The Hawkins National Laboratory facility is the chilling center of experiments in Stranger Things. This article explores the real world inspiration and exact filming locations that bring the Upside Down to life.
From hidden underground corridors to sprawling outdoor sets, the production design mirrors the show's dark, nostalgic tone. Below is a quick reference for key site details.
| Site Name | Primary Use in Stranger Things | Location | Public Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawkins Lab Exterior | Main entrance and perimeter fencing | Jacksonville, Illinois | No, secured perimeter |
| Test Chamber Sets | Indoor scenes with lighting rigs | Soundstages in Atlanta, Georgia | No, private studio lot |
| Byers House | Family base and emotional anchor | Monroe, Georgia | Limited tours available |
| Starcourt Mall | Season 3 focal point with basement lab | Gwinnett Place Mall, Atlanta, Georgia | Yes, operational mall |
Filming Locations Across Georgia and Illinois
Exterior Shots and Hidden Sets
Most outdoor footage representing Hawkins Lab was shot in and around Jacksonville, Illinois. Crews enhanced the institutional feel with fencing and signage while preserving the grainy, government aesthetic.
Indoor corridors and test chambers were built on soundstages in the Atlanta area. This controlled environment allowed precise lighting for the eerie glow associated with the Upside Down.
Production Design and Atmosphere
Capturing the Cold War Vibe
Production designers referenced 1980s government architecture to create the lab's institutional bleakness. Fluorescent lights, muted grays, and institutional signage sell the clinical horror.
The contrast between the mundane building exterior and the supernatural experiments inside mirrors the show's theme of ordinary places hiding dark secrets.
Key Outdoor and Indoor Sets
Beyond the Lab Walls
The Byers house in Monroe, Georgia provides a warm, analog refuge from the cold lab environment. This residential set emphasizes the human side of the story.
Starcourt Mall reused existing retail space to create the bustling 1985 backdrop, then concealed lab access points beneath the food court for dramatic reveals.
Visitor Information and Expectations
Planning a Location Tour
Most active lab sets remain on secured studio property, so casual visits are not possible. Fans should rely on official tours for residential sets instead.
Outdoor facades may be viewable from public roads, but trespassing is discouraged and often prevented by private security and local regulations.
Planning Your Stranger Things Location Experience
- Prioritize residential sets like the Byers house for accessible fan experiences.
- Check official tour schedules before traveling to working malls used for filming.
- Respect private property around lab facades to support local communities.
- Use the summary table to match locations with their on screen roles quickly.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is the Hawkins National Lab building a real government facility?
No, the lab is a fictional facility, though its design draws from real 1980s research institutions and Cold War era architecture.
Can the public walk through the exact lab set used in Season 1?
No, the primary lab sets are located on private Atlanta soundstages and are not open to public tours.
Where can fans photograph the outside of the Hawkins Lab building?
The Jacksonville, Illinois facade is the main exterior location, but the set is on private property and not accessible for photos.
Are any live events held at the former filming locations in Georgia?
Occasionally, conventions and studio-organized events take place at approved areas, though access to actual lab sets remains restricted.