Are you a fan of the classic comedy movie National Lampoon’s Vacation? Have you ever wondered where it was filmed?
Well, look no further! In this article, we will explore the locations where this iconic film was shot. Get ready for a trip down memory lane as we revisit the places that brought this hilarious story to life.
The Griswold Family Road Trip
The movie follows the misadventures of the Griswold family as they embark on a road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles. Along the way, they encounter all sorts of mishaps and obstacles that make for a truly unforgettable journey. But where exactly did they go?
Chicago
The movie begins in Chicago, where we see Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) and his family preparing to hit the road. The opening scenes were filmed in various locations around the city, including O’Hare International Airport and Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park.
St. Louis
The first major stop on the Griswolds’ trip is St. Louis, Missouri. They visit several famous landmarks in the city, such as the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium (home of the St. Louis Cardinals). These scenes were all filmed on location in St. Louis.
Kansas
Next up is Kansas, where the Griswolds have a run-in with some unfriendly locals at a gas station. This scene was filmed in an actual gas station in Towanda, Kansas.
Colorado
One of the most memorable parts of National Lampoon’s Vacation is when Clark takes his family to see “the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota” – only to discover that it has been replaced by a fake one in Colorado. These scenes were filmed near Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Summit County, Colorado.
Arizona
The Griswolds make a brief stop in Arizona to visit the Grand Canyon. The scenes at the Grand Canyon were actually filmed at the South Rim of the canyon.
California
Finally, the Griswolds arrive in California, where they visit a theme park called Walley World. The amusement park scenes were filmed at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California.
In Conclusion
National Lampoon’s Vacation has become a beloved classic over the years, and its locations have become just as iconic as its characters. From Chicago to California, we’ve explored the places that brought this hilarious story to life. So next time you watch this movie, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of where it was filmed!
- Chicago: O’Hare International Airport and Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park.
- St. Louis: Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium (home of the St.
- Kansas: Gas station in Towanda, Kansas.
- Colorado: Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Summit County, Colorado.
- Arizona: South Rim of Grand Canyon.
- California:Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California.