Where Was “Grumpy Old Men” Filmed?

Love the 90s comedy classic and wondering: where was “Grumpy Old Men” filmed? Then we have you covered with this insider look at the filming locations of “Grumpy Old Men”.

If you are an aspiring filmmaker or creative who wants to find something that matches the same snowy vibe, then you’re in luck. Stick around to the end of the article, where we share with you how to find a “Grumpy Old Men”-inspired filming location of your own through Peerspace. Put on your winter hat and mittens, we’re going to Minnesota to check out where they made this popcorn classic!

What is “Grumpy Old Men”?

An unexpected hit upon its release, the 1993 romantic-comedy “Grumpy Old Men” has gone on to become a 90s comedy classic. Starring legends of the screen Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, and Ann-Margeret, the story follows Lemmon and Matthau as feuding next-door neighbors vying for the attention of their new across-the-street neighbor.

The frigid film takes place in Wabasha, Minnesota, and shows it through ice fishing galore and plenty of other bucolic winter scenery. It’s difficult to watch the movie without asking yourself the question: where was “Grumpy Old Men” filmed? Today we’ll share with you all of the most memorable filming locations from the movie, along with which ones you can visit for yourself!

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Did they actually film “Grumpy Old Men” in Wabasha?

“Grumpy Old Men” is supposed to take place in Wabasha, a small city located on the Mississippi River and the border of Wisconsin. The film definitely looks like it could take place in Wabasha. The characters spend lots of time in the chilly weather and ice fishing. However, many big Hollywood movies aren’t actually filmed in the location where the story is set.

With “Grumpy Old Men,” the film was actually shot very close to the location where the story is set. According to IMDB, they filmed the movie in several locations in the state of Minnesota, including the area surrounding Wabasha.

Ironically, the movie itself didn’t shoot in the city. However, that hasn’t stopped the area from being proud of its legacy as the filming location for “Grumpy Old Men”. In an article with a local FOX affiliate, the former head of the Minnesota film board Randy Adamsick had this to say regarding the production. “They were looking for cheaper locations than Hollywood and we had all the ingredients – really great locations, great actors because of the theater scene, great crew because we had been a center for shooting commercials and the equipment.”

The article also mentions that the movie’s writer, Mark Steven Johnson, grew up in nearby Hastings and based the movie off of his upbringing.

Where did they film the ice fishing scenes in “Grumpy Old Men”?

When people think of the movie “Grumpy Old Men”, one of the first things that come to mind is all of the ice fishing that we see Lemmon and Matthau do. Seeing them out on the frozen lake playing pranks on each other is sure to make you ask the question: where was “Grumpy Old Men” filmed?

If you want to try ice fishing in the same location, then go to Lake Rebecca, according to The Cinemaholic. The park that includes the lake is the Three Rivers Park District, and it offers more to do than just fishing. Their website says you can also go horseback riding, snowmobiling, geocaching, and so much more!

Where did they film the “Grumpy Old Men” neighborhood?

Along with being a Christmas movie, “Grumpy Old Men” is ultimately about the relations that we keep with our neighbors. The neighborhood where John, Max, and Ariel live is quintessential Americana. It leads viewers to ask the question: where was “Grumpy Old Men” filmed?

You may be surprised to know that all three of the homes from the movie were shot on the same street, Hyacinth Avenue East in St. Paul. I Am Not A Stalker says that you can you find the three homes of John, Max, and Ariel there. Plus, you can also see some of the neighboring homes in the opening scenes just down the street.

Keep in mind these are all private residences. You shouldn’t do anything that would disturb the current owners if you decide to see them for yourself.

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Where did they film the bar in “Grumpy Old Men”?

One of the more memorable scenes of the movie is when John and Max go to a local bar, “Slippery’s”. According to IMDB, this is actually the Half Time Rec bar at 1013 Front Avenue in Saint Paul.

A recent quote from the manager of the bar with a local Minnesota FOX affiliate shows us that “Grumpy Old Men” is still Half Time Rec’s claim to fame: “It’s a big part of the tradition here. People come in just to say they had a beer at the bar from Grumpy Old Men”

“Grumpy Old Men” was truly a Minnesota movie. The production went all over the state and found all the places that they felt most represented their movie version of Wabasha. While they shot the exteriors of the movie on-location entirely, they shot interior scenes at a soundstage. According to IMDB, they also filmed at Prince’s Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

Find your own “Grumpy Old Men”-inspired filming location

Now you know about “Grumpy Old Men” and its filming locations. We hope you’re feeling inspired to go out there and create your own classic comedy! If you’re looking for filming locations to match the vibe, then you’re going to need to check out Peerspace. Peerspace is the number one source for filming locations and production studio rentals.

The platform has hundreds of amazing locations in the St. Paul area. For instance, check out this 1887 vintage home with unique features and decor. You’ll feel like you’re back in Wabasha and have a classic home to film in, reminiscent of the same neighborhood that John, Max, and Ariel lived in. Check out some of the high-quality pictures the host posted and see for yourself.

This is just a sampling of what you can find when you use Peerspace as your next location scout!

Find unique filming locations on Peerspace