Where was Stranger Things filmed? Discover the monster hit’s real-world filming locations and explore Hawkins like never before!
Grab your Eggo waffles and walkie-talkie – it’s time to uncover where Stranger Things was actually filmed!
While the series claims to take place in Hawkins, Indiana, the real action happened across Georgia, New Mexico, and even Lithuania. From creepy labs to cursed mansions, each real location helped bring the Upside Down to life.
Table of Contents
👾 Stranger Things Filming Locations
Whether you’re a trivia-loving fan or planning your next binge, here’s your complete guide to all Stranger Things filming locations – with real places first and their on-screen counterparts in brackets.
😀 Season 1: Georgia Steps in for Hawkins, Indiana
The world met Eleven, Mike, and the rest of the gang in 2016, but “Hawkins” was never in Indiana – it was all filmed in Georgia. The Peach State’s small towns, forests, and 1980s vibe made it the perfect double for America’s creepiest suburb.
Stranger Things Filming Locations – Season 1:
- Georgia Mental Health Institute, Atlanta (Hawkins National Laboratory): The psychiatric hospital near Emory University in Druid Hills became the sinister lab that started it all.
- Downtown Jackson, Georgia (Downtown Hawkins): The heart of Hawkins — home to Melvald’s General Store, the library, and the Palace Arcade.
- 2530 Piney Wood Lane, East Point (Wheeler Residence): The classic suburban home where the kids plotted D&D campaigns and monster hunts.
- Bellwood Quarry, Atlanta (The Quarry Scene): The dramatic spot where the boys believe they’ve found Will’s body – an iconic moment. Westside Park was created around the quarry.
- 506 Center Street, Palmetto (Bradley’s Big Buy Grocery): Eleven’s first solo shopping trip (and Eggo heist) took place here.
💡 Fan trivia: Locals near Atlanta often spotted cast members on bikes between takes. Apparently, Finn Wolfhard once tried to race the crew vans and lost spectacularly.
😎 Season 2: Same State, Darker Upside Down
Season 2 dove deeper into Hawkins’ mysteries while sticking to its Georgia roots. With new characters and a bigger threat, the familiar streets and schools of “Indiana” came back to life once again.
Stranger Things Filming Locations – Season 2:
- Downtown Jackson, Georgia (Hawkins Town Square): Expanded filming captured new storefronts, including the arcade and RadioShack.
- Patrick Henry High School, Stockbridge (Hawkins Middle & High School): The halls of heartbreak and science fairs for the kids.
- Old Douglasville City Hall, Douglasville (Hawkins Police Department): Chief Hopper’s workplace and the nerve center of every investigation.
- Stone Mountain Park, Georgia (Hawkins Woods & Cornfields): The eerie chase scenes and forest encounters were filmed here.
- East Point Suburbs, Georgia (Byers and Wheeler Homes): The same cozy cul-de-sacs, just with more supernatural chaos this time.
💡 Fan trivia: To recreate that “Midwestern autumn” look, the crew actually spray-painted Georgia’s green grass and added fake leaves – the dedication was real.
🤘 Season 3: Scoops Ahoy and Neon Dreams
Season 3 brought a blast of retro color and mall madness—and yes, it was still filmed in Georgia. With its perfect blend of 80s nostalgia and supernatural mayhem, this season’s filming locations were some of the show’s most recognizable.
Stranger Things Filming Locations – Season 3:
- Gwinnett Place Mall, Duluth (Starcourt Mall): Once a regular shopping mall, it was transformed into the pastel paradise of Scoops Ahoy, complete with neon lights and secret Russian labs.
- Downtown Jackson, Georgia (Downtown Hawkins): The ever-familiar streets returned for Fourth of July festivities and fireworks.
- South Bend Pool, Atlanta (Hawkins Community Pool): The summer hangout spot for Billy, Max, and the rest of Hawkins’ teens.
- Sleepy Hollow Farm, Powder Springs (Hopper’s Cabin and Pumpkin Patch): The rural hideaway where Hopper and Eleven lived – and the site of some haunting fall scenes.
- East Point Neighborhoods, Georgia (Hawkins Suburbs): Used again for those nostalgic bike rides and heartwarming group moments.
💡 Fan trivia: The crew shot Starcourt Mall scenes overnight for months – because filming during the day risked fans sneaking in for selfies mid-shoot!
🎬 Season 4: From Georgia to New Mexico to Lithuania
Season 4 took the series global – expanding beyond Hawkins and even beyond the U.S. From the sunny sprawl of New Mexico to the freezing depths of Lithuania, Stranger Things leveled up its locations in every way.
Stranger Things Filming Locations – Season 4:
- Albuquerque, New Mexico (Lenora Hills, California): Will and Eleven’s new “California” life, including the high school and roller rink, was filmed in Albuquerque.
- Lukiškės Prison, Vilnius, Lithuania (Russian Prison): The bleak prison where Hopper is held — filmed in an actual decommissioned prison for authenticity.
- Claremont House, Rome, Georgia (Creel House): This haunted Victorian mansion served as Vecna’s terrifying lair.
- Griffin, Georgia (Forest Hills Trailer Park): Eddie Munson’s home base and the meeting spot for the Hellfire Club.
- Stone Mountain Cemetery, Georgia (Hawkins Cemetery): The emotional showdown scene with Max was filmed here – one of the season’s most unforgettable moments.
💡 Fan trivia: To achieve the eerie “Russian winter” look in Lithuania, the crew filmed during the actual snow season – no CGI blizzards required.
🎥 Where Is Stranger Things Filming Season 5?
Season 5 – the show’s grand finale – is once again filming primarily in Georgia, bringing the story back full circle to its roots in Hawkins. Production resumed in 2024 after industry delays, with new and familiar Georgia locations confirmed.
Stranger Things Filming Locations – Season 5 (Expected):
- EUE / Screen Gems Studios, Atlanta (Soundstage for Hawkins Interiors): The show’s main production home since Season 1 continues to host interior sets.
- Downtown Jackson, Georgia (Downtown Hawkins): Returning once more as the town that started it all – likely featuring heavy battle sequences for the final showdown.
- Claremont House, Rome, Georgia (Creel House): Vecna’s lair remains central to the storyline, with reported filming extensions around this location.
- New Sets Near Atlanta (Hawkins Lab Rebuild): A reconstructed version of the iconic lab is rumored for key flashbacks and final scenes.
- Stone Mountain and Powder Springs Areas (Forests & Cabins): Expected backdrops for outdoor Upside Down sequences.
💡 Fan trivia: The Duffer Brothers teased that Season 5 will be the most Hawkins-centric yet – “a love letter to where it all began.” Expect practical effects, emotional goodbyes, and maybe a few new Georgia landmarks joining the Stranger Things filming legacy.
So, where was Stranger Things filmed? The short answer: mostly Georgia, but the story spans the world.
From Georgia’s small towns to New Mexico’s deserts and Lithuania’s frozen prisons, the Duffer Brothers’ Stranger Things has built an unforgettable cinematic world – all while making Hawkins feel real enough to visit.
And with Season 5 bringing production back home to Georgia, fans can look forward to one final adventure in the same nostalgic neighborhoods where it all began. Next time you binge the show, you’ll know exactly where the magic happened.
And if you ever find yourself near Atlanta, maybe take a bike ride through “Hawkins.” Just… watch out for the Demogorgons. 🚲👾
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