Where was Grumpier Old Men filmed?
1995
City Locations
St. Paul (USA), Minneapolis (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, House, Church/Temple, Retail, Clubs/Bars
Location Styles
Modern Building, Modern Car, Beachfront, Sail
About Grumpier Old Men
The 1995 film Grumpier Old Men is a delightful American romantic comedy. It acts as a follow-up to the 1993 movie Grumpy Old Men, both helmed by director Howard Deutch. The film brings back the endearing duo, John (played by Jack Lemmon) and Max (portrayed by Walter Matthau), who are feuding next-door neighbors living in the chilly town of Wabasha, Minnesota. As retirees, their days are filled with ice fishing and trading insults.
In this sequel, the two grumpy old friends find themselves uniting for a common cause—saving their beloved bait shop from being transformed into an Italian restaurant. However, things take a humorous turn when the new female owner of the bait shop catches Max's attention.
The film is full of poor matchmaking that leads to severe love misunderstandings. A sudden death in the family serves as a powerful lesson that love is the most important thing in life. Even though the insults between the two grumpy old men aren't as funny as they were in the original, the story is still fun to watch.
Critics had mixed feelings about the movie. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a low approval rate of 21%, and Metacritic gave it a score of 46 out of 100. On CinemaScore, however, audience reactions were more positive, with an average grade of "A-" indicating positive feedback.
Grumpier Old Men Locations
Grumpier Old Men features a variety of filming locales that bring authenticity and charm to the plot. The gorgeous state of Minnesota served as the film's principal backdrop, with its many landscapes brilliantly depicted in numerous situations.
The majority of the film's scenes were shot in scenic places like Afton and St. Paul, Minnesota. These sites created a distinctive small-town atmosphere that was ideal for the story. For example, Coopers Super Valu in St. Paul functioned as the grocery store, and the 331 Club in Minneapolis served as Slippery's bar's facade.
The residences of the grumpy old men, John Gustafson and Max Goldman, are on Hyacinth Avenue East in St. Paul, offering spectators a glimpse of lovely Midwestern residential architecture. The sequence at the dog pound was shot in Afton, a place famed for its quaint and tranquil vibe.
A visit to these filming locations would be worthwhile for moviegoers and anybody interested in film tourism. The places not only have cinematic history but they are also located in areas with a mix of urban vibrancy and peaceful natural beauty.
Grocery store scene in Grumpier Old Men
Cooper's Foods, 633 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, United States
Grandpa Gustafson (Burgess Meredith) takes an unusual and hilarious approach to shopping, displaying his feisty and colorful personality. He navigates the grocery store aisles with youthful zeal and has a talent for locating exactly what he wants, regardless of others' opinions or traditional purchasing customs. One of the notable moments is when he puts bacon into his cart without a second thought, demonstrating his contempt for the health risks often connected with old age.
This scene was shot at Cooper's Foods in St. Paul, Minnesota. This local store sells everything from fresh kosher meat to toys and home goods. The store is open from 6am to 12am, seven days a week.
You can get to this location at 633 7th St W, St. Paul by heading roughly two miles southwest from the downtown area. People who drive can park on the street, and bike lanes make it safe for riders to get around.
Oktoberfest celebration scene in Grumpier Old Men
Lowell Park, 201 Water St N, Stillwater, MN 55082, United States
Melanie (Daryl Hannah) and Jacob (Kevin Pollak) find themselves amidst an Oktoberfest celebration in Stillwater, Minnesota, which serves as the backdrop for their intense argument. The lively atmosphere of the festival contrasts sharply with the heated exchange between the couple. They are seen navigating through the crowd, filled with people enjoying traditional German music, food, and beer. Their argument escalates, creating a poignant moment amid the festive surroundings.
This scene was filmed at Lowell Park, a charming riverside park located in downtown Stillwater, Minnesota, along the St. Croix River. The park spans both north and south of the historic lift bridge. This eight-acre park features several flower beds, picnic benches, and walking paths. It offers stunning views of the river and the bridge leading to Wisconsin. Amenities include drinking fountains, electricity, grills, a large picnic shelter, a playground, restrooms, and open spaces.
To visit Lowell Park, you’ll need to head to the Stillwater town center and then navigate to the river. Stillwater is found roughly 20 miles east of downtown St. Paul.
Jake and Melanie at the bakery scene in Grumpier Old Men
1116 Rice St, St Paul, MN 55117, USA
Jake and Melanie visit a bakery to review the wedding cake their fathers have chosen. When they see the cake, they are taken aback to find that it has a fishing theme, a nod to their fathers' shared passion.
This scene was filmed at a location on Rice Street, which is found in the North End neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota. The neighborhood has roots dating back to 1853, when it began as a commercial corridor serving the city's working class. Today, Rice Street is a hub of activity, serving a diverse mix of residents, travelers, and businesses.
To reach 1116 Rice St, St Paul, MN from downtown, you’ll need to head about four miles north. The drive should take approximately 10 minutes.
Max and John meet Sven scene in Grumpier Old Men
150th St N, May Township, MN, USA
Max and John encounter Sven (Burgess Meredith) walking in a daze along a dirt road. This comes after Sven has had a run-in with the legendary Catfish Hunter, a gigantic fish that's become something of a local legend. The fight with Catfish Hunter has left Sven disoriented and in disbelief, adding a touch of humor and drama to the storyline.
This scene was filmed on 150th Street North, an idyllic road located in May Township, Minnesota. The area is known for its rural charm, surrounded by scenic landscapes with lush greenery and serene farmlands.
To visit this location, the best route is via MN-36 E from Minneapolis. Allow about 45 minutes to complete this 30-plus mile journey.
Max and Maria's wedding scene in Grumpier Old Men
Christ Lutheran Church, 150 5th St, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047, United States
Max and Maria reconcile their differences and decide to wed. Despite a last-minute scare where Maria dumps Max, the two end up tying the knot in a ceremony that perfectly encapsulates the film's humorous and endearing spirit.
Christ Lutheran Church is a place of worship located in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, and is where the wedding scene was filmed. Known for its welcoming community, the church offers traditional Sunday worship services, which include singing, praying, celebrating holy communion, and scripture sermons.
To visit this location, you’ll need to take I-94 E from St. Paul. The 32-mile journey will take around 40 minutes.
Conclusion
Grumpier Old Men, the 1995 sequel to the popular comedy Grumpy Old Men, is a film that brilliantly showcases the scenic beauty and charm of Minnesota. The movie was filmed in various locations across the state including Afton, St. Paul, and Stillwater. The film also utilized the rugged beauty of Lake Rebecca in Rockford for its fishing hole scenes. Such diverse and authentic Minnesotan locations give the film its unique character and relatability. From urban settings to serene landscapes, the range of filming locations used in Grumpier Old Men paints a vibrant picture of life in Minnesota, adding depth and realism to this beloved comedy.