Visit ‘Hawkins’: Stranger Things Filming Locations

Netflix’s phenomenon ‘Stranger Things’ has captivated audiences worldwide with its blend of 1980s nostalgia, government conspiracies, and supernatural thrills. The show’s success is partly due to its immersive creation of the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. Fans often wonder: where exactly was this iconic setting filmed? If you’re eager to explore the real-world spots that served as the backdrop for the Wheeler house, the eerie Hawkins Lab, or memorable scenes from later seasons, you’re in luck – many of these locations are accessible to visitors.

Georgia: The Heart of Hawkins

Since its debut, Georgia, particularly the Atlanta area and surrounding towns, has been the primary filming location for ‘Stranger Things.’ Its versatile backdrops and classic suburban atmosphere provided the perfect canvas to build the world of Hawkins. The state’s blend of suburban architecture, natural landscapes, and film-friendly infrastructure made it an ideal choice, despite being far from the show’s intended Midwestern setting.

Key landmarks fans can visit include the former Georgia Mental Health Institute on Emory University’s Briarcliff campus, which served as the ominous Hawkins Lab where Eleven was experimented on. The Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, Georgia, was transformed into the neon-soaked setting for major battle scenes in later seasons. Both Hawkins Middle School and Hawkins High School were filmed at the Patrick Henry Adult Education Center in Stockbridge, Georgia. Production crews also utilized various homes, stores, and hospitals across Douglasville, Fayetteville, Smyrna, and Atlanta to create the show’s immersive world.

Exploring Georgia’s ‘Stranger Things’ Connections

When visiting Atlanta, consider exploring the Atlanta Botanical Garden for its seasonal exhibitions or Centennial Olympic Park, a 20-minute drive from Emory University, known for its water features and walking paths. For dining, The Vortex Bar & Grill offers a casual, iconic burger experience, while Ray’s In the City provides an upscale seafood and steak dinner with live jazz. Accommodation options range from the centrally located Atlanta Marriott Marquis to the more economical Home2 Suites by Hilton Atlanta Downtown.

New Mexico: Desert Terrain and California Suburbs

As the scope of ‘Stranger Things’ expanded, so did its filming locations. In season four, the production team utilized Albuquerque, New Mexico, and its surroundings to double for both sunny Southern California suburbs and the vast Nevada desert, giving the show a fresh visual identity. Albuquerque’s unique terrain proved to be the perfect stand-in for the fictional ‘Lenora Hills,’ where characters relocated.

Fans will recognize Eldorado High School as the real-life setting for Lenora High, the site of intense bullying scenes involving Eleven. In a remarkable visual feat, the production also transformed the desert landscape into snowy Alaska for scenes featuring Joyce and Murray’s rescue of Hopper. Production designer Chris Trujillo noted the enchanting quality of the desert landscape, making it a memorable location for the cast and crew.

Experiencing New Mexico’s Filming Sites

When visiting Albuquerque, consider exploring the Valles Caldera, a stunning nature preserve about two hours from the city center. The Albuquerque Museum offers insights into local history and culture. For dining, the Sawmill Market provides a variety of food court-style options, while La Guelaguetza offers authentic Mexican cuisine. Accommodation choices include the culturally decorated Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town or the more affordable Arrive Albuquerque.

Lithuania: Snowy Russian Backdrops

For the scenes set in a snowy Russian prison camp, the production team traveled to Vilnius, Lithuania. Despite geographical differences, Lithuania’s landscapes provided an authentic backdrop for these darker storylines. The most iconic location used was Lukiškės Prison, a real-life prison with an eerie atmosphere that perfectly suited the intense gulag scenes featuring Hopper.

The Lithuanian countryside also played a significant role, with its forests described as feeling ‘larger and older’ than those in the U.S., contributing a distinct, moody look to the scenes. For nightlife, ‘Who Hit John’ was a favorite hangout for the cast and crew. The Vilnius Museum of Illusions offers immersive exhibitions and unique photo opportunities.

Visiting Vilnius and Its Filming Sites

The best times to visit Vilnius for pleasant weather and fewer crowds are late spring (May to June) or early fall (September to October). The city has an extensive public bus and trolleybus network, with taxis and ride-sharing services also readily available. For dining, Etno Dvaras offers affordable, authentic Lithuanian cuisine, while Galo do Porto provides a taste of Portuguese dishes. Highly-rated accommodations include the historic Hotel Pacai in Old Town or the more economical Artis.

Frequently Asked Questions

• **Season One Release:** Season one of ‘Stranger Things’ premiered on Netflix on July 15, 2016.
• **Season Four Filming:** Filming for season four began in early 2020, faced pandemic delays, and wrapped up in 2021.