Dances with Wolves (1990) – Filming Locations
Adventure / Drama / Western · Directed by Kevin Costner · Starring Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell
Wounded Civil War soldier John Dunbar tries to commit suicide—and becomes a hero instead. As a reward, he's assigned to his dream post, a remote junction on the Western frontier, and soon makes unlikely friends with the local Sioux tribe.
Where was Dances with Wolves filmed?
- Pierre, South Dakota, United States, Pierre – Opening Civil War battle sequence and establishment of military fort setting. The historic fort and surrounding grasslands provided the primary military compound location where the story begins
- Rapid City, South Dakota, United States, Rapid City – Extended sequences of Lakota village, buffalo hunts, and tribal life. The Black Hills and surrounding plains were extensively used for authentic Lakota village construction and filming of hunting sequences
- Fort Niobrara, Nebraska, United States, Valentine – Fort setting and cavalry operations. The actual fort location served as a backdrop for military scenes and provided authentic period architecture
- Spearfish, South Dakota, United States, Spearfish – Scenic sequences of the landscape and tribal movement through natural terrain. The picturesque canyon landscape was used for panoramic shots establishing the natural beauty of the Great Plains setting
- Montana, United States, Montana – Extended location filming for village sequences and general landscape. Vast Montana prairies provided authentic Great Plains environment for tribal village construction and daily life sequences