The hit TV series Stranger Things captivated global audiences with its mix of mystery, horror, and nostalgia. Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the show features eerie small-town streets, forest trails, and secretive labs. But where was it actually filmed? While Hawkins may be fictional, the filming locations are very real and grounded in Southern charm.
In this article, we will explore the actual cities and towns used in filming Stranger Things. We’ll look at specific locations, their cinematic appeal, and how the show’s production transformed ordinary streets into iconic scenes. The details will help fans and travelers alike discover how this popular supernatural drama came to life.
Main Filming Location: Georgia, Not Indiana
Why Georgia Was Chosen
Despite its fictional setting in Indiana, Stranger Things was primarily filmed in Georgia. The state’s growing reputation for film-friendly policies, especially generous tax incentives, played a significant role in the choice. Its diverse landscapes and infrastructure can mimic the Midwest effectively, making it a practical stand-in for Indiana.
Additionally, Georgia’s experienced crews, well-established studios, and strong support system for filmmakers made it the perfect home base. The show’s production team was able to recreate a 1980s small-town American atmosphere right in the heart of the South.
Key Production Areas in Georgia
The core filming activity took place in and around the Atlanta metropolitan area. This includes small towns and suburban neighborhoods that perfectly mirrored the fictional Hawkins. Several of these towns offered an authentic vintage feel, thanks to their well-preserved architecture and quiet streets.
Here are the most prominent locations where Stranger Things was filmed:
- Jackson, Georgia
- Douglasville, Georgia
- Stone Mountain, Georgia
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Fayetteville, Georgia
Jackson, Georgia: The Heart of Hawkins
Main Street and Town Square
Jackson is the town most fans would recognize as Hawkins, Indiana. Its charming and quiet Main Street served as the primary backdrop for many scenes. Storefronts were dressed to resemble the 1980s, with attention to detail that transformed Jackson’s downtown into a believable Midwestern setting.
The Butts County Courthouse in Jackson appears frequently throughout the series. Whether it’s characters biking through town or intense moments unfolding near stores, the town square has become symbolic of Stranger Things’ atmosphere.
Local Businesses Featured
Many of Jackson’s local businesses participated in the transformation. Some were renamed temporarily for the show, adding to the authenticity. These include vintage hardware stores, diners, and even a local theater that was reimagined for filming purposes.
Fans visiting Jackson today can easily recognize filming spots and often find Stranger Things walking tours available. These tours have boosted the town’s tourism significantly.
Douglasville, Georgia: The Site of Hawkins Laboratory
Hawkins National Laboratory
One of the most iconic buildings in the series is the Hawkins National Laboratory. In real life, this imposing structure is the former Georgia Mental Health Institute in Douglasville. It’s located on the grounds of the Emory University Briarcliff campus in Atlanta but is generally referred to as a Douglasville landmark in fan maps.
The building’s brutalist architecture and secluded surroundings made it ideal for the mysterious and dangerous lab scenes. Its eerie, clinical look gave the show its sci-fi edge, especially in Season 1.
Interior and Exterior Filming
Both exterior and some interior scenes were shot here. However, several internal shots were recreated on sound stages to allow greater control over lighting and camera work. Nonetheless, the real location remains a fan favorite, often visited by curious onlookers.
Stone Mountain and Other Outdoor Locations
Forest and Trail Scenes
Stone Mountain Park provided the setting for many of the forested scenes, including Eleven’s escape, and the boys’ search missions. Its dense woods gave the impression of untamed wilderness, essential for suspenseful chases and hideouts.
Other wooded areas around Georgia were also used, but Stone Mountain stood out due to its accessibility and natural features. The area offered enough flexibility to shoot various seasons without having to leave the region.
Lake Scenes and Remote Locations
Some of the lake and quarry scenes were filmed at Bellwood Quarry in Atlanta. This location appears in several episodes when the characters go near water or explore rugged terrains. The site is both beautiful and slightly ominous—perfect for a TV drama full of twists and danger.
Fayetteville and Studio Production
Sound Stages and Controlled Environments
While many scenes were shot on location, others required a controlled environment. Pinewood Atlanta Studios (now Trilith Studios) in Fayetteville served as a primary base for indoor shooting. This includes scenes in the Upside Down and other supernatural sequences.
The studio allowed the production team to build complex sets like the Byers’ home and Hawkins Middle School interiors. These sound stages offered stability and safety for more demanding scenes involving visual effects.
Why Studio Work Was Necessary
The unpredictable weather in Georgia, coupled with the need for complex lighting and effects, made studio work essential. It ensured consistency in scenes and allowed more creative freedom during post-production edits.
Atlanta’s Contribution Beyond Logistics
Talent and Crew Availability
Atlanta’s booming film industry meant that skilled crews, technicians, and support teams were readily available. This helped keep production smooth and efficient. Many of the show’s success stories behind the camera came from local talent familiar with the region and its resources.
The city also offered strong logistical support, from transportation to catering, which is critical for any long-running TV show.
Local Accommodations and Infrastructure
The surrounding areas provided accommodations for cast and crew, with many staying in Atlanta and commuting to different filming sites. Atlanta’s hospitality sector adapted well to meet the needs of the production, becoming a silent but essential contributor to the show’s success.
The Role of Set Design and Transformation
Creating a Believable 1980s Town
Although the locations were already suitable in structure, set designers put in extra effort to recreate 1980s America. From signage and storefronts to cars and costumes, every detail was scrutinized. Even the smallest background objects were era-appropriate, helping viewers immerse fully in the story.
Television series like *Stranger Things* rely heavily on this level of authenticity to resonate with audiences. The nostalgia factor was achieved not just through storytelling, but through visual cues expertly crafted by designers.
Visual Effects and Finishing Touches
Some final touches were added in post-production, such as digitally enhancing buildings or adding supernatural elements. These blended seamlessly with practical effects, resulting in a polished look that remained consistent throughout all seasons.
Conclusion
Though Hawkins, Indiana is a fictional place, the small towns of Georgia brought it to life in unforgettable ways. The blending of real-world Southern charm with mysterious plotlines created a compelling backdrop that fans continue to celebrate.
Locations like Jackson, Douglasville, and Atlanta contributed more than just scenery—they offered character, mood, and realism. These cities became part of the storytelling, helping transform *Stranger Things* into one of the most iconic series of the decade.
