Where was Grumpy Old Men filmed?

In this scene, we observe a railroad depot in Wabasha with a speeding train passing by. This shot serves to set the stage for the comical adventures that follow. It also introduces us to the two main characters, whose gruff yet lovable personalities are instantly endearing.

This particular scene was filmed at the Rock Island railway depot in Faribault, Minnesota, located near the intersection of 1st Avenue and 3rd Street at 311 Heritage Place. The place has been transformed over time into a bar and grill, making it an ideal spot for visitors looking to enjoy their own unique Grumpy Old Men experience! The exterior shots of the depot still remain true to its original charm, giving any visitor an accurate glimpse into what it would have looked like during filming.

For those wanting to take their own pilgrimage to this historic location, Faribault can be reached easily via car or plane via Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP). From there it is a short drive of around 45 minutes south.

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In a frigid Midwestern town, elderly neighbors John and Max have been sharing their stories of mourning—for the friends they've lost to time—when not exchanging cutting remarks. They both live alone in their homes without wives since death has taken them away. Before Thanksgiving, an enchanting younger woman named Ariel moves in across the street, capturing their attention. The iconic scene of the Grumpy Old Men movie takes place in the Saint Paul neighborhood where Ariel's house is located. John and Max witness Ariel riding a snowmobile on the streets at night, which brings a much-needed thrill to their otherwise bleak and cold Minnesota town.

The scene was filmed on location at 1122 Hyacinth Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN. It is a simple two-story home with a white picket fence that still stands today. This street was chosen because it perfectly encapsulated the typical small-town charm that director Donald Petrie wanted to capture in his film. Remember, this is a private home; kindly keep noise to a minimum.

You can find this Grumpy Old Men filming location roughly 10 minutes’ drive northeast of downtown Saint Paul.

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The snow angel-making scene in the movie, featuring John and Ariel spending time together at Soldiers Memorial Park, is one of the more iconic moments in the film. The park's scenic beauty provides a wonderful backdrop for this romantic moment. The snow-covered trees, benches, and gazebos are illuminated by the warm glow of the street lights, creating an atmosphere that captures the movie’s dreamy tone. As they make snow angels together, it's clear to us that John is smitten by the woman and enjoys every moment with her immensely.

The snow angel-making scene was filmed at Soldiers Memorial Park in Red Wing, Minnesota. The park features a large lake and a fountain, as well as monuments dedicated to veterans from various wars.

To get to Soldiers Memorial Park, you can take Highway 10 and 63 until you reach East 7th Street in Red Wing. It takes about one hour from Minneapolis/St Paul to drive down there. There is plenty of parking available at this location, so you can easily park your car and take a walk around the park to enjoy its beauty.

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John barely escaped peril when Max, driven by envy, pushed the fishing shanty onto thin ice. He faced off against his rival and the two men unraveled their issues: it was clear that Max's disdain for John stemmed from marrying his former high school flame. John points out that his ex-wife had been unfaithful and Max was more content with the woman he eventually married, but Max reminds him that if the IRS takes away their house, there will be nothing for Ariel to inherit. The two are fiercely competitive, so they often play pranks on each other while attempting to catch a legendary fish they have named "Catfish Hunter" after Jim Hunter, the famous pitcher from the Baseball Hall Of Fame.

The location where this memorable scene was filmed is Lake Rebecca Park Reserve in Rockford, Minnesota. It's part of the Three Rivers Park District which offers many activities such as horseback riding, snowmobiling, geocaching, and more. Visitors can also explore 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, as well as enjoy a variety of wildlife including bald eagles and migratory birds.

Getting to Lake Rebecca Park Reserve from the Twin Cities is relatively easy. All you need to do is take Highway 169 for about 34 miles until it becomes Highway 55 west in Rockford. Then take County Road 10 north for about three miles until you reach Rebecca Park Trail.

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The bar scene in Grumpy Old Men serves as a critical turning point in the movie. It's here that John and Max attempt to settle their differences, only for John to storm out of the bar in frustration. This iconic scene is one of the most memorable from the movie, encapsulating both characters' opposing perspectives and showcasing their lifelong rivalry. John and Max exchanged an unforgettable greeting: "Moron," says John, while his rival answers with a snappy "Putz".

This scene was filmed in the sports bar of Half Time Rec, located at 1013 Front Avenue near Como Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This Irish pub offers live music, rotating taps, and pub fare alongside pool tables and indoor bocce ball courts.

Getting to Half Time Rec is easy! The bar is located less than five miles northwest of downtown Saint Paul.

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