Planning a trip to explore Stranger Things filming locations turns fans into modern day travelers. This guide maps out key spots used in the show, helping you follow the story in the actual streets, schools, and malls of Ohio and Georgia.
Each location connects to specific episodes and scenes, from hidden labs to quiet suburban corners. Use this map to plan efficient routes, choose the best time to visit, and capture photos that bring the series to life.
Overview of Stranger Things Filming Locations
The production relied on a mix of sound stages and real places to create the look of Hawkins.
| Location Name | Town or City | State | Key Stranger Things Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson Covered Bridge | Jackson | Georgia | Season 1, Season 2, Season 4 access roads |
| Hawkins Middle School | Conyers | Georgia | Exterior shots, hallway scenes |
| Brenau University Gym | Gainesville | Georgia | Byers home interior, creature effects shots |
| Jackson High School | Jackson | Georgia | Season 2 town, exterior facades |
| Mankato Mall | Mankato | Minnesota | Starcourt Mall interiors for Season 3 |
| Hawkins Laboratory | Fayetteville | Georgia | Lab corridors and testing scenes |
| Harrison City Park | Covington | Georgia | Dustin and friends bike scenes |
| Toccoa Fall Line Trail | Toccoa | Georgia | Woodland access roads and surrounding shots |
How to Use This Filming Locations Map
Use this map as a practical planning tool rather than just a checklist.
Check opening hours, local rules, and weather before you travel to each site.
Group nearby locations into one trip to save time and driving, and always confirm access for vehicles and photography.
Season by Season Location Highlights
Different seasons emphasize different parts of the map, and knowing which sites matter most helps prioritize your route.
Season 1 centers on Hawkins Middle School and small town streets, while Season 3 pushes toward the big mall set in Minnesota and Georgia locations standing in for larger cities.
Key Sites by Season
Season 2 adds Jackson, Georgia, expanding the road trip options, and Season 4 leans heavily on the lab corridor look and access roads that echo the series’ darker tone.
Practical Travel Tips for Location Hunters
Travel light, plan parking, and respect private property.
Early mornings usually mean fewer fans and better lighting for photos, and local visitor centers can provide up to date guidance on site conditions.
Recommended Route Planning Steps
Group Georgia stops together, separate Minnesota visits, check road closures, and build in buffer time for unexpected access changes.
Final Traveler Roadmap
Use this list as a simple, prioritized plan for exploring Stranger Things filming locations on your own schedule.
- Start with public sites like Hawkins Middle School and Jackson Covered Bridge
- Group Georgia locations in a single trip to reduce travel time
- Check official hours and seasonal access before visiting Mankato Mall
- Respect local rules and private property at all filming spots
- Capture photos early in the day for better lighting and smaller crowds
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I visit the original Hawkins Middle School set today?
The school used for exterior shots is a working campus, so access is limited to public hours and events, but the building and surrounding streets are viewable during normal times.
Where was the Starcourt Mall actually filmed?
Mankato Mall in Minnesota served as the main interior set, standing in for the fictional Starcourt, and parts of the building remain recognizable to fans.
Are the woods and bike path scenes real locations?
Yes, the woods and paths around Toccoa and nearby areas were used for bike rides and creature sequences, blending real nature with staged filming.
What should I do if a site is on private property?
Stay on public roads and sidewalks, photograph from lawful vantage points, and never trespass to reach a filming spot.