Stepping Into Hawkins, Indiana—Or Not?
Let’s get one thing straight: Hawkins, Indiana—the fictional, eerie, Demogorgon-riddled town from Netflix’s cult hit Stranger Things—isn’t real. (Cue collective gasp from fans.) But that perfectly creepy small-town vibe? That’s very real, and it’s brought to you by the beautiful and historic state of Georgia, USA. That’s right. The Upside Down was made… in the South.
Why does this matter? Because knowing where a show like Stranger Things was filmed somehow makes it even cooler. It’s the same reason we flock to King’s Cross Station, hoping to stumble upon Platform 9 ¾. Knowing the backdrops of Hawkins are real places we can visit transforms the series into a nostalgic road trip waiting to happen.
Georgia’s Starring Role: Not Just for Peaches
Georgia may be known for its peaches and Southern charm, but thanks to its generous filming tax incentives, it’s become Hollywood’s darling for on-location shoots. From iconic productions like The Walking Dead to Marvel blockbusters, Georgia has hosted them all—and Stranger Things is no exception. Its landscape offers the perfect mix of sleepy neighborhoods, dense forests, and retro vibes, creating a canvas as versatile as it is haunting.
With a production team dedicated to 1980s accuracy—think wood-paneled basements and fluorescent neon galore—Georgia provided the kind of idyllic Americana meets supernatural menace that could make even Spielberg proud.
Lights, Camera, Georgia: The Key Locations
Here’s a deep dive into the most iconic spots from the show. Call them landmarks, call them photo ops—whatever you do, they’re totally visit-worthy.
Hawkins National Laboratory
Where it all began—and where more unspeakable horrors escaped than we’d care to count. In real life, this is the Briarcliff Campus of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. While you can’t venture inside (unfortunately, Mad Scientists™ don’t take kindly to “Demogorgon hunting”), just standing outside is enough to give you the creeps. Its stark, institutional façade is iconic, and fans often make the pilgrimage to feel Eleven’s eerie presence. Pro tip: don’t yell “Papa!” in public. It’s weird.
The Wheeler House
Mike’s quintessential 1980s suburban family home is located in East Point, Georgia. This tree-lined neighborhood is like stepping straight into a Spielberg movie—nostalgia enthusiasts, eat your heart out. While the house is private property (so no Stranger barging in, please), a quick roadside glimpse is enough to appreciate its place in TV history. And, if it’s Halloween, spare a thought for the owners who probably never get a moment of peace.
Hawkins Middle School
Feeling nostalgic for awkward middle school dances and heroics? Enter Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge, Georgia, a.k.a. Hawkins Middle and High. From Eleven’s dramatic entrance in episode one to more Snow Ball magic in season two, there’s plenty to love about this spot. Fans describe it as an instant time warp, but don’t go overboard—this is still a functioning school building, so you might need to tone down the whole “saving the world” thing while you’re here.
Starcourt Mall
Ah, Starcourt Mall. The 1980s were peak mall culture, and Stranger Things captured it perfectly. The show filmed at Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, Georgia, transforming it into a retro masterpiece—complete with neon signs, vintage storefronts, and food courts that look like your parents’ Polaroids came to life. While much of the mall has modernized or shut down, its skeleton remains iconic. Word of caution: avoid searching for secret Russian labs in the basement. It’s been… dealt with.
Palace Arcade
Feeling competitive? The beloved Palace Arcade—haunt of Mike, Lucas, Max, and Eggo-loving Eleven—is actually an empty building in Douglasville, Georgia. Though no longer an arcade (tragic, I know), its transformation during filming added some serious 1980s magic, featuring retro game cabinets and pulsing neon that made it seem alive. Snap a picture here and mentally yell, “Dig Dug!” It won’t disappoint.
The Byers House
Located in Fayetteville, Georgia, this low-slung, slightly ramshackle home is where so much of Stranger Things’ emotional heart resides. Joyce’s fairy-light wall? Iconic. Will’s constant brushes with the terrifying Upside Down? Haunting. The house itself is private property, so stick to the curbside views and remember: alphabet walls are strictly a Byers thing.
Behind the Lens: A Love Letter to the 1980s
Creating Hawkins went far beyond simply choosing real-life locations. The Duffer Brothers and their team blanketed each set in nostalgia through thrifted treasures and painstaking design. Each telephone, couch, and clunky television wasn’t just a prop—it was a cultural artifact handpicked from thrift stores and antique shops across Georgia. This obsession with detail grounded the show’s supernatural themes in a world that felt utterly real.
Even the decision to shoot on-location in Georgia stemmed from practicality and creativity. With tax incentives easing the budget and the state offering unmatched scenic versatility, Georgia became the beating heart of Stranger Things. It’s safe to say Hawkins, Indiana wouldn’t have packed the same punch had it not been for Georgia’s Southern charm and eerie expanses.
Ready to Visit Hawkins? Your Itinerary Awaits
Planning your homage to Hawkins is easier than you think. Craft your itinerary like the dungeon master you are: Start at Hawkins National Laboratory, roam the nostalgic vibes of Hawkins Middle School, then wrap up your journey with some mall nostalgia at Starcourt. Sprinkle in a visit to the Byers House for good measure, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate Stranger Things road trip!
All these filming locations are within driving distance of Atlanta, making this a perfect weekend getaway. And if you’re feeling especially ambitious, there are guided tours offering trivia, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and Insta-perfect photo ops. (Pro-level advice: bring a pack of Eggos for Eleven-themed pics.)
Stranger Things Meets Stranger Tourism
The cultural impact of Stranger Things has extended far beyond Netflix and pop culture. Communities like Stockbridge and East Point have seen an influx of tourism as fans descend to walk in their favorite characters’ footsteps. Retro diners, vintage shops, and local businesses have embraced the frenzy, cashing in with themed experiences that bring Hawkins to life.
But this isn’t your average fan-pandering. There’s something magical about crossing the threshold of fiction into reality—standing where Mike biked, where Eleven screamed, and where Will once shivered in the Upside Down. It’s a bridge between two worlds, and for fans, it’s nothing short of exhilarating.
The Real Star of Stranger Things? The Locations
In Stranger Things, the locations are more than just backdrops—they’re characters, each adding layers of authenticity, nostalgia, and spine-tingling unease to every frame. From the childhood warmth of the Wheeler House to the synthetic glow of Starcourt Mall, these filming sites remind us why we fell in love with Hawkins in the first place. They ground the supernatural in something startlingly real.
So, the next time you dust off the Netflix queue or binge the series for the umpteenth time, take a moment to appreciate the genius of Hawkins, Georgia. And if you hear the faint echo of a Demogorgon roar… well, maybe it’s time to pack those bags for a (safe) Upside Down adventure.