As Seen On TV: 20 Spots In Each US State That Were a Famous Film Location
Was Your Town in a Movie?
Hollywood might be the heart of the industry, but film crews travel to every corner of the country to find the perfect atmosphere for their movies. From quiet small-town squares to breathtaking natural wonders, the American landscape is littered with legendary sets that still look just like they did in theaters. Exploring these real-life locations offers a unique way to see the United States through a cinematic lens while reliving the magic of the movies that moved you.
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1. Alabama: The Town of Spectre
If you happen to find yourself on Jackson Lake Island outside Montgomery, stop by and check out the magical ghost town built for the Tim Burton film Big Fish. Although designed to be temporary, the owners of the quaint and crooked spectacle opted to leave the set intact for curious visitors. Seeing an entire deserted street with shoes still hanging on the wire will make you feel like you’re dreaming too.
2. Arizona: The Desert Vistas of Monument Valley
Recognizable instantly from dozens of Western films, Monument Valley is the most quintessential desert movie location of all time. Driving between the massive sandstone formations will transport you right into the heart of a John Wayne classic. In fact, it may even surpass your cineplex experience.
3. California: The Bradbury Building
Hidden in downtown Los Angeles, this architectural wonder was the setting of the dystopian, rain-soaked finale of Blade Runner. From the ornate iron railings to the open-cage elevators, the timeless aesthetic has appeared in hundreds of films since its construction. Visitors are welcome to roam around the lobby.
4. Colorado: The Stanley Hotel
You might remember the infamous Colorado hotel from The Shining, but this massive tourist attraction was also Stephen King’s inspiration for writing the novel. Tour guides boast about its filming history and share ghost stories about guests who have allegedly wandered the halls over the years.
5. Florida: The Colorful Streets of Seaside
Sidewalks lined with pastel-colored houses will look instantly familiar because they’re the ones from The Truman Show. The photogenic streets of Seaside were not built on a studio backlot; they are an actual town on Florida’s Gulf Coast, complete with the same umbrella shop and pharmacy.
6. Georgia: The Bench at Chippewa Square
In historic Savannah, you’ll find Chippewa Square, where Forrest Gump sat on a bench and recounted the story of his life. It has been dubbed “Forrest Gump’s park” by tourists and locals alike. Although the original bench has been preserved in a museum, you can visit the historic site and see where the iconic fiberglass perch once stood.
7. Illinois: The Home Alone House
Welcome to the neighborhood! Homewood, Illinois, has been attracting tourists since its role in the Home Alone films. It’s quite remarkable how similar the neighborhood looks today compared to that wintry Chicago night in 1990.
8. Iowa: The Field of Dreams
You can now say you’ve been to “America’s favorite ballfield” because the Field of Dreams movie set is located in Dyersville, Iowa. Thousands of visitors flock to the small town every year to take the field’s tour and maybe even step onto sacred ground where Ray played catch with his dad. Don’t be surprised if you get emotional either.
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9. Kansas: The Monument Rocks
While many people associate the state with a certain farmhouse and a tornado, these towering chalk formations were a key location for the gritty Western The Outlaw Josey Wales. The jagged white pillars rise out of the flat plains and provide a stark, beautiful contrast to the surrounding farmland. It’s a hidden gem that offers a much different look at the region.
10. Louisiana: Oak Alley Plantation
This historic estate with its tunnel of 300-year-old oak trees provided the hauntingly beautiful setting for the gothic drama Interview with the Vampire. The long driveway creates a dramatic entrance that has been used in numerous films to signify wealth, history, or a sense of impending doom. You’ll recognize the massive columns and shaded porches as the backdrop for many of the film’s most intense emotional beats.
11. Maine: Marshall Point Lighthouse
Remember when Forrest Gump reached the end of his journey? That’s because he made it to this beautiful viewpoint in Maine. Jogging along the coast, Forrest finally reached his goal and arrived at the Atlantic Ocean.
12. Maryland: The Blair Woods
The town of Burkittsville became famous overnight after the release of The Blair Witch Project, and nearby Seneca Creek State Park is where the actual hiking scenes took place. You can trek through the same dense forests and over the small creeks that seemed so terrifying in the shaky-cam footage. Just try not to think about any mysterious stick figures hanging from the trees.
13. Massachusetts: The L Street Tavern
This unassuming neighborhood bar in South Boston is where the characters in Good Will Hunting spent their nights drinking and debating. The interior has kept much of its original charm, making it a favorite haunt for locals and movie buffs alike who want to sit in the same booths as Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. It’s a great example of how a regular local spot can become pop culture history.
14. Montana: The Glaciers of Medicine Lake
If you’re looking to feel small, head over to Glacier National Park in Montana and check out Medicine Lake. Used in the intro of The Shining to portray isolation, this gorgeous blue lake encompasses everything Mother Nature has to offer. Bundle up and take a drive down Going-to-the-Sun Road for more epic views.
15. New Jersey: The Quick Stop Groceries
If you’re a fan of independent cinema, you’ll definitely recognize this convenience store in Leonardo as the primary setting for the cult hit Clerks. Kevin Smith actually worked at the store while filming the movie at night, which adds a layer of authenticity you don’t usually find in Hollywood. The storefront still looks remarkably similar to its black-and-white counterpart.
16. New Mexico: The San Francisco de Asis Mission Church
Established in 1776, this Taos landmark has been the backdrop for many films over the years, but most notably Easy Rider. The smooth curves and mammoth buttresses give it a look that can’t be duplicated by modern technology. Be sure to visit this sacred place and spend some time breathing in the history.
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17. New York: The Firehouse of Hook & Ladder 8
If you made it this far without mentioning Ghostbusters, you’re obviously from New York. Take a trip down to Tribeca and check out the active firehouse that served as Ghostbusters headquarters. They actually let fans take pictures inside if you’re lucky, but always respect the firefighters while they’re on duty.
18. North Carolina: Chimney Rock State Park
You might remember this location from The Last of the Mohicans, but visitors can check out these magical hiking trails all year long. Located in Chimney Rock State Park, you can explore a multitude of wilderness and visit the same sites as Hawkeye, Chingachgook, and Uncas. Feel the breeze against your face as you run along waterfalls and cliffs.
19. Ohio: The Ohio State Reformatory
You’ll know you’ve found the Ohio State Reformatory when you see the gate engraved with The Shawshank Redemption. Take a tour of this historic prison and see everything from Andy’s tunnel to Hadley’s office. Staff there are extremely knowledgeable and love sharing the cinematic history with fans.
20. Oregon: The Goonies House
Head to Astoria, Oregon and find yourself on the same stomping grounds as The Goonies. You can tour Ocean Avenue, where King Carlson once ruled, but the Goonies house itself is privately owned. However, you can snap a photo from across the street and explore the beaches where they filmed those final scenes of the adventure.
