beaten up. As a result, the boys, Paul and Norman, get a sound thrashing from the older boys. Norman keeps feeling that Paul has an inner strength different from others. However, their father, the Reverend, finds out about the fight, and the house has a tense environment.

The Reverend and his wife, Clara Maclean (Brenda Blethyn), are at the dining table with both the boys. Norman has finished his oats, but Paul isn't touching his plate. The Reverend looks at Paul and says, "Grace will not be said until that bowl is clean. Man has been eating God's oats for a thousand years. It's not the place of an eight-year-old boy to change that tradition." Even after the table is cleared, Paul sits with his entire plate of oats left uneaten.

This is one of the best scenes in A River Runs Through It since it shows the stubbornness of young Paul, which is a strong indicator of the man he will grow up to be. The house used in the filming is Front Street, Livingston. Since it is a private residence, visitors need to show some restraint. To get there, cross over from N 5th Street and turn left at the first crossroad. The house is a minute from the intersection.

Locate Film Shoot Locations

Paul starts dating a young woman named Mabel (Nicole Burdette). Paul fights with a patron who racially insults Mabel (for being Native American). As a result, he is arrested, and the police call for Norman to come to get Paul from jail. Norman reaches the police station and introduces himself to the in-charge. The in-charge tells him, "He doesn't have to post bond. He covers the police beat and has friends here. All you have to do is look at him and take him home."

Norman nods his head in understanding and asks, "What did he do?" The in-charge said, "He hit a guy, and a guy is missing a couple of teeth." When Norman asks why Paul hit the guy, the in-charge says, "It says here a remark was passed concerning the Indian woman he was with." Norman scoffs and says, "Well, the guy deserved it."

This filming location of A River Runs Through It is at 32nd St S Tracy Ave, Bozeman. An actual police station wasn't chosen for this scene, and instead, a makeshift was quickly adapted using one of the local buildings. To get here, hop onto the Blueline bus and get off at the Babcock and Tracy stop. The walk to 32nd St S is one minute.

Production Spaces Map

Norman Maclean (portrayed by Craig Sheffer) and Paul Maclean (Brad Pitt) get into a boat and start navigating the dangerous river. This is mainly done as a dare to prove they are adults. Paul and Norman's friends see the rapids and decide to back out of getting into the rickety rowboat. Paul gets disgusted by his friends and looks to Norman as a partner while he gets into the boat. While pushing the boat off, the friends grin and say, "Be careful," not realizing the danger the boys are in.

The Maclean brothers navigate the rapids and out-row their friends running along, while Norman says, "See you later, boys!" As the brothers navigate a bend, their boat hits some rocks, and they veer into dangerous rapids. Norman tells Paul, Watch it, on the right! On the right!" As they near the waterfall, both brothers let go of their oars and grab the rowboat tightly. Both brothers go down the waterfall, and their friends run screaming, "Macleans! Pauley!!

This is one of the first A River Runs Through It action scenes with plenty of heart-pumping adrenaline as audiences waited for the brothers to resurface with bated breaths. Fans can make an entire trip by visiting the falls and experiencing the wonderful outdoors. However, if you prefer to drive, take US-189 S to Forest Rd 30500. Follow this road to Forest Rd 30526 in Teton County.

The postman, Mr. Sweeney (Jess Schwidde), comes to deliver a letter to the Maclean house, where Norman is resting outside on the porch writing in his journal. The postman greets Norman, who returns the greeting with, "Hi there, Mr. Sweeney." Mr. Sweeney asks Norman, "Who do you know at the University of Chicago? Chicken in the car. The car won't go. That's how you spell Chi-ca-go!" The gentle old postman chuckles as he walks away after delivering the letter to Norman.

Norman opens the letter from the University of Chicago. It is an acceptance letter for the post of instructor of English literature commencing in the fall quarter of 1926 and admission to the graduate studies program. He comes into the house to tell his family the news and realizes his father, the Reverend, is reading aloud from the Bible. In a moment of sheer emotion, Norman joins his father in quoting scripture.

This scene is shot at the Springhill Community Road in Belgrade. Fans of the film can see the house from outside, but should respect the owner's privacy since it is a private residence. To get here, get onto Springhill Road and turn right onto Springhill Community Road. The house is a few minutes' drive from the turning.