‘Stranger Things’ filming locations: 3 locations to check out

The popularity of ‘Stranger Things’ is undisputed – the sci-fi show has become the second Netflix program to top 1 billion hours. If you’re a die-hard fan, you might want to check out the “Stranger Things” filming locations.

This will give you the opportunity to relive the first four seasons, not just from your sofa — but places where your favorite scenes were shot.

While it’s the shows’ characters that shine, the locations depict an intricate recreation of 1980s small-town America. They are rich in detail — great on screen, and even better in person.

From Starcourt Mall – a mall in season three – to the woods where the character Eleven was first found, to rollerblading in the rink in California (minus any bullying or pummeling your enemy’s faces ) – here are three filming locations for ‘Stranger Things’ worth checking out.

‘Stranger Things’ filming locations: three cities to discover

Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta, Georgia

As the setting of ‘Stranger Things’ takes place in the cursed fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana — most of the scenes were actually shot in Atlanta for the first three seasons.

You might remember a scene from season one where the show’s characters were walking along train tracks in a wooded area. It was filmed in scenic Stone Mountain Park, which is nestled in 3,200 acres of natural beauty. Located 25 miles east of Atlanta, there are a number of family attractions to experience, including the Scenic Railroad.

Here you and your friends can get on board a classic full-size 1940s locomotive train. The train, which travels eight miles, allows you to soak up the magnificent views of Stone Mountain and marvel at the surrounding scenery.

Do you like cable cars? So why not try the Summit Skyride? The Swiss high-speed transport lifts you 825 feet above the ground to the summit of Stone Mountain. You can revel in the breathtaking views of the Atlanta skyline, the Appalachian Mountains, and more.

Here’s a fun fact: Atlanta is home to a number of prestigious universities. Among them is the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), which ranks 88th in the 2023 QS World University Rankings. Other Atlanta-based universities include Emory University, Georgia State University, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College.

Rink-o-Mania in Albuquerque, New Mexico

In the fourth season, we discovered the Byers and Eleven’s new home, located in sunny Southern California.

According to an interview with the show’s production designer, Chris Trujillo, the actual backdrop as this season is based in the scorching semi-deserts of Albuquerque, New Mexico. According to Trujillo, the beautiful foothills outside of Albuquerque resemble those in parts of Southern California.

Albuquerque is home to the University of New Mexico, home to one of cheapest medical schools in the country, according to Student Loan Planner.

In the season four episode titled “The Curse of Vecna,” a number of our favorite characters were featured on a colorful roller rink. This scene was filmed at Skate-O-Mania. Besides being a roller skating rinkit also serves as a venue for parties and skating lessons for beginners.

#Vilnius plans to convert #LukiškėsPrisona former prison and one of Netflix’s filming locations #StrangerThings, into a multifunctional center for various purposes. Learn more 👉 https://t.co/4xQLMFi3kP pic.twitter.com/zwuMWa7TnF

— Go Vilnius (@GoVilnius) April 30, 2021

Vilnius, Lithuania

In season four, one of the show’s favorite characters — Hopper — finds himself in a snowy prison camp located somewhere deep in remote Russia. It was filmed at Lukiškės Prison in Vilnius, Lithuania.

This city is home to Vilnius University which is ranked 400th in the latest QS World University Rankings 2023. If you find yourself in the city, you might rent a jail cell stay with a friend or two at the prison, steeped in history. Reservations can be made through Airbnb for 107 euros per night.