The final season of Stranger Things has released on Netflix, and viewers have many thoughts and feelings about the show’s conclusion. One thing that diehard fans are feeling is a wistful nostalgia, thinking back on this nearly ten-year journey of watching and experiencing the groundbreaking series.
For the most devoted fans who rewatch the series and purchase all the available merchandise, another experience awaits. People can visit several of the actual filming locations for Hawkins landmarks and other notable places, walking in the footsteps of their favorite characters. Lucky for you, we’ve got the ultimate guide to each of these filming spots that will delight any Stranger Things fan. Spoilers for the series finale ahead, do be forewarned.
1. The Byers House
Most of the filming for Stranger Things took place in towns near Atlanta, Georgia. One of the most prominent homes in the series, the Byers House is located in Fayetteville, Georgia, on 149 Coastline Road, just South of Atlanta. This served as the exterior filming location for Joyce, Will, and Jonathan’s house for Seasons 1-3, while interiors were filmed on a set.
However, don’t let that last fact deter you from visiting. The interiors may have been filmed somewhere else, but this house has been renovated to appear as it did on the show, and converted into an Airbnb that visitors can stay at. The attention to detail is immaculate, and the ultimate destination for the biggest Stranger Things fans. For more information, visit the Airbnb site.
2. The Wheeler, Henderson, and Sinclair Houses
Like the Byers house, fans will be happy to discover the houses for Mike and Nancy Wheeler, Dustin Henderson, and Lucas Sinclair. All three reside in a suburban neighborhood in East Point, Georgia, and are in close proximity to each other.
The Wheeler house, especially, has become an iconic visual image as the show’s first and last scene features the house. Each located on Pineywood Lane, these are private residences, so be respectful and quiet while visiting.
3. Hopper’s Cabin
From Season 2 onwards, Hopper’s cabin became a cornerstone for the series. It’s where Hopper lives with Eleven, becoming her father figure, with many notable moments taking place there.
Like the Byers House, Hopper’s Cabin interiors have been preserved to appear as they did in the show, with the furniture and small details such as Eggo’s in the refrigerator, a stack of VHS tapes, and a photo of Mike in Eleven’s bedroom.
Located on 628 Sleepy Hollow Road in Powder Springs, Georgia, fans can book a fun escape room experience and act out their own Stranger Things adventure. For information on booking this experience, visit the Escape room site.
4. Merrill Wright’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch
In Season 2 of Stranger Things, Chief Jim Hopper investigates the rotting of pumpkins on Merrill Wright’s farm. Soon, viewers discover it’s a gateway to tunnels that go all throughout Hawkins and allow the Demodogs to move freely through the town.
Located near Hopper’s Cabin in Powder Springs, guests can visit this working farm that serves as a pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm throughout the year. Like the cabin, this location is an excellent place to take photos and immerse yourself in the Stranger Things world. For more on this, check out this vlog from Film Stocked on YouTube.
5. Hawkins Woods and Skull Rock
Another outdoor location rife with atmosphere is the forest area where they filmed many scenes. Some of these include Nancy and Jonathan discovering an Upside Down portal in a tree in Season one, Steve and Dustin walking along train tracks in Season two, and Skull Rock in Season four.
The train tracks and other wooded areas are located in Stone Mountain Park, on 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
For Skull Rock, visitors can head to South Fulton, near Atlanta, specifically 1238 Boat Rock SW in the Boat Rock preserve area. You can explore the forest trails and get up close and personal with the impressive rock formations used as Skull Rock. Although the series added the Skull formation, the rest remains exactly as it looks on screen. Don’t forget to take a photo in remembrance of fan favorite character, Eddie Munson.
6. The Creel House
Of all the homes in Stranger Things, the most beautiful remains The Creel House, used for flashback scenes of the Creel Family in Season 4, and Henry’s mind scape for the kidnapped children in Season 5. Its beauty acts as a strong contrast to the ominous scenes that take place there, making it one of the most striking of all the locations.
Fans can visit this private residence, located on 906 E 2nd Avenue in Rome, Georgia. You can admire the Victorian architecture and takes photos, but only from a distance out of respect for the residents.
7. Hawkins Library
A mainstay throughout the entire series, the Hawkins Library serves as the location for many moments in both Hawkins and the Upside Down. In reality, the lovely building is the Butts County Probate Court and Welcome Center in the heart of Jackson, Georgia.
Located on 101 E 2nd Street in Jackson, the courthouse and the surrounding area has that nostalgic small town vibe that viewers loved in the show. A visit here feels like stepping right into the heart of Hawkins, and indeed, the past.
8. Hawkins Community Pool
In Season three of Stranger Things, we see Billy act as a lifeguard at the Hawkins Community Pool. In reality, this location is the South Bend Pool in Atlanta, Georgia.
This real community pool is located on 2000 Lakewood Avenue and is open seasonally in the summer months. Admission is actually free Fridays through Sundays, so if you’re planning a Stranger Things-themed trip, a visit during the summer may be just the ticket.
9. Benny’s Diner
One of the earliest scenes in Stranger Things sees Eleven in Benny’s Burgers. Benny himself gives her a cheeseburger and fries and attempts to help her before she escapes from Hawkins’ government officials.
Fans will be happy to discover that Benny’s is also a restaurant in real life, namely Tiffany’s Kitchen, on 7413 Lee Road in Lithia Springs, Georgia. Sabol Family Vlogs on YouTube showcases how much the establishment has embraced its Stranger Things fame with photos and artwork throughout.
Patrons can also sit in the very spot Benny sat with Eleven, while enjoying one of their delicious meal options such as a burger, grilled cheese sandwich, or chicken-fried steak. The prices are excellent too!
10. Hawkins Cemetery
Stone Mountain Cemetery, located on 1025 Silver Hill Road in Stone Hill, Georgia, serves as the location for Roane Hill Cemetery. The series filmed Barb’s funeral here, and notably, the episode “Dear Billy,” where Max visits Billy’s headstone and floats in the air, while under Vecna’s control.
The latter moment remains one of the most memorable in the entire series, so seeing it in person will be quite a thrill. Although no headstone remains, fans have left mementos on the spot, making it easy to find. So, break out your old Walkman and Kate Bush tape, and pay homage to this iconic moment.
11. The Three Waterfalls
While the majority of Stranger Things filming took place in Georgia, some other notable events were filmed in New Mexico, Lithuania, and Iceland. The latter provided one of the most moving scenes of the entire series. As Mike relays a story about Eleven’s possible escape from death, we see her trekking up a mountain to look down upon some majestic waterfalls, bringing Mike’s dream to life.
Whether the viewer believes Eleven is alive or not (I Believe), it would still be amazing to visit such a stunning place. Filmmakers took great care to film in an actual location instead of relying on green screen or CGI. Indeed, these waterfalls are named Háifoss and Granni and are located in the Þjórsárdalur Valley in Southern Iceland.
12. Bonus: Hawkins Headquarters Gift Shop
