Unraveling the Mysteries: A Tour of Stranger Things Season 3 Filming Locations
Hey there, fellow Stranger Things enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive back into the Upside Down and explore the real-world locations that brought Hawkins, Indiana, to life in Season 3? Grab your Eggo waffles, because we're about to embark on an epic adventure to the filming locations that made Stranger Things Season 3 an unforgettable binge-watch. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and stranger things season 3 filming locations.
Hawkins National Laboratory: The Gateway to the Upside Down
Kicking off our tour is the iconic Hawkins National Laboratory, the sinister government facility that serves as the gateway to the Upside Down. While the lab itself is a soundstage creation, the exterior shots were filmed at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. This vast, otherworldly landscape provided the perfect backdrop for the eerie happenings that unfolded in Season 3.
!Hawkins National Laboratory at Bonneville Salt Flats
Fun fact: The Bonneville Salt Flats are also famous for their speed records, with the fastest land vehicle ever recorded – the ThrustSSC – reaching a top speed of 1,228 km/h (763 mph) in 1997.
The Starcourt Mall: A Shopping Extravaganza with a Dark Side
No Stranger Things Season 3 tour would be complete without visiting the Starcourt Mall, the epicenter of Hawkins' commercial activity and the setting for some of the season's most thrilling moments. The mall's exterior was filmed at the Cherry Hill Mall in New Jersey, while the interior scenes were shot at the Gwinnett Place Mall in Georgia.
!Starcourt Mall exterior at Cherry Hill Mall
!Starcourt Mall interior at Gwinnett Place Mall
Did you know? The Gwinnett Place Mall was once the largest mall in the Southeast United States, but its fortunes have declined in recent years, making it the perfect setting for the run-down, 80s-inspired Starcourt Mall.
Hawkins Middle School: Where the Magic Happens
A staple of the Stranger Things universe, Hawkins Middle School played a significant role in Season 3, with the kids spending more time there as they navigated the challenges of adolescence. The school's exterior was filmed at Riverside Middle School in Georgia, while the interior scenes were shot at Dacula High School in the same state.
!Hawkins Middle School exterior at Riverside Middle School
!Hawkins Middle School interior at Dacula High School
Trivia time: Riverside Middle School was also used as a filming location for the 2007 film "The Final Destination" and the TV series "The Vampire Diaries".
Hawkins Community Pool: Where the Kids Hang Out
In Season 3, the Hawkins Community Pool became a popular hangout spot for the kids, providing a backdrop for some memorable scenes. The pool's exterior and interior were both filmed at the Jackson Aquatic Center in Georgia.
!Hawkins Community Pool exterior at Jackson Aquatic Center
!Hawkins Community Pool interior at Jackson Aquatic Center
Fun fact: The Jackson Aquatic Center is a real, functioning public pool, and it's open to the public. So if you ever find yourself in Georgia, you can take a dip in the very same pool where Eleven and her friends hung out!
The Mind Flayer's Lair: A Dark, Twisty Maze
The season finale featured an intense showdown between our heroes and the Mind Flayer in a dark, twisted maze. While the interior of the maze was filmed on a soundstage, the exterior shots were filmed at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Georgia.
!Mind Flayer's Lair exterior at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Did you know? The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is a state-of-the-art venue that hosts a wide range of performances, from Broadway shows to symphony orchestras. It's not every day you see it doubling as a portal to the Upside Down!
The Byers' House: Where It All Began
No Stranger Things tour would be complete without a visit to the iconic Byers' house, the setting for some of the show's most memorable moments. The house's exterior was filmed at 40 Winden Drive in Georgia, while the interior scenes were shot on a soundstage.
!Byers' house exterior at 40 Winden Drive
Fun fact: The Byers' house is a real, private residence, and the owners have reported an increase in tourism since the show's debut. They've even started renting out the house for photo shoots and events!
Wrapping Up Our Tour of Stranger Things Season 3 Filming Locations
And there you have it, folks! We've explored the real-world locations that brought Stranger Things Season 3 to life, from the eerie Hawkins National Laboratory to the bustling Starcourt Mall. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the show or just a curious traveler looking for a unique adventure, there's no denying that these filming locations offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of Stranger Things.
So grab your friends, hop in the Wayward, and hit the road – who knows what other mysteries you might uncover along the way? Until next time, keep your eyes peeled for any signs of the Upside Down, and remember: when you're going through hell... keep going!