TeenDramaComedy-Drama

🎬 Where Was The Breakfast Club Filmed? Complete Illinois Location Guide

1985

John Hughes

Added January 15, 2024

2 Locations

Step into 'Shermer High' and revisit iconic 80s cinema! Discover the Illinois schools that shaped this timeless coming-of-age classic.

About 🎬 Where Was The Breakfast Club Filmed? Complete Illinois Location Guide

🎬 Where Was The Breakfast Club Filmed? Complete Illinois Location Guide

Ever wondered where five seemingly different teenagers spent their fateful Saturday detention? You're in luck! ✨ John Hughes's 1985 masterpiece, The Breakfast Club, is a cinematic time capsule that brilliantly used real-world locations to tell its universal tale of self-discovery.

This wasn't just any high school — it was "Shermer High," a fictional institution that felt incredibly real to millions of fans. Its hallowed halls, gritty gym, and sprawling campus became a stage for unlikely friendships and profound revelations.

For the true film fanatic or the adventurer looking for a unique road trip, visiting these spots is more than just seeing buildings. It's stepping into cinematic history and feeling the tangible connection to one of the most beloved films of all time. Get ready to embrace your inner Brian, Bender, Andrew, Claire, or Allison!

Join us as we explore the actual Illinois locations that brought The Breakfast Club to life. You might not get detention, but you'll certainly leave with some incredible memories. Let's roll! 🚀

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🗺️ Major Filming Locations

🎬 Maine North High School Gymnasium - The Heart of Detention ❤️

Scenic view of Maine North High School Gymnasium showing the basketball court and bleachers.

🏛️ The Location

Maine North High School, located in Des Plaines, Illinois, was a former high school that closed its doors in 1981, just a few years before The Breakfast Club began filming. Its abandoned status made it the perfect blank canvas for filmmakers. Today, the building serves as a district administration center for Maine Township High School District 207.

🎥 In the Film

The expansive gymnasium of Maine North High School was the primary location for the entire film's main setting: the library. The production team built a complete library set inside the gym, creating the iconic detention room where the five strangers spent their Saturday. This allowed for maximum control over lighting and camera angles.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 951 Ballard Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016

🕒 Hours: Not publicly accessible as a film location. It's an active administration building.

💰 Admission: Free (for exterior viewing only)

🌐 Website: https://www.maine207.org/

💡 Pro Tip: While you can't step inside the exact "library" anymore, you can still drive by and appreciate the building's exterior, knowing the magic that happened within its walls. 🎬 Fun Fact: The set for the library was so elaborate and convincing that many viewers assumed it was a real school library, not a temporary construction within a gym!

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🎬 Maine North High School (Other Interiors) - Halls of Transformation 🚪

Stunning architecture of Maine North High School interiors featuring deserted hallways and classrooms.

🏛️ The Location

Beyond the gym, other interior spaces of Maine North High School were also utilized, providing the complete environment for "Shermer High." Its disused classrooms, hallways, and offices perfectly contributed to the film's isolated and slightly melancholic atmosphere. The building still stands as a testament to its past.

🎥 In the Film

While the library was the main stage, scenes like Principal Vernon's office, the hallways the kids sneak through, and other brief glimpses of the school's inner workings were filmed within these existing interiors. This added to the authentic feel of a functioning (or defunct) high school.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 951 Ballard Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016

🕒 Hours: Not publicly accessible for tours or interior visits.

💰 Admission: Free (for exterior viewing only)

🌐 Website: https://www.maine207.org/

💡 Pro Tip: Try to imagine the "athletic wing" or the general school layout as you pass by. The building's architecture truly captures the essence of a typical American high school. 🎬 Fun Fact: Director John Hughes often preferred using real, accessible locations over soundstages, believing it added an invaluable layer of authenticity to his films.

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🎬 New Trier High School (Building Exterior) - The Iconic Facade 🏫

Beautiful view of New Trier High School exterior showcasing a red brick building with large windows and a manicured lawn.

🏛️ The Location

New Trier High School is a highly-rated, active public high school located in Northfield, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago. Known for its distinctive red brick architecture and sprawling campus, it perfectly embodied the affluent suburban high school vibe that John Hughes frequently depicted.

🎥 In the Film

The striking exterior of New Trier High School served as the visual representation of "Shermer High" in The Breakfast Club. All the establishing shots, where the camera pans over the school building at the beginning and end of the film, were filmed here. It's the face of the fictional school!

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 385 Winnetka Ave, Northfield, IL 60093

🕒 Hours: Active school grounds; public access is generally limited to school events or from public roads.

💰 Admission: N/A (active school)

🌐 Website: https://www.newtrier.k12.il.us/

💡 Pro Tip: Respect the privacy of the students and staff. You can get a great view of the school's famous facade from the surrounding public streets without disrupting daily operations. 🎬 Fun Fact: New Trier High School's exterior has also appeared in other John Hughes films, including Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Home Alone, making it a true icon of his cinematic universe.

