The world of Stranger Things has captivated audiences with its nostalgic 1980s setting, eerie supernatural elements, and compelling storytelling. While the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, serves as the backdrop for the series, the actual filming took place in various real-world locations. The show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, chose specific towns and sites to bring Hawkins to life, using practical locations rather than relying solely on studio sets.
Many of the most iconic scenes, from the Hawkins National Laboratory to the beloved Starcourt Mall, were filmed in Georgia, which has become a central hub for television and movie productions. However, as the series expanded, additional locations in New Mexico and even Lithuania were incorporated to enhance the realism of new storylines. Each filming site plays a crucial role in immersing viewers into the Stranger Things universe, blending real-world locations with fictional elements.
For fans curious about where did they film Stranger Things, this article will explore the key filming locations, their real-life significance, and how they contributed to the series’ atmospheric setting. From small-town streets to eerie laboratories, we’ll uncover the places that brought Hawkins and beyond to life.
Exploring Georgia: The Heart Of Stranger Things Filming
Georgia has played a pivotal role in bringing Stranger Things to life, with many of the show’s most recognizable locations being filmed across the state. The production team selected real-world sites that could convincingly recreate the atmosphere of small-town America in the 1980s. Jackson, Georgia, served as the primary filming location for downtown Hawkins, while other areas such as Douglasville, Stockbridge, and Stone Mountain were used for specific scenes. These locations were chosen not only for their nostalgic aesthetic but also for the state’s tax incentives, which have made Georgia a hotspot for major Hollywood productions.
Many of the most significant places in the series, such as the Hawkins National Laboratory, Hawkins Middle School, and the Starcourt Mall, were all shot in different parts of Georgia. Fans visiting these sites today can still recognize the exteriors and settings that appeared on-screen, though some locations, like the mall, have undergone changes since filming. Below is a list of the most notable Stranger Things filming locations in Georgia.
Notable Stranger Things Filming Locations In Georgia
- Downtown Hawkins (Jackson, Georgia): The town square and many storefronts seen in the series were filmed in Jackson, which serves as the heart of Hawkins.
- Hawkins National Laboratory (Atlanta, Georgia): The former Georgia Mental Health Institute was transformed into the eerie government lab where Eleven was held.
- Starcourt Mall (Duluth, Georgia): The Gwinnett Place Mall was used extensively in Season 3 as the setting for Hawkins’ shopping center.
- Hawkins Middle & High School (Stockbridge, Georgia): Patrick Henry High School doubled as both the middle and high school seen throughout multiple seasons.
- Hawkins Community Pool (Atlanta, Georgia): South Bend Pool was used to film the memorable pool scenes from Season 3.
- The Quarry (Atlanta, Georgia): Bellwood Quarry, featured in multiple films and TV shows, was used as the location where Eleven first demonstrates her powers.
Many of these locations remain intact, allowing fans to visit and relive their favorite scenes from the series. However, some sites, such as the Starcourt Mall, have changed significantly since filming, with portions of the building now abandoned or repurposed.
Georgia’s small towns and landscapes provided the perfect setting to recreate the fictional world of Hawkins. The detailed set designs, combined with real locations, made the town feel authentic while also serving as a nostalgic throwback to classic 1980s films. As the series gained popularity, fans became more interested in where did they film Stranger Things, leading to an increase in tourism and visits to these real-life filming sites.
From New Mexico To Lithuania: Stranger Things’ Diverse Filming Locations
Like the previous seasons of the show, Stranger Things Seasons 4 and 5 are still set in multiple locations. Initially, the primary focus of the seasons was Hawkins Indiana, with filming taking place mostly in Georgina. With the new seasons came the introduction of new filming locations to enhance the storyline, including characters moving out of Hawkins, as well as exploring new mysteries in the Upside Down. The disclosing of new environments required the production team to explore fresh filming sites.
When part of Season 4 was set in California, one of the filming locations for the waning premieres was actually shifted to New Mexico. The Byers family with Eleven moved to a made up town called Lenora Hills. The production staff picked many sites in the city and its vicinity, like the Eldorado High School, which was used as a set for 11’s new school. The change of scenery from the traditional forested areas and small town of Hawkins to the warm, desert like region of New Mexico adds on to the new life the characters are trying to adapt to.
