Before Demogorgons, before Vecna, before the Upside Down tore Hawkins apart – there was just a quiet town, flickering lights, and bikes racing through empty streets.
That is the magic of Stranger Things.
The show made ordinary places feel unsettling:
- a small-town main street hiding secrets
- a mall that turns into a battleground
- a government lab that should never have existed
What makes this even more exciting is that Hawkins is not entirely fictional. The town, its labs, schools, and streets were filmed across real locations in Georgia, USA – places fans can still visit today.
Walking through these locations feels familiar yet eerie:
- like Mike and Dustin just rode past
- like Joyce is about to sprint across the street
- like something strange is watching from the shadows
The Tarzan Way will take you through the real Stranger Things filming locations in Georgia, starting with the places that built Hawkins from the ground up. If you have ever wanted to step inside the world of the Party – this is where it begins.
IN SHORT
- Hawkins is real – and it lives across multiple towns in Georgia, USA
- Downtown Hawkins was filmed in Jackson, Georgia, where storefronts doubled as Melvald’s, Hawk Cinema, and RadioShack
- Starcourt Mall scenes were filmed at the now-famous Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth
- The eerie Hawkins National Laboratory exterior is actually Emory University’s Briarcliff Campus in Atlanta
- Most locations are still accessible today, though some require respectful viewing from outside
- These spots are perfect for fans interested in Stranger Things real-life places, pop-culture travel, and Hawkins-style nostalgia
- Ideal to combine with haunted travel experiences or Stranger Things-inspired adventures for a deeper, more immersive trip
Hawkins Comes to Life in Georgia, USA
Georgia became the backbone of Stranger Things, offering quiet towns, retro architecture, and atmospheric backdrops that perfectly captured the essence of Hawkins. Here are the most iconic filming locations every fan should know.
1. Downtown Hawkins
Real-Life Location: Jackson, Georgia
This is the heart of Hawkins – the place where Joyce rushes between errands, where Mike and the gang wander aimlessly, and where normal life pretends nothing strange is happening.
What you’ll recognize immediately:
- Melvald’s General Store (Joyce Byers’ workplace)
- Hawk Cinema
- RadioShack
- The town square and surrounding storefronts
Jackson’s downtown streets were transformed into a believable 1980s Midwest town, and remarkably, much of it still looks the same today.
Why fans love it:
- Strong small-town America vibe
- Easy to walk and photograph
- Several businesses lean into their Hawkins legacy
Visitor tips:
- Many shops sell Stranger Things-themed merchandise
- Some storefronts retain Hawkins-style signage
- Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds and better photos
Standing here feels like stepping into Season 1 – before the Demogorgon, before the lab secrets, when Hawkins was still pretending to be normal.
2. Starcourt Mall
Real-Life Location: Gwinnett Place Mall, Duluth, Georgia
Season 3 turned a shopping mall into one of the most iconic battlegrounds in modern TV history. Scoops Ahoy, neon lights, Russian tunnels beneath the food court – Starcourt Mall became central to the Stranger Things universe.
What was filmed here:
- Exterior mall shots
- Interior mall scenes (including Scoops Ahoy set builds)
- Parking lot sequences
What it’s like now:
- The mall is partially closed
- Interior sets have been removed
- The exterior remains instantly recognizable
Why it still matters:
- One of the most photographed Stranger Things locations
- Perfect example of retro Americana meeting sci-fi horror
- Feels especially eerie due to the mall’s semi-abandoned state
For fans who enjoy abandoned spaces and unsettling atmospheres, this location pairs naturally with darker travel themes often explored in haunted and abandoned place guides.
3. Hawkins National Laboratory
Real-Life Location: Emory University’s Briarcliff Campus, Atlanta, Georgia
If any location truly defines Stranger Things, it is Hawkins Lab – the epicenter of secret experiments, government cover-ups, and Eleven’s traumatic past.
What you’ll see:
- The brutalist exterior of the former Georgia Mental Health Institute
- Long concrete walls and institutional architecture
- The instantly recognizable lab façade
Important visitor information:
- The building is not open to the public
- It is gated and actively monitored
- Photos can be taken only from outside the entrance
Why it feels so powerful:
- The structure perfectly matches the cold, secretive energy of the lab
- Knowing its real-life history adds an extra layer of unease
- One of the most authentic “Hawkins” experiences you can have
Standing outside Hawkins Lab is a reminder that Stranger Things thrives not just on monsters – but on fear of what humans are capable of when no one is watching.
Why Georgia Feels Like Hawkins
Georgia was not just a filming convenience – it was a storytelling tool.
- Quiet towns that feel frozen in time
- Architecture that fits 1980s America naturally
- Forests, labs, and suburbs within close distance
- A visual tone that blends nostalgia with dread
It is this balance that makes Georgia such fertile ground for both Stranger Things filming locations and broader cinematic travel experiences.
