Ever wondered where your favorite scenes from “Stranger Things” were actually filmed? Georgia is home to the real Hawkins, Indiana, and countless iconic locations that brought the Upside Down to life.
From abandoned malls to creepy mansions, the Peach State hides secrets that even superfans might not know.
Get ready to explore the real-world places behind the show’s most unforgettable moments.
1. Hawkins National Laboratory’s Dark Past
Behind those cold concrete walls where Eleven escaped, there’s a real history most fans don’t know about. Emory University’s Briarcliff Campus once served as a psychiatric hospital from 1965 to 1997, giving the location an authentically eerie vibe.
Plans are now underway to transform this brutalist building into a senior living community. Demolition of the former mental health center is approved, meaning your chance to see this iconic exterior is running out fast.
Visit soon if you want to snap photos before it’s gone forever.
2. Starcourt Mall’s Uncertain Future
Remember the neon-lit paradise where the gang battled the Mind Flayer? Gwinnett Place Mall became an ’80s wonderland for the show, complete with retro storefronts and colorful signage that transported viewers back in time.
Gwinnett County is actively seeking a master developer for a massive redevelopment plan. Demolition of large portions of the mall is expected to begin in 2025-2026, which means the exterior structure will likely disappear completely.
Catch it while you still can, because this piece of television history won’t be around much longer.
3. Where Hawkins Police Station Used to Stand
Chief Hopper’s police station wasn’t actually in downtown Hawkins, it was filmed at an old municipal building in Douglasville. Fans flocked here for years to recreate their favorite scenes and snap photos outside the recognizable brick facade.
Heavy renovations have completely changed the building’s appearance, so it no longer looks like the station from the show. Instead, visitors now head to the nearby Palace Arcade on the same street, or attend the city’s annual Stranger Things block party.
The original magic is gone, but the town still celebrates its connection to the series.
4. Suburban Secrets on Piney Wood Lane
Those charming houses where Mike, Lucas, and Barb lived aren’t just movie magic; they’re real homes on an actual cul-de-sac. Piney Wood Lane in East Point remains one of the most intact and recognizable filming locations from the entire series.
Fans love visiting this neighborhood because it perfectly captures that nostalgic ’80s suburban feel. However, these are still private residences where real families live every day.
Respect is absolutely crucial when visiting. Take your photos quickly and quietly from the street, and never trespass on private property or disturb the residents who call this iconic street home.
5. Bellwood Quarry’s Amazing Transformation
Will Byers’ fake body was discovered at this haunting quarry, creating one of Season 1’s most memorable moments. Bellwood Quarry provided the perfect creepy backdrop for that heartbreaking scene that fooled everyone in Hawkins.
Today, this location is being transformed into Atlanta’s largest public park and a major water reservoir. What was once an abandoned industrial site is now becoming a beautiful recreational space where families can hike, picnic, and enjoy nature.
The quarry is much more accessible now, making it easier for fans to visit this historic filming spot safely.
6. Hawkins School’s Final Chapter
Where the kids met in the AV club and fought demogorgons in the hallways, there once stood a real school building. The former Patrick Henry Adult Education center in Stockbridge served as both Hawkins Middle and High School throughout multiple seasons.
Demolition was delayed for years but finally began in September 2024 after Season 5 filming wrapped. The building has been completely torn down to make way for a brand-new STEM high school that will serve the community.
Unfortunately, this beloved location is definitively gone, existing now only in our memories and binge-watching sessions.
7. Hopper’s Cabin You Can Actually Visit
Hopper and Eleven’s secret hideaway sits on a working farm that welcomes visitors during special events. Sleepy Hollow Farm in Powder Springs keeps the cabin and pumpkin patch set intact, making it one of the few filming locations you can legally access.
The farm regularly hosts seasonal activities where fans can take photos right where Hopper taught Eleven about the outside world. You’ll find authentic props and scenery that make you feel like you’ve stepped directly into the show.
This is a rare opportunity to safely explore a real set without trespassing or bothering private property owners.
8. Grab Breakfast Where Eleven Did
Benny’s Burgers holds a special place in fans’ hearts as the spot where Eleven enjoyed her first real meal. Tiffany’s Kitchen in Lithia Springs is a fully operational diner that still serves customers daily, keeping that small-town charm alive.
You can actually sit inside the exact booth where Eleven ate with Benny before tragedy struck. The interior remains mostly unchanged, giving you an authentic experience while enjoying some delicious comfort food.
Locals love this hidden gem, and visiting feels like supporting a small business while honoring the show’s legacy at the same time.
9. The Hidden Downtown Square That Became Hawkins
Jackson, Georgia’s charming downtown square played a starring role as the heart of Hawkins. Walking through this real-life location feels like stepping directly into the 1980s world of the show. The historic courthouse and vintage storefronts needed minimal changes to match the series’ nostalgic vibe.
Production crews added period-appropriate signage and props to complete the transformation. Local businesses temporarily became Melvald’s General Store and other iconic Hawkins establishments. Residents watched their familiar streets become a television sensation practically overnight.
Today, fans make pilgrimages to Jackson to snap photos where their favorite characters walked. The town embraces its Hollywood connection while maintaining its authentic small-town Georgia charm and welcoming visitors year-round.
10. Patrick Henry High School’s Double Life
Stockbridge’s Patrick Henry High School underwent an incredible makeover to become Hawkins High School. Real students attended classes in the same hallways where Eleven, Mike, and the gang filmed dramatic scenes. Imagine doing homework in a classroom that doubles as a television set!
The school’s 1980s-era architecture was perfect for the show’s timeline. Filmmakers shot during weekends and after school hours to minimize disruption. Students got used to seeing film equipment, costume racks, and famous actors wandering the campus between takes.
Some lucky students even appeared as extras in crowd scenes and background shots. The experience gave them unforgettable stories and a unique connection to one of Netflix’s biggest hits while getting their education.
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