Russian Connections And Other International Locations
Apart from New Mexico, Stranger Things also filmed in different countries outside America. A prominent theme in Season 4 was Jim Hopper’s struggle in which he was imprisoned in a Russian labor camp and endured great suffering. The set had to look both desolate and harrowing. Rather than constructing elaborate sets, the showrunners opted to shoot these scenes in a genuine dismantled prison located in Lukiškės, Lithuania. This location, which was an active prison until 2019, provided an ominous yet appropriate setting for Hopper’s storyline.
Lithuania’s somber weather and bleak surrounding made it an ideal region to shoot the dreadful prison scenes where Hopper and other prisoners were put through harsh treatment. For the purpose of authenticity, the production unit filmed in real prison cells and corridors which grossly added to the sense of imprisonment. Just like in the rest of the world, there is no place that can replicate that atmosphere and adds that level of authenticity to a studio set.
The expansion of filming locations across different states and countries helped Stranger Things maintain its immersive world-building. Instead of relying on CGI or artificial environments, the show grounded its fantastical elements in real places, making each setting feel believable and engaging. For fans curious about where did they film Stranger Things, these diverse locations showcase the series’ commitment to bringing its world to life with authenticity and detail. As the show continues to evolve, it’s likely that future seasons may explore even more real-world locations to expand the story beyond Hawkins.
Behind The Scenes: Real Places That Inspired Stranger Things Sets
The authenticity of Stranger Things stems from its select enactments of the real world that correspond to the made up world of the show. Although some scenes might have been filmed on sets, most of the set pieces were shot on locations in existing buildings, streets and monuments. The production team sought out areas that could portray an 80s small town setting and could also allow for some flexibility in set design.
For instance, not only was the spooky Hawkins National Laboratory 11 was raised and used for testing on, Eleven did not just come out of special effects. Instead, it was shot at the unsettling Georgia Mental Health Institute, which is a now unused medical facility that has an institutional feel. The same goes for the second most important location of season three, the Starcourt Mall, which was placed in the Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth Georgia, which underwent partial renovations to become an old fashioned shopping mall for the filming.
The table below highlights some of the most iconic Stranger Things locations and their real-life counterparts.
| Fictional Setting | Real-Life Location | City & State |
| Hawkins Middle School | Patrick Henry High School | Stockbridge, Georgia |
| Hawkins National Laboratory | Georgia Mental Health Institute | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Starcourt Mall | Gwinnett Place Mall | Duluth, Georgia |
| Hawkins Community Pool | South Bend Pool | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Hawkins Town Square | Downtown Jackson | Jackson, Georgia |
| Russian Prison (Season 4) | Lukiškės Prison | Vilnius, Lithuania |
The filming locations of the series made it easy for viewers to digest the storyline within Stranger Things. Rather than employing expensive scenery, That doesn’t only enable a sense of nostalgia, but also evokes the lived in feel of Hawkins and its surroundings.
Despite the fact that some of these places, such as the Starcourt Mall, have changed over the years and now stand abandoned, their association with the show turned them into modern tourist destinations. The fans visiting from Georgia frequently attempt to pass through the Hawkins Town Square and other famous places featured in the show. And by combining their existing knowledge of the location with the fantastic narrative, the viewers are able to experience the world without the show in the peculiar manner.
Touring Hawkins: How Fans Can Visit Stranger Things Filming Sites
For devoted fans of Stranger Things, visiting the real-world locations used in the series is a dream come true. Many of the show’s most recognizable places still exist, and while some have changed since filming, others remain almost identical to how they appeared on screen. From small-town squares to abandoned malls, these locations have become hotspots for tourists looking to step into the world of Hawkins.
Most of the filming for Stranger Things took place in Georgia, with the town of Jackson serving as the stand-in for downtown Hawkins. Fans who visit Jackson will immediately recognize familiar storefronts, such as Melvald’s General Store and the Hawkins RadioShack. Many businesses have embraced the show’s popularity, decorating their exteriors to match their appearance in the series. Douglasville, another key filming location, is home to the old city hall that was transformed into the Hawkins Police Department. Though it no longer functions as a law enforcement office, it remains a popular stop for visitors.
