Welcome to the Upside Down: Real Places That Inspired Stranger Things 🧇

Hawkins, Georgia — Sort Of

The fictional town of Hawkins is stitched together from several Georgia towns. Downtown Jackson is the real-world stand-in for Hawkins’ Main Street, the spot where Joyce buys her Christmas lights and where the kids bike past the storefronts.

The Hawkins Police Department exterior was filmed in Douglasville, at a former administrative building at Courthouse Square West. It's now a favorite stop on self-guided tours. Nearby Stockbridge was home to both Hawkins Middle School and Hawkins High School. Both were filmed at a former school campus on South Lee Street. Although the buildings are no longer active, the exterior still carries that perfect 1980s freeze-frame vibe. Walking through the courtyard feels like you might hear Kate Bush echoing down the hall.

The Creel House in Rome, Georgia

The creepiest filming location of all sits quietly in Rome, Georgia. The real Creel House is an 1880s Victorian mansion used for both exterior shots and some interior scenes in Season 4.

The home is private property and not open for regular public tours, but fans can view and photograph the exterior from the sidewalk. Its dramatic façade, gables, and porch make it one of the most iconic houses in Georgia filming history.

Stone Mountain and the Forest Beyond Hawkins

Many of the show’s misty, nerve-jangling forest scenes were filmed around Stone Mountain Park, just outside Atlanta. With its tall pines, foggy mornings, and quiet trails, it provides the exact atmosphere the show is known for.

For an even more otherworldly backdrop, head to Bellwood Quarry in Atlanta. Once an active granite quarry, this dramatic cliff-ringed lake appears in several memorable scenes, including the intense bike chases.

Season 3’s explosive Starcourt Mall storyline was filmed inside Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, Georgia. The interior was heavily remodeled for the series, complete with neon, Scoops Ahoy, and a full fake food court.

Most of the mall is now closed, but fans can still visit parts of the exterior, which remains recognizable from the show.

To recapture that 1980s theater vibe, visit Atlanta’s Plaza Theatre, a historic cinema from 1939 that often screens retro classics. It is the kind of place where you can easily picture Steve Harrington handing out popcorn.

Why Fans Keep Traveling to “Hawkins”

Pop-culture tourism is booming, and Stranger Things is a major driver. Towns like Jackson, Douglasville, and Duluth have seen thousands of fans arrive to recreate scenes, take photos, and join themed tours.

For many visitors, the draw is pure nostalgia, from long summer bike rides to Dungeons and Dragons marathons and the sounds of walkie-talkies on quiet suburban streets. Being in these places feels like stepping into a childhood memory.

FAQ: Visiting Stranger Things Locations

Where was Stranger Things filmed?


Mostly in and around Atlanta, Georgia, including Jackson, Douglasville, Stockbridge, Rome, and Duluth.

Can you visit the filming locations?


Yes. Many outdoor spots like downtown Jackson, Stone Mountain Park, and Bellwood Quarry are accessible. Building interiors are generally private.

Is the Creel House open to the public?


No. It is private property. Fans may view the exterior from the street and should be respectful of residents.

Is Starcourt Mall still standing?


The exterior of Gwinnett Place Mall remains, but the interior areas used for filming are closed.

Are there official Stranger Things tours?


Yes. Several companies and local guides offer themed driving and walking tours around filming locations in the Atlanta area.