If you’re a fan of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, you’ve probably wondered about the mysterious town of Hawkins, Indiana, and its eerie surroundings. While the show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, have crafted a fictional town, the real-world locations where Stranger Things was filmed are just as captivating. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the places that brought the supernatural world of Stranger Things to life.

Where is Stranger Things Shot: The Georgian Connection

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of Stranger Things wasn’t filmed in Indiana at all. The show’s primary filming location is actually in Georgia, with the Atlanta area serving as the backdrop for many of the iconic scenes we’ve come to love. The decision to film in Georgia was likely influenced by the state’s generous tax incentives for film productions, a factor that has attracted many other Hollywood projects to the area.

Where Was the Movie Stranger Things Filmed: Jackson, Georgia as Hawkins

One of the main locations where Stranger Things was filmed is the charming town of Jackson, Georgia. This quaint southern town stands in for the fictional Hawkins, Indiana. Fans of the show can visit several recognizable locations in Jackson, including he Hawkins Library (actually the Butts County Probate Court), Melvald’s General Store, where Joyce Byers works, and the alley where Steve and Jonathan have their fight.

Walking through downtown Jackson feels like stepping into the world of where is stranger things shot, with many buildings and storefronts preserved to maintain that perfect 1980s small-town aesthetic.

Where Was the Series Stranger Things Filmed: Exploring Atlanta’s Contributions

While Jackson provides the small-town feel, many other scenes where Stranger Things was shot were filmed in and around Atlanta. Some notable locations include the Hawkins Middle School and Hawkins High School (actually the Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge), Hawkins National Laboratory (Emory University’s Briarcliff Campus in Atlanta) and the Starcourt Mall (Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, though it’s now closed to the public). These locations showcase the versatility of the Atlanta area in providing both urban and suburban settings for the show.

Where Was Stranger Things Season 4 Filmed: Expanding Beyond Georgia

As the show’s scope expanded in Season 4, so did its filming locations. Witnessing the beautiful scenes of Season 4, fans wondered, “Where Was Stranger Things Season 4 Filmed?” While Georgia remained a primary filming spot, Stranger Things Season 4 also ventured to new territories. 

For instance, New Mexico. Several scenes set in California were actually filmed in Albuquerque and surrounding areas. The Lenora Hills High School scenes were shot at Albuquerque’s Eldorado High School.

In addition, Season 4 was also fimed in Lithuania. For the scenes set in Russia, including the prison where Hopper is held, the production team chose Vilnius, Lithuania. The Lukiškės Prison, a century-old facility that closed in 2019, served as a key location for these scenes.

Stranger Things Location: Hidden Gems and Fan Favorites

Beyond the main settings, there are several other Stranger Things locations that fans can visit. These include Bradley’s Big Buy. This grocery store, where Eleven steals her beloved Eggos, is actually a Piggly Wiggly in Palmetto, Georgia. In addition, fans can visit the Hawkins Community Pool. The summer scenes from Season 3 were filmed at South Bend Pool in Atlanta. Fans may be delighted to hear that they can also visit The Wheeler House and Hawkins police station. Located in East Point, Georgia, this private residence serves as the exterior of Mike Wheeler‘s home. Moreover, the exterior shots were filmed at the former city hall in Douglasville, Georgia.

Where Was Stranger Things Filmed: Behind the Scenes

The process of choosing where Stranger Things was filmed involved careful consideration by the production team. They needed locations that could convincingly portray a 1980s Midwestern town while also providing the flexibility for the show’s supernatural elements. The diverse landscapes and architecture of Georgia proved to be the perfect fit.

The show’s creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, along with the production design team, went to great lengths to ensure that each Stranger Things location felt authentic to the time period. This attention to detail is part of what makes the show so immersive and beloved by fans.

See Also: Will Byers: The Heart of Stranger Things

Where Stranger Things Was Shot: The Impact on Local Communities

The popularity of Stranger Things has had a significant impact on the communities where the series was filmed. Towns like Jackson have seen an increase in tourism, with fans flocking to see the real-world Hawkins. Local businesses have embraced this newfound fame, with some even offering Stranger Things-themed products or tours.

However, it’s important for fans visiting these locations to remember that many are private properties or active businesses. Always be respectful and follow any guidelines set by the property owners or local authorities.

Where Was the Movie Stranger Things Filmed: The Future of Filming

As Stranger Things prepares for its fifth and final season, fans are eagerly anticipating where the show might take them next. While Georgia is likely to remain a key filming location, the expanding scope of the story might lead to new and exciting destinations.

The success of Stranger Things has also paved the way for other productions to consider Georgia as a filming location. The state’s film industry has grown significantly in recent years, earning it the nickname “Hollywood of the South.”

While the supernatural elements of Stranger Things may be fiction, the locations that bring Hawkins to life are very real. From the small-town charm of Jackson to the versatile urban landscapes of Atlanta, and even extending to international locations like Lithuania, the show’s filming locations are a testament to the creativity and vision of its creators.

For fans wondering where Stranger Things was filmed, these real-world locations offer a chance to step into the world of the show. Whether you’re planning a road trip through Georgia or just curious about the magic behind the scenes, exploring the Stranger Things locations can deepen your appreciation for this beloved series.

As we eagerly await the final season, one thing is certain: the real-world locations where the series Stranger Things filmed will continue to captivate fans long after the final credits roll.

For more info on Stranger Things, check out: Stranger Things Season 5 Poster: What Does It Reveal?