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The Neighborhoods of Hawkins
Some of the most powerful moments in Stranger Things do not happen in laboratories or alternate dimensions. They happen at dinner tables, on front lawns, and in quiet suburban streets where nothing should feel wrong – but does. These real-life neighborhoods in Georgia gave Hawkins its emotional core.
The Byers, Wheeler, Sinclair & Henderson Homes
Real-Life Location: East Point, Georgia
This is where Hawkins truly feels alive. The residential streets of East Point doubled as the homes of the Party – Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin – and became the backdrop for friendship, fear, and growing up under supernatural pressure.
What you’ll recognize immediately:
- The Byers House, where Christmas lights spelled terror and Joyce refused to stop believing
- The Wheeler House, symbolizing safety, routine, and 80s suburbia
- Nearby homes used for the Sinclair and Henderson families, all within close proximity
Walking these streets feels strangely intimate:
- Quiet roads
- Tree-lined sidewalks
- Houses that look completely normal – until you remember what happened inside them
Why this location matters to fans:
- These homes ground the show emotionally
- Will’s disappearance begins here
- Eleven first experiences family, warmth, and belonging
Visitor tips:
- These are private residences
- View from the street only
- No trespassing, no photography of residents
- Respect is key to keeping these locations accessible to fans
Standing here feels less like sightseeing and more like stepping into a memory – one filled with walkie-talkies, bike rides, and the unshakable feeling that something strange lives just beyond the trees.
Hawkins Middle School & Hawkins High School
Real-Life Location: Patrick Henry High School Complex, Stockbridge, Georgia
Before the Upside Down, before Vecna, Hawkins Middle School was where everything began. This was the Party’s original headquarters – the place where D&D campaigns started and friendships were forged.
Iconic moments filmed here:
- The boys’ classroom scenes
- Science fairs and school hallways
- Early government presence watching from afar
The high school complex later represented the characters growing older, facing new dangers, and drifting apart as Hawkins itself became darker.
Current status:
- The original buildings have since been demolished
- The surrounding area remains recognizable to longtime fans
Why it still matters:
- It represents the innocence of Season 1
- The calm before Hawkins fell apart
- A reminder of how quickly normal life changed
For many fans, this location is less about what remains physically and more about what it represents – a time when the biggest concern was winning a campaign, not surviving another dimension.
Iconic Seasonal Locations
As Stranger Things evolved, Hawkins grew darker. The show moved from childhood mystery into full psychological and supernatural horror. These next locations defined that shift.
The Creel House
Real-Life Location: Rome, Georgia
Few locations in the series are as haunting as the Creel House. Introduced in Season 4, it instantly became one of the most disturbing settings in the entire show.
What makes it unforgettable:
- Decaying Victorian architecture
- Creaking floors and shadow-filled rooms
- The birthplace of Vecna’s origin story
In real life, the Creel House is a private residence in Rome, Georgia – transformed on screen into a nightmare frozen in time.
Why it hits so hard emotionally:
- It bridges past and present trauma
- It turns a family home into a place of terror
- It proves evil does not need another dimension to exist
This location resonates deeply with fans who love the show’s shift toward psychological horror. If you have ever been drawn to eerie mansions and unsettling silence, it evokes the same emotions found in haunted locations worldwide – including places explored in Haunted Places in India That Give You the Stranger Things Vibe, where ordinary structures carry extraordinary dread.
Visitor etiquette:
- View from the street only
- No entering the property
- No drones or intrusive photography
The Creel House is best experienced from a distance – just like in the show.
Pennhurst Mental Hospital
Real-Life Location: Berry College, Mount Berry, Georgia
Pennhurst represents institutional fear – the kind rooted in authority, secrecy, and misunderstood minds. Scenes filmed at Berry College transformed its historic buildings into the chilling mental hospital tied to Vecna’s past.
On-screen significance:
- Explores Eleven’s trauma
- Reveals hidden truths about Hawkins Lab
- Deepens the mythology surrounding Henry Creel
What visitors will see today:
- Beautiful stone buildings
- Open green campuses
- A stark contrast between reality and what appeared on screen
This contrast makes the location even more unsettling. The peaceful environment clashes sharply with the dark memories fans associate with it.
Important note:
- Berry College is an active campus
- Visitors must respect access rules
- Certain areas may be restricted
It is a reminder that Stranger Things excels at turning safe spaces into something deeply disturbing.
The Quarry
Real-Life Location: Bellwood Quarry (Westside Park), Atlanta
This is one of the most emotionally charged locations from Season 1. The quarry is where Hawkins believed Will Byers was dead – a turning point that changed everything.
Why this location stands out:
- Steep cliffs surrounding deep water
- Isolated, quiet atmosphere
- A sense of finality and loss
Now part of Westside Park, the quarry is open to the public and offers walking trails and scenic views.
What fans feel here:
- The weight of Season 1’s heartbreak
- The moment Hawkins lost its innocence
- The thin line between hope and despair
Standing at the edge, it is easy to understand why this scene stayed with viewers. The location captures something essential about Stranger Things: grief, uncertainty, and the terrifying possibility that the worst has already happened.
