You know the Hawkins Laboratory, that creepy, windowless building where Eleven first escapes? That’s actually the Briarcliff Campus in Decatur, Georgia. It used to be an old mental health facility, and yes, it’s just as spooky in real life. If you ever drive past it, don’t be surprised if you get a weird chill—like remembering a bad dream from last week.
And the Starcourt Mall? That’s the real Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, Georgia. It’s a bit quieter now than it was in the 80s, but stepping inside feels like walking into a time capsule. You half expect to see Steve Harrington slinging ice cream at Scoops Ahoy, even if it’s just a struggling food court hot dog stand these days.
What about the Byers’ home? That classic, slightly run-down house where Joyce, Will, and Jonathan live is a real private residence in Fayetteville, Georgia. Locals are used to fans taking photos from the sidewalk. Just be polite—imagine someone snapping pictures of your own front porch while you’re trying to watch TV.
Don’t Forget the Upside Down
Of course, the Upside Down isn’t a real place you can visit (thankfully!). But the woods and quarries used for those scenes are all around Atlanta. Bellwood Quarry, for example, was used for the quarry scenes. It’s now part of a big public park, which is funny—a place of such terror in the show is now where families go for weekend picnics.
LEGO The Upside Down debuts as the first Strangers Things kit - 9to5Toys
If you’re a big fan, you can even take a guided tour. Companies in Atlanta run “Stranger Things” bus tours. They’ll take you past Mike Wheeler’s house, the school, and even the spot where the boys first found Eleven in the rain. It’s like a scavenger hunt, but with more references to Demogorgons and less actual danger.
