Stranger Things takes place in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, yet most filming happened in Georgia, especially near Atlanta and nearby small towns.
Production teams selected these areas because quiet streets, older buildings, and untouched town centers closely matched small-town America in the 1980s.
The popularity of the series quickly pushed filming locations into popular travel stops, giving fans the chance to walk through familiar scenes outside the screen.
Small towns and city neighborhoods connected to the show saw increased tourism, themed events, and guided experiences centered on filming history.
Let us check the places important for the Stranger Things fans and see how they look in real-life.
1. Jackson, Georgia – “Downtown Hawkins”
Jackson, Georgia, served as the primary stand-in for downtown Hawkins across several seasons and became one of the most frequently used filming areas in the series.
Brick storefronts, wide sidewalks, and a classic town square created a flexible setting that allowed crews to shoot multiple storylines in the same area with minimal adjustments.
Streets could shift roles easily, appearing as different parts of Hawkins depending on camera angles and set dressing.
Several recognizable locations appear repeatedly on screen, including:
- Jackson Public Library, used for Hawkins Public Library scenes
- storefronts converted into RadioShack and other Hawkins businesses
- surrounding streets used for bike rides, protests, and town gatherings
Local businesses leaned into the show’s success by offering themed food items, merchandise, and window displays tied to specific seasons and characters. Walking tours operate in town and guide visitors through filming streets while sharing production stories, episode references, and lesser-known details tied to individual scenes.
2. Emory University’s Briarcliff Campus (Atlanta) – Hawkins National Laboratory
Exterior shots of Hawkins National Laboratory were filmed at Emory University’s former Briarcliff Campus in Atlanta. Tall buildings, narrow windows, and stark concrete surfaces created an unsettling atmosphere that matched the tone of the lab scenes without heavy visual effects.
Historical background adds context to the location’s atmosphere, including:
- original use as part of a psychiatric research center
- existing institutional design that required minimal modification
Restricted access remains in place due to safety concerns. Visitors should avoid attempting entry, as trespassing has led to serious incidents in the past. Warning signs and enforcement continue to reflect ongoing risks tied to the condition of the property.
3. Patrick Henry High School – Hawkins Middle and High School
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Scenes set at Hawkins Middle School and Hawkins High School were filmed at the former Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge, Georgia.
Outdoor walkways, main entrances, and athletic areas appeared often during scenes centered on school life, friendships, rivalries, and early conflicts that shaped character dynamics.
School layout allowed crews to stage large group scenes while keeping a realistic suburban school atmosphere.
Visual details added during filming included:
- Hawkins Tigers logos painted on the walls and gym areas
- signage and props used for classroom and hallway scenes
Production teams modified interiors and exteriors to match Hawkins school colors and mascots, helping maintain continuity across episodes. Lockers, banners, and temporary classroom setups helped transform the building into both middle and high school settings, depending on filming needs.
Buildings no longer exist in their original form due to demolition and redevelopment that occurred after filming wrapped.
Physical visits are no longer possible, yet fan photos, archived footage, and behind-the-scenes material continue to preserve memories tied to the school’s on-screen presence and its role in shaping early seasons.
4. Gwinnett Place Mall (Duluth, Georgia) – Starcourt Mall
Starcourt Mall, a central setting in Season 3, was filmed inside Gwinnett Place Mall near Duluth, Georgia. Interior spaces were fully redesigned to resemble a busy 1980s shopping mall that became a key gathering place and conflict zone throughout the season.
Interior changes included:
- custom storefronts designed to match period brands
- neon signage and food court props
- detailed set dressing tied to specific scenes
Entire corridors were rebuilt to support extended action sequences, allowing actors to move through shops, escalators, and food court areas without cutting away.
Lighting and color choices reinforced the bright, commercial feel associated with malls during that era.
Mall activity declined after filming concluded, leaving much of the property closed to regular shoppers.
Exterior sections remain accessible, and remaining retro signage continues to attract fans interested in revisiting moments tied to major Season 3 events and memorable character interactions.
5. Stone Mountain Park and Bellwood Quarry – Forests and Quarries
Outdoor scenes involving bike rides, search efforts, and early encounters with danger were filmed in wooded sections of Stone Mountain Park. Long stretches of forest trails allowed cameras to follow the group naturally as they moved through familiar yet threatening surroundings.
Tree-lined paths, open clearings, and uneven ground helped build tension while still reflecting the freedom and curiosity of childhood.
Natural lighting played a key role in these scenes, with shifting shadows and dense foliage adding suspense without heavy production changes.
Familiar moments such as group bike rides and search parties gained emotional weight due to the realistic outdoor setting that felt both ordinary and unsettling at the same time.
Season 1 quarry scenes took place at Bellwood Quarry in Atlanta, known for:
- steep rock walls that framed high-risk moments
- industrial surroundings that added isolation
- wide open water areas used for dramatic sequences
Bellwood Quarry became especially memorable due to its role in some of the earliest high-stakes scenes. Fans often recognize these locations quickly because repeated use helped establish the show’s darker tone and emotional intensity early on.
6. Fayetteville and Other Residential Spots – Byers Home and More
Fayetteville, Georgia, is home to the Byers House, where Joyce uses Christmas lights to communicate with Will.
Exterior shots of the home played a major role in creating one of the show’s most recognizable visual moments. Property remains privately owned, and visitors should remain mindful of boundaries and neighborhood privacy.
Additional residential filming areas appear throughout the Atlanta region and helped create a consistent suburban atmosphere tied to everyday life in Hawkins, including:
- streets used for bike rides and group scenes
- neighborhoods shown as the Wheeler family home area
House designs, street spacing, and quiet surroundings closely resemble suburban communities of the 1980s. Fans familiar with early seasons often spot these locations easily due to repeated use during character-driven scenes that focused on friendship, family, and growing tension.
Summary
Georgia’s filming locations bring Hawkins to life through small-town streets, abandoned malls, institutional buildings, and wooded parks.
Visiting these places offers fans a closer connection to memorable scenes while reinforcing the importance of respecting private property, restricted areas, and local rules.
Fans seeking guided tours or independent visits will find plenty of recognizable settings waiting across the state.
