Discover the Real Filming Locations Behind the Classic Film 'Weird Science'

By Daniel RodriguezLast Updated July 31, 2025

Introduction

“Weird Science,” the 1985 cult classic directed by John Hughes, is beloved by fans for its unique blend of comedy, science fiction, and coming-of-age storytelling. While the fictional town of Shermer, Illinois, serves as the movie’s setting, the actual filming took place across a mix of real-world locations in suburban Chicago and on soundstages in Los Angeles. This article provides an in-depth look at these filming spots, explains how you can visit or research them, and offers practical insights into what remains accessible today. Whether you are a film enthusiast, a traveler, or simply a fan, this guide will help you trace the footsteps of Gary, Wyatt, and Lisa through the real landscapes of “Weird Science.”

The Key Filming Locations of ‘Weird Science’

Although the movie is set in the fictional Shermer, Illinois, filming took place at several notable locations in and around Chicago, as well as select sites in Los Angeles. The following are the primary verified locations used in the film, along with guidance and context on how to access or learn more about each site.

Northbrook Court Mall, Northbrook, Illinois

The Northbrook Court Mall, located at 2290 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, IL, played a significant role in the film. Several memorable scenes, including the protagonists’ dramatic encounters, were filmed here. The mall has undergone extensive remodeling since the 1990s, which has altered its appearance, but the core structure remains and can still be visited. Fans should be aware that specific stores and features from the film, such as the camera shop and exterior buildings, may have changed or no longer exist, yet the mall itself is still operational and accessible to the public [1] , [4] .

To visit, you can travel to Northbrook, Illinois, and navigate to the current address. For those seeking to match up film scenes with today’s layout, it’s best to review stills from the movie beforehand, as significant renovations have occurred over the decades.

Niles East High School, Skokie, Illinois

“Shermer High School” in the film was actually Niles East High School, located at 7700 Lincoln Avenue, Skokie, IL. This site is historically significant for film buffs, as it also appeared in other John Hughes movies. However, the original building was demolished and replaced by Oakton Community College. While you cannot visit the exact high school from the film, you can visit the current college campus at the same address to get a sense of the location’s legacy [3] , [4] .

For fans interested in this piece of film history, walking the grounds of Oakton Community College allows you to experience the general area, even though the original structure is gone. Local libraries or the Skokie Historical Society may have archival photos of Niles East for those seeking more detailed research.

Residential Locations in Highland Park, Illinois

Several key character homes were filmed on location in Highland Park. The most notable is the exterior of Wyatt’s house at 280 Cedar Avenue. Unfortunately, the original house no longer exists, having been torn down in the 1990s and replaced by a new structure. Nevertheless, you can still visit Cedar Avenue to view the neighborhood and imagine the scenes shot there [2] , [3] , [5] .

Other residential addresses used include:

1200 Linden Avenue – Gary’s house
1150 Linden Avenue – Deb’s house
1445 Sheridan Road – Additional exteriors

To explore these sites, simply drive through Highland Park and use online mapping tools to compare current views with film stills. While interiors were mostly shot on soundstages, the neighborhood exteriors provide a tangible link to the movie’s suburban setting.

Studio Filming: Universal City Studios, Los Angeles

Many of the film’s interior scenes, special effects sequences, and set pieces were filmed on the backlot and soundstages at Universal City Studios in Los Angeles. These sets provided a controlled environment for complex scenes, such as the infamous party and the laboratory experiments. Universal Studios offers guided tours to the public, but access to specific soundstages is limited and changes over time. If you’re interested in this aspect of the film’s production, consider booking a Universal Studios Hollywood tour for a behind-the-scenes look at where many iconic movies have been made [1] .

Because film sets are regularly dismantled and repurposed, the exact rooms used in “Weird Science” may not be available, but the tour offers valuable insight into Hollywood filmmaking and the broader context of the movie’s production.

How to Research and Visit ‘Weird Science’ Filming Locations

If you are interested in seeing these locations in person, here is a step-by-step guide for planning your own movie location tour:

Start by identifying which locations are still accessible. Northbrook Court Mall and the residential neighborhoods in Highland Park are open to visitors, while Niles East High School’s original building is not. Universal Studios can be toured, but access to actual sets is not guaranteed.
Use current mapping services and street-view imagery to preview the areas and compare them to scenes from the film. This helps set expectations, especially for locations that have changed significantly since filming.
If you wish to visit Highland Park, plan your route to include Cedar Avenue and Linden Avenue. Remember to respect private property and observe from public streets only.
For the Northbrook Court Mall, check the mall’s official website or call ahead to confirm hours and any restrictions. Note that some interior features may be different due to remodeling.
If you are heading to Universal Studios, review the tour offerings and book tickets through the official studio tour page. While the original sets are likely gone, you will gain an understanding of the movie-making process that brought “Weird Science” to life.
For archival material or historical context, local libraries, historical societies, or online archives may have photographs or documents from the time of filming.

Practical Tips and Alternative Approaches

Because some locations have changed or been demolished, it is important to set realistic expectations. If you are unable to visit in person, consider these alternatives:

Search for fan websites, discussion forums, and location databases that offer photo comparisons, filming anecdotes, and community-driven updates.
Reach out to local historical societies in Highland Park, Skokie, or Northbrook for information on filming history and available tours.
Use online resources such as IMDb and MovieMaps, which provide verified filming addresses and user-submitted photos.
If you are interested in other John Hughes filming sites, explore the wider Chicago area, as many of his movies used similar neighborhoods and buildings.

Key Takeaways

The filming of “Weird Science” took place across a blend of real locations in suburban Chicago and studio sets in Los Angeles. While some original structures no longer exist, several sites remain accessible and can be explored by fans. Understanding what has changed and how to research or visit these locations ensures a rewarding experience for anyone inspired by the movie. For the most accurate, up-to-date information about visiting, refer to the official sites for Northbrook Court Mall and Universal Studios, or contact local historical organizations in the relevant communities.