The good news is, you can make this dream come true! While Hawkins is fictional, many of the locations where the series was filmed exist in real life and are waiting for you to discover them. Here’s how you can immerse yourself in the world of this iconic Netflix series.
1. Hawkins, Indiana… or rather, Jackson, Georgia.
Most of the scenes set in Hawkins were filmed in Jackson, a small town in the state of Georgia. Here, you can walk through the main square and recognize the Hawkins Public Library, which is actually Jackson’s Library. Just a few steps away is the iconic RadioShack store, where some memorable scenes were also filmed.
Recommended experiences:
- Join this private guided tour through the streets of Jackson, where you won’t miss any of the iconic locations!
- You can also explore local shops offering ‘Stranger Things‘ souvenirs. Some even provide detailed maps to help you find each spot.
One such shop is Gold Lion Farm. A section of the store has been revamped to showcase everything related to the ‘Stranger Things‘ series.
Some cafés and restaurants have created special menus inspired by the series, featuring Eggo-style waffles (in honor of Eleven) or themed cocktails named “Demogorgon Delight”. Enjoy the best snack break!
2. Starcourt Mall: The 80s epicenter.
One of the fan-favorite locations is Starcourt Mall, which features prominently in the third season. This shopping center was filmed at Gwinnett Place Mall, located in Duluth, Georgia. Although the mall is partially closed, some areas are still recognizable.
Additionally, on certain dates, themed events are held where they recreate the atmosphere of Starcourt Mall, with actors, decorations, and even a mini retro market. You’ll also find temporary exhibits featuring items used in the series.
3. East point: Wheeler House, Sinclair House, and Dustin’s House.
You’ll love this neighborhood! You can stroll past the Wheeler, Sinclair, and Henderson houses, as well as the streets where the kids rode their bikes in many iconic scenes.
With this tour, you won’t miss any of them! You’ll also get to see Hawkins Middle School, home of the Hawkins Cubs, where Mike, Will, Dustin, and Lucas went to school, and Hawkins High School, home of the Hawkins Tigers, the gathering spot for Nancy, Steve, Jonathan, and poor Barb. Plus, the Hawkins Public Pool!
4. Hawkins Middle School and Hawkins High School.
Hawkins schools, where Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Max had many adventures, are actually the Patrick Henry Middle and High Schools, located in Stockbridge, Georgia (about a 50-minute drive from Jackson). Unfortunately, these iconic buildings are gone. They were torn down to make way for newer facilities. So the only way to walk those halls again is by rewatching ‘Stranger Things`.
5. The Hawkins Lab.
The eerie Hawkins Lab, where it all began, is actually located on the Emory University Briarcliff Campus in Atlanta. This impressive and slightly unsettling structure was perfect to stand as the Hawkins Lab!
The building, however, is torn down. Not just because it’s outdated, but due to serious health and safety issues: asbestos, poor ventilation, and severely damaged structures. Coincidence… or the lingering effects of being a gateway to the Upside Down?
6. Forests and Quarries: Hawkins from Nature
Several key scenes, such as the adventures in the forest and the iconic quarry where Mike and Eleven share their first close moment in the show, were filmed at Bellwood Quarry and other nearby forests in Atlanta. These landscapes offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature and relive some of the most exciting moments from ‘Stranger Things’!
A hike through these natural areas will be something you’ll enjoy. Bellwood Quarry is part of Westside Park, which is open to the public and offers stunning views of the quarry area.
However, many of these locations are also settings for other productions, such as ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ (2013). Specifically, they filmed here the scenes where Katniss and other tributes are taken to the Capitol. Or ‘The Walking Dead’.
If you’re interested in touring these locations, this tour might be just what you’re looking for!
7. And finally, don’t forget to check out the official ‘Stranger Things’ stores.
You can find their locations here: https://strangerthings-store.com/
Final tips for your trip to the ‘Stranger Things‘ world:
- Plan your route in advance to make the most of your visit to Georgia and get the best prices.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and don’t forget your camera or phone with enough battery.
- Check the opening hours and availability of the locations, as some may be temporarily closed.
Whether you want to relive Dustin and Steve’s antics or explore the mysterious Upside Down, this trip will make you feel like part of Hawkins. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
If you want more information about filming locations of your favourite movie series and plan your own movie-style trip, we’re waiting for you at screenbie.com!