The Most Iconic Filming Locations To Visit
One of the most sought-after locations is the Starcourt Mall, which was featured extensively in Season 3. This once-thriving shopping center, known in real life as Gwinnett Place Mall, has since become mostly abandoned, with only a few stores remaining open. However, fans can still explore the exterior and recognize its distinctive design. Another must-see location is the Georgia Mental Health Institute in Atlanta, which served as Hawkins National Laboratory. Though access to the interior is restricted, the building’s exterior remains a haunting reminder of the show’s eerie government facility.
For those looking for outdoor locations, Stone Mountain Park and Bellwood Quarry are excellent destinations. Bellwood Quarry, in particular, was used as the setting for several important moments in the early seasons, including scenes where Eleven first demonstrates her powers. Additionally, South Bend Pool in Atlanta, which served as Hawkins Community Pool in Season 3, still retains much of its original look and is open to visitors during the summer.
As Stranger Things gained popularity, the interest in visiting these filming locations increased. Many fans search for where did they film Stranger Things in hopes of planning the perfect trip to see these sites in person. Some companies even offer guided tours that take visitors to multiple filming spots in a single day. Whether exploring on their own or joining an organized tour, fans can experience the nostalgia and magic of Stranger Things by stepping into the real-world settings that helped bring Hawkins to life.
How Stranger Things Transformed Small-Town America
Hawkins, Indiana, came to life and the real towns where the show was filmed experienced a drastic change because of the popularity gained by Stranger Things. Thousands of fans eager to visit the locations they saw on screen turned quiet communities in Georgia into famous pop culture sites. As a result, businesses, tourism, and local economies boomed, and several small towns reaped the benefits of the show’s popularity around the world.
Historic sites, local shops, and restaurants that were once hidden gems began to attract tourists. There was an increase in foot traffic in Jackson, Georgia, where the downtown part of Hawkins was set, and tourists were flocking to the streets and shops. The fictional Hawkins police department building in Douglasville also started getting more attention. These areas experienced economic growth because hotels, cafes, and gas stations started getting more clients due to their connection with Stranger Things.
The Positive Impact Of Stranger Things On Local Communities
- Increased Tourism Revenue: Towns featured in the show experienced a rise in tourism, with fans traveling from across the country to visit filming locations.
- Business Growth: Local businesses, from diners to gift shops, saw increased sales as they embraced their connection to the series.
- Preservation of Historic Locations: Some buildings used in the show were renovated or preserved due to their newfound significance.
- Job Opportunities: The film industry provided temporary jobs for extras, set designers, and local vendors.
- Community Recognition: Towns that once went unnoticed gained recognition in media and entertainment circles.
With so many fans eager to experience Stranger Things in real life, some business owners adjusted their branding to appeal to visitors. Stores in Jackson, for example, incorporated references to the show in their displays, while tour companies developed routes dedicated to taking fans to major filming sites. Even locations not directly used in the series found ways to capitalize on the attention, offering themed experiences and merchandise.
Despite the positive economic impact, some residents of these towns expressed concerns about the growing crowds and changes brought by tourism. However, for most, the benefits outweighed the challenges. The show not only boosted the local economy but also turned small, often overlooked towns into destinations of interest. For fans wondering where did they film Stranger Things, these communities have become more than just background scenery—they are now part of the show’s legacy, forever linked to the mystery and nostalgia of Hawkins, Indiana.
The Real-World Locations That Made Stranger Things Unforgettable
The locations used for filming Stranger Things were important in giving the show its unique nostalgic feeling. The production team capitalized on real towns, schools, and forsaken buildings to construct a previously unseen realm that was both real and magical. The dull corridors of Hawkins National Laboratory and the vibrant, yet creepy Starcourt Mall are very similar to your otherworldly places, but they are not. They are as real as the characters in the show.
In these recent years, the towns and locations from the show have garnered attention from tourists and are now obligatory spots for fans. Locations such as Lukiškės Prison in Lithuania and Jackson Georgia have become preferable places for fans who want to experience the sets used in the show. Many businesses in them areas have already started capitalizing on their ties with Stranger Things by providing themed tours and merchandise. These locations, once quiet and peaceful, have undergone a cultural change that has transformed them into popular tourist destinations, showing how much of an impact the show has had on society.
For those still wondering where did they film Stranger Things, the answer lies in a collection of diverse locations that span different states and countries. The ability to blend real-world environments with an engaging storyline is one of the reasons Stranger Things remains a standout series. As the show continues to evolve, its filming sites will remain an essential part of its legacy.