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🎬 New Trier High School (Parking Lot) - Arrival and Departure 🚗

Impressive facade of New Trier High School parking lot displaying rows of cars and the school building in the background.

🏛️ The Location

The spacious parking lots surrounding New Trier High School are typical of large suburban high schools. They are bustling hubs where students arrive and depart, a transitional space between home and school life. The ample space provides various angles for filming.

🎥 In the Film

The parking lot at New Trier was used for the opening and closing scenes of The Breakfast Club. This is where the parents dramatically drop off their children on that fateful Saturday morning, and where they pick them up at the end of the day. The parking lot frames the beginning and end of the characters' transformative journey.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 385 Winnetka Ave, Northfield, IL 60093 (Parking areas surrounding the school)

🕒 Hours: Active school parking; generally accessible during non-school hours or from public vantage points.

💰 Admission: N/A

🌐 Website: https://www.newtrier.k12.il.us/

💡 Pro Tip: If you visit, try to recreate the iconic car drop-off or pickup shots, but remember to stay on public property! The wide-open space gives a great sense of suburban scale. 🎬 Fun Fact: The contrast between the students' individual cars and the uniform school background highlights their distinct personalities even before they utter a word.

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🎬 New Trier High School (Football Field) - Suburban Sprawl 🏈

Authentic street scene of New Trier High School football field capturing the green turf and sports lighting.

🏛️ The Location

As part of New Trier High School's extensive campus, the football field is a standard athletic facility used for sports and other school events. Its well-maintained turf and imposing spectator stands are characteristic of many well-funded suburban schools.

🎥 In the Film

While not a central location, the football field of New Trier High School appears in some of the establishing shots, particularly at the beginning and end of the film. It helps to ground "Shermer High" in a realistic, large suburban high school setting, showing the scope of the campus beyond just the main building.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 385 Winnetka Ave, Northfield, IL 60093 (Part of the larger New Trier campus)

🕒 Hours: Accessible from public roads; field access typically restricted to school events.

💰 Admission: N/A

🌐 Website: https://www.newtrier.k12.il.us/

💡 Pro Tip: The views from the perimeter of the field offer a great perspective on the scale of the campus and the classic American high school experience. 🎬 Fun Fact: The extensive athletic facilities, like the football field, are often subtle indicators in John Hughes films of the suburban environment that shapes his characters.

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🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Dive a little deeper into the production of The Breakfast Club and discover what made this film a truly groundbreaking piece of cinema. It's full of tidbits that will make you appreciate it even more!

🎭 Director's Vision

🎯 Location Strategy: John Hughes deliberately combined an abandoned school (Maine North) for interiors with an active, affluent one (New Trier) for exteriors to create a seamless, believable "Shermer High." This blend allowed for creative freedom on the set while maintaining a sense of realism.

🎨 Visual Style: Hughes's vision focused on isolating the characters, making the school feel like a temporary prison. The extensive use of long takes and a single, principal set (the library) emphasized the claustrophobia and forced interaction, letting the dialogue and performances shine.

🎪 Production Highlights

🎬 Rapid Scripting: John Hughes wrote the entire script in just two days, fueled by a deep understanding of teen angst and social dynamics.

🎭 Actor Chemistry: The cast spent three weeks in intense rehearsals before filming, fostering the authentic on-screen chemistry that resonates so strongly.

🎨 Set Building: The iconic library set was not a real library but meticulously constructed within Maine North High School's gymnasium, allowing for specific shots and controlled environments.

🎯 Improvisational Magic: Several memorable lines and moments, including Bender's fist pump at the end, were ad-libbed by the actors, adding to the film's raw authenticity.

🌟 Cast & Crew Stories

😄 The "Brat Pack" Bond: Stories abound of the cast bonding off-screen, solidifying the idea of the "Brat Pack" and creating a tight-knit ensemble that translated to their performances.

😮 Judd Nelson's Challenge: John Hughes almost fired Judd Nelson (Bender) for staying in character too much off-camera and being difficult, but Paul Gleason (Principal Vernon) defended him, believing it fueled his performance.

🎉 Cultural Impact: The film became an instant classic, defining a generation and cementing John Hughes's legacy as the voice of 80s teens, proving that real stories about high school life resonated with millions.

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🗺️ Plan Your Visit

Ready to explore "Shermer, Illinois" for yourself? While Maine North High School is no longer a public high school and New Trier High School is an active institution, you can still experience the magic of these locations.

🏨 Where to Stay

💰 Budget: Quality Inn O'Hare Airport - Des Plaines - ~$90/night - Close to the Maine North location and offers convenient access to O'Hare Airport and surrounding suburbs.

🏛️ Mid-Range: Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago O'Hare Rosemont - ~$180/night - Offers spacious suites and is centrally located for exploring both Des Plaines and Northfield, with easy expressway access.

