The town of Hawkins, Indiana, may be fictional, but much of its unforgettable world was created in Georgia. From a historic courthouse square to an imposing former psychiatric facility, the state provided the settings for all five seasons of Netflix’s Stranger Things. Georgia’s film office reports that the production used more than 100 locations across the state—making this an excellent road trip for fans who enjoy a little pop-culture adventure between their travel stops.
Jackson: Downtown Hawkins
Jackson, Georgia, is the essential stop for Stranger Things fans. Its historic downtown square doubled as much of downtown Hawkins, including scenes involving Melvald’s General Store, the Hawkins Public Library, and the RadioShack where Bob Newby worked. The historic courthouse, now home to Jackson’s Welcome Center, appeared as the Hawkins Public Library.
Jackson has embraced its on-screen identity in a wonderfully small-town way. Visitors can book a guided experience with Stranger Tours, whose headquarters is at 101 East Second Street, or explore themed escape rooms at Jackson Escape Games. It is the kind of place where a quick stop can easily become an afternoon of looking more closely at familiar storefronts and streetscapes.
Atlanta: Hawkins National Laboratory
Hawkins National Laboratory was filmed at Building A on Emory University’s Briarcliff Campus in Atlanta. The former psychiatric facility’s institutional architecture gave the fictional laboratory its unsettling, instantly recognizable exterior. Emory has confirmed that Stranger Things transformed Building A for filming.
This is a location best appreciated respectfully. It is university property, and access may be restricted, so fans should not assume that the building or grounds are open for self-guided exploration.
Duluth: Starcourt Mall
Season 3’s brightly lit Starcourt Mall was created inside the former Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth. Georgia’s official tourism and economic-development resources identify the former mall as the production’s Starcourt location.
The mall’s status and accessibility have changed over time, so this is another stop where it is important to check current redevelopment information before planning a visit. It remains one of the series’ most recognizable Georgia locations, even if a full walk-through is not available.
Rome: The Creel House and Pennhurst
Rome, Georgia, became especially important in Season 4. The exterior of the Creel House is a real Victorian mansion in Rome, while Berry College’s Ford Buildings stood in for Pennhurst Mental Institution, where Nancy and Robin visit Victor Creel.
The Creel House is a private residence, so it should only be viewed from public areas and never approached as an attraction. Berry College is an active campus; visitors should follow campus rules and respect any restricted spaces.
Powder Springs, Palmetto, Stone Mountain and Atlanta
Several other Georgia locations are tied to pivotal moments from the series:
- Sleepy Hollow Farm in Powder Springs was used for Hopper’s cabin and the pumpkin patch.
- The Piggly Wiggly in Palmetto stood in for Bradley’s Big Buy, where Eleven steals Eggo waffles.
- Stone Mountain Park served as Hawkins Woods.
- Bellwood Quarry in Atlanta was used as Sattler Quarry.
These stops are a reminder that Georgia did not merely provide a backdrop for Stranger Things—it supplied the show with forests, small-town streets, institutional architecture, retail spaces, and eerie rural landscapes.
A Georgia Stranger Things road trip is most rewarding when it is treated as more than a checklist. Start in Jackson, where Hawkins feels closest to real life, then build outward through metro Atlanta and Rome. Just remember that many sites are private homes, active campuses, businesses, or changing redevelopment properties. Verify access before you go, stay in public areas, and let the real Georgia locations add a new layer to the world of Hawkins.
Read more: A Stranger Things Surprise in Jackson, GA