Why These Locations Matter
These homes, schools, and horror landmarks do more than serve as filming spots:
- They anchor the show in reality
- They make the supernatural feel possible
- They turn everyday places into emotional landmarks
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Beyond Hawkins: Other Filming Locations
California Scenes – Lenora Hills
Filmed in: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Season 4 introduces Lenora Hills, California – the place Eleven tries to live a “normal” life after leaving Hawkins. Ironically, it becomes one of the most emotionally intense arcs of the series.
Key filming locations in Albuquerque include:
- Rink-O-Mania (real-life Skate-O-Mania), where Eleven faces public humiliation
- Eldorado High School, used for Lenora Hills High
- Suburban neighborhoods standing in for California streets
Why this location matters:
- It marks Eleven’s isolation and loss of power
- The bright, open spaces contrast sharply with Hawkins’ darkness
- It shows that the horror of Stranger Things follows the characters everywhere
For visitors, Albuquerque feels deceptively normal. That is exactly why it works. Like Hawkins, the terror here hides beneath everyday routines – schools, skating rinks, and quiet homes.
Travel note:
- Most locations are active public spaces
- Be respectful of private property and school zones
- Combine visits with other New Mexico film locations for a full pop-culture itinerary
Russia’s Kamchatka – Filmed in Vilnius, Lithuania
Key Location: Lukiškės Prison
Hopper’s brutal imprisonment in a Russian labor camp introduced a completely different tone – cold, hopeless, and survival-driven. While the story is set in Kamchatka, the scenes were filmed in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The standout filming site:
- Lukiškės Prison, a former high-security prison turned film and cultural venue
Why it feels authentic:
- Thick concrete walls and iron gates
- Stark interiors with zero warmth
- A haunting sense of confinement and endurance
This location is open for guided visits and has hosted multiple international productions. Walking through it feels heavy – less supernatural, more psychological – mirroring Hopper’s arc of resilience and sacrifice.
For fans drawn to darker travel experiences, this stop pairs naturally with interests in abandoned or historically intense sites, similar to those explored in Top 10 Haunted Forests in the World for Brave Adventurers, where atmosphere plays as big a role as visuals.
Travel Tips for Stranger Things Fans
Visiting filming locations is not just about photos – it is about experiencing the mood responsibly. Many Stranger Things sites are private, active, or historically sensitive.
Practical Tips Before You Go
Plan with intent
- Group nearby locations to minimize disruption
- Research current access rules (especially post-pandemic)
Respect boundaries
- Private homes (like character houses and the Creel House) should be viewed only from public streets
- No trespassing, drones, or intrusive photography
Be season-smart
- Georgia locations are best visited in spring or fall
- Lithuania’s prison tours are ideal in late spring or summer
Safety first
- Wear comfortable walking shoes – many sites require short walks
- Avoid night visits unless explicitly permitted
- Always follow local laws and signage
Mind the context
- Some places carry historical or emotional weight
- Treat them as real locations, not theme parks
Stranger Things thrives on atmosphere. You will feel it more by slowing down, observing, and letting the place speak – rather than chasing the perfect shot.
FAQs
1. Are Stranger Things filming locations safe to visit?
Yes, most locations are safe when visited responsibly. Public sites like Westside Park or Lukiškės Prison are open to visitors. Private homes and campuses should be viewed respectfully from designated areas only.
2. Can you visit actual Stranger Things filming locations?
Absolutely. Many key locations in Georgia, New Mexico, and Lithuania are real places you can see today. Access varies, so checking local guidelines before visiting is essential.
3. Are the character houses open for tours?
No. The Byers, Wheeler, and other character homes are private residences. Fans should view them from public streets without entering the property or disturbing residents.
4. What is the best country to visit for Stranger Things fans?
The USA is ideal for first-time fans, especially Georgia for Hawkins and New Mexico for Season 4 scenes. Lithuania is perfect for those interested in darker, atmospheric locations.
5. Can families visit these locations?
Yes, many sites are family-friendly, such as Westside Park or downtown filming areas. However, darker locations like prisons or abandoned-style sites may be better suited for older teens and adults.
Final Thoughts
Although most of Stranger Things exists in imagined worlds, that similar world exists in every place on the planet via deserted buildings, quiet towns, and locations that are slightly distorted or different. This is especially evident in abandoned prisons in Lithuania & small Georgia towns.
If you want to experience this world, you don’t need to be afraid. You are not looking for excitement when you visit these places, you are looking for and to understand how normal everyday locations become extraordinary because of how the atmosphere, the stories and through emotion all play a part in creating these amazing locations, and if you are respectful and thoughtful in your preparation planning for your visit you could experience the opportunity to travel through a location once only known from the story screen.
If you like to be around places that inspire a mystery and create feelings of being alive in the stories, then you should visit one of these actual locations of Stranger Things at least once in your life, and The Tarzan Way’s AI based itinerary planner is always ready to guide you.