✨ Luxury: The Langham Chicago - ~$400+/night - If you're looking for an upscale experience in downtown Chicago, this provides a luxurious base with easy access to commuter trains that can take you to the North Shore.

🚗 Getting Around

🚇 Metro (Metra): While not directly next to the schools, Metra's Union Pacific Northwest (UP-NW) line has stops in Des Plaines and the Milwaukee District North (MD-N) line has stops closer to New Trier. You'll need a ride-share for the final leg.

🚗 Car: Driving is highly recommended for exploring these suburban locations. Chicago's expressways provide good access, and there's ample parking (though school parking lots are for school use during school hours).

🚶 Walking: The school properties themselves are large, but you won't be able to walk between the two main locations (Des Plaines and Northfield) as they are several miles apart. Enjoy walking around the perimeters.

📸 Photo Tips

🌅 Best Times: Weekends or late afternoons are best for external shots at New Trier High School to avoid school traffic and respect student privacy. Natural light midday is great for building facades.

📱 Instagram Spots: Capture the iconic red brick exterior of New Trier, the long entrance driveway, and shots appearing to be from the parking lot. At Maine North, focus on the overall building shape from afar.

🎬 Movie Moments: Try to frame your shots to mimic the movie's opening and closing sequences at New Trier. Imagine the students walking to their cars at the end of their momentous day.

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❓ Quick Answers

🎬 Is this based on a true story?

No, The Breakfast Club is a fictional story. However, John Hughes drew heavily on his own high school experiences and observations to create highly relatable characters and situations.

🗺️ Can I visit all locations in one day?

Yes, you can easily visit the exteriors of both Maine North High School and New Trier High School in a single day, as they are relatively close, both within the Chicagoland area. Allow ample travel time between them.

💰 How much should I budget?

Visiting the school exteriors is free! Your primary costs will be transportation (car rental/gas or ride-shares), food, and accommodations if you're staying overnight. A reasonable budget for a day trip might be $50-100+ depending on lunch and travel style.

📱 Are there guided tours?

No official guided tours for The Breakfast Club filming locations exist, as these are active or administrative school buildings. It's more of a self-guided exploration for dedicated film fans.

🎭 When was this filmed? The Breakfast Club was filmed in 1984, primarily during a four to five-month period. It was released in theaters in February 1985. The filming took place during the warmer months, as seen in the clear skies. 🌍 Is Illinois safe for tourists?

Yes, the Chicago suburbs, including Des Plaines and Northfield, are generally very safe and welcoming for tourists. Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially in parking lots, and respect private property.

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🎬 Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?

The Breakfast Club isn't just a movie; it's a cultural touchstone that speaks to the universal experience of growing up and finding your place. Visiting the actual locations where Bender, Claire, Andrew, Allison, and Brian navigated their Saturday detention offers a unique pilgrimage for any fan.

From the imposing exteriors of New Trier High to the hallowed (and repurposed) halls of Maine North, these sites provide a tangible connection to the film's enduring legacy. It's a journey into the heart of suburban Chicago and into the timeless themes of friendship, identity, and understanding.

So, pack your bags, queue up the soundtrack, and head out to explore the real-life "Shermer High" where magic was made. And hey, don't forget about us, okay? Find more cinematic travel guides here on wherewasitfilmed.co and share your own adventures!

Year Released

1985

Director

John Hughes

Filming Locations

2 locations

Behind the Scenes

John Hughes, the 'teen movie king,' had a unique vision for The Breakfast Club. He aimed to strip away the usual high school tropes and focus on the raw, authentic emotions of characters trapped in a single setting. This intense focus on interpersonal dynamics meant the chosen locations had to feel almost like a character themselves. The production embraced a minimalist approach, turning real-world Illinois schools into the perfect backdrop for this iconic story.

The entire film was shot in sequence to help the young actors develop their characters' relationships.
The original cut of the film was over two and a half hours long.
John Hughes wrote the entire screenplay for The Breakfast Club in just two days.
Judd Nelson ad-libbed the iconic fist pump at the end of the film.
The library set was completely built inside the gymnasium of Maine North High School.
Universal Studios initially wanted to change the script to a more traditional 'boy meets girl' story.
Ally Sheedy originally wore heavier makeup and darker clothes but was asked to lighten her appearance.
Paul Gleason (Principal Vernon) improvised many of his lines.
The film was almost titled 'The Lunch Bunch'.
The actors rehearsed for three weeks before filming began to build chemistry.
The school mascot for Shermer High was a 'Wrestler,' a nod to John Hughes' previous film, 'Sixteen Candles'.
The movie's success cemented the 'Brat Pack' phenomenon, though Hughes disliked the term.

Location Gallery

Maine North High School

New Trier High School

Travel Tips

Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.
Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.
Guided tours are available that cover Maine North High School, New Trier High School in one day.