Discover Where Forrest Gump Was Filmed and If You Can Visit the Filming Locations

“Forrest Gump” is an iconic film released in the 1990s that people constantly reference and watch. This unique comedy-drama movie is easy to watch. You’ll find yourself rooting for “Forrest Gump” and his loved ones almost immediately. Not only was this movie fantastic because of the actors and dialogue though, but also the fantastic scenery. This film was shot in multiple states, which makes sense considering the main character, Forrest Gump, is constantly traveling throughout the movie. But where was this movie filmed? Are any of the filming locations open? Follow along to discover where “Forrest Gump” was filmed and the best time to visit the filming locations if they are still standing.

What is “Forrest Gump” About?

Before we dive into where “Forrest Gump” was filmed, let’s learn more about this film. “Forrest Gump” was released on July 6, 1994 in the United States. It stars incredible actors like Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field.

This film tells the story of “Forrest Gump” who is a bit different than other children. “Forrest Gump” begins with the main character, Forrest, telling his story to strangers while waiting for the bus. As a child, he is diagnosed with having an IQ of 75 and uses leg braces to correct a spine. At school, he befriends Jenny, whom he falls in love with and pursues throughout the movie.

As Forrest ages, he gets incredible opportunities despite his disability. For instance, he gets into college on a football scholarship, enlists in the U.S. Army, and befriends Bubba, who wants to go into the shrimping business. Sadly, tragedy strikes, and Forrest loses his friend in the war. He saves Lieutenant Dan, though, despite wanting to die on the battlefield.

Forrest also becomes excellent at ping-pong, enough to compete against Chinese teams in ping-pong diplomacy. This description of the movie might sound like a lot, but it’s nothing! Even stranger and wackier adventures unfold many, blending with real history.

Where Was “Forrest Gump” Filmed?

It might be easier to ask where “Forrest Gump” wasn’t filmed. It took four months to film the movie. Large parts of the movie were set in Alabama, although most of the filming took place throughout South Carolina. For instance, most of the beginning of the film was shot in and around Beaufort, South Carolina. This was when Forrest and Jenny were young, growing up in ‘Alabama.’ The structures for the homes, though, aren’t all there. Jenny’s old wooden house was built for the movie and torn down shortly after.

Another filming location for “Forrest Gump” was Chippewa Square in Savannah, Georgia. This is the iconic scene where Forrest is telling strangers about his life. This is also where he delivers the infamous line: “My mom always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

For three years, in the film, Forrest also starts running, as that’s all he knows to do. He does this and becomes famous, as people stop what they are doing to join him. When he finally stops and looks around, he’s in Monument Valley. The group following him is ready for sage advice or words of wisdom, but all he says is, “I’m pretty tired. Think I’ll go home now.” While on his three-year, two-month, and 14-day run, though, he passes through iconic American points like Blue Ridge Parkway, Twin Arrows Trading Post, and the Marshall Point Lighthouse in Maine.

Can You Visit the Filming Spots of “Forrest Gump?”

So, can you visit any of these filming locations? The short answer is yes, although it won’t look like the movie. For instance, while Chippewa Square does exist and gets many visitors because of the popularity of the movie, the bench on which Forrest sits and tells his story is not there. This bench was a prop made and used for the film.

The road on which Forrest Gump runs quickly, destroying the leg braces and escaping the bullies, is in South Carolina, but it leads to private property. This can be a tricky one to visit. What about the scenes set in Vietnam? These were really shot at Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina. This state park is very popular. It attracts over a million visitors each year.

Another scene was shot at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This is when Jenny and Forrest reunite again. This spot is free and open to the public. You can also visit other filming locations like Monument Valley, Blue Ridge Parkway, Twin Arrows Trading Post, and the Marshall Point Lighthouse.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Wisanu Boonrawd/Shutterstock.com