Where was Jurassic Park III filmed?

There's a heartwarming scene featuring toddler Charlie (Blake Michael Bryan) engrossed in playing with his dinosaur toys in his backyard sandbox. As he plays, paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant attempts to educate him on which dinosaurs were predators, only to be gently reminded by Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) that Charlie might be a bit young for such detailed information. Ellie's husband, Mark Degler (Taylor Nichols), joins the scene, and they all share a dinner together.

This familial scene was filmed at a private residence located at 1230 Milan Avenue in South Pasadena. Interestingly, this house also served as The Lawrence House in the television series Family, which aired from 1976 to 1980.

While the house is privately owned and interior access is not permitted to fans, the exterior can still be admired from a respectful distance. Those eager to see this iconic location should be mindful not to disturb the residents.

To reach this destination from Los Angeles, take I-110 N towards Pasadena and exit onto Fair Oaks Avenue. Then, turn right onto State Street and left onto Milan Avenue. Alternatively, you can also use public transportation from Los Angeles by taking a bus with a transfer at the Huntington/Maycrest stop.

In Jurassic Park III, Paul Kirby and his wife extend an invitation to Dr. Alan Grant and his assistant Billy Brennan (Alessandro Nivola) to meet at a neighborhood bar. At this gathering, the Kirbys suggest that Dr. Grant should accompany them as a guide for a forthcoming flight over Isla Sorna, luring him with the promise of substantial funding for his continuing research.

This scene was filmed at the Hell Creek Bar, 502 Main St, Jordan, Montana. With over a century of history, the bar has long been a fixture in the local community, serving as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Established initially as a saloon to cater to the burgeoning ranching and mining industries of the early 1900s, the Hell Creek Bar has evolved into a cherished establishment.

The interior of the bar is rich with local history. The walls are adorned with photographs of local cowboys and vintage mining equipment, creating a tangible link to the region’s past. This rustic ambiance contributes to the authenticity and depth of the scene in Jurassic Park III.

If you're interested in visiting this iconic location, it's relatively straightforward. Jordan, Montana, is approximately 176 miles northeast of Billings, the state's largest city. You can reach Jordan by car via US-87 N and MT-200 E. Once in town, the Hell Creek Bar is conveniently located on Main Street.

The group is hastily boarding an aircraft, only to realize that Cooper (John Diehl) is nowhere to be found. Suddenly, shots ring out from the nearby underbrush. As they initiate take-off along the runway, a wounded and frantic Cooper emerges from the foliage, desperately signaling them to stop. Despite his pleas, Nash (Bruce A. Young), the pilot, knows it's too late to halt their momentum. Just then, a colossal dinosaur bursts from the trees and devours Cooper, splattering blood on the plane as it narrowly avoids a collision.

This dramatic sequence was filmed at Dillingham Kawaihapai Airfield in Waialua. Situated on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii's main island, Dillingham Airfield serves both public and military purposes. The Hawaii Department of Transportation operates the airfield under a 25-year lease from the United States Army. Known primarily for its gliding and skydiving operations, the airfield also has an iconic place in cinematic history.

If you're interested in visiting this unique location, it's located roughly 40 miles north of Honolulu. From Honolulu, you can take Interstate H-1 W and HI-99 S to Farrington Hwy in Mokuleʻia, following signs for the airfield. However, given the operational nature of the site, fans are advised to contact the administration to inquire about possible visitations.

The group finds themselves amid a feeding Tyrannosaurus rex. Dr. Grant advises everyone to remain still, but panic ensues, and they all run. This leads to an epic showdown between two massive dinosaurs as the humans scramble to escape. The more enormous dinosaur eventually defeats the T-rex, snapping its neck. Dr. Grant narrowly escapes the encounter alive.

This thrilling sequence was filmed at the historic Jurassic Kahili Ranch in Kauai, which is also featured in the original Jurassic Park, where the dinosaurs are seen grazing in verdant meadows. Most of Jurassic Park III's filming locations, particularly the jungle scenes, are found here. For the film's stunts and special effects work, a soundstage replica blends seamlessly with the actual Hawaii jungle throughout the movie. Another notable scene filmed at the ranch is when the characters are caught in a stampede.

The Jurassic Kahili Ranch, gifted initially to the Mary N. Lucas family by King Kamehameha III in 1847, was purchased to preserve the land and continue the stewardship that has been part of its 150-year history. The diverse terrain includes stunning waterfalls, ponds and streams, lush forests, and remarkable mountainous areas.

To reach the ranch from Lihue Airport in Kauai, take Ahukini Road and continue onto Kapule Highway. Follow HI-56 N and then turn right onto Kokee Road until you arrive at your destination. Alternatively, you can use public transportation with a transfer to Kalepa Village.

The characters board an abandoned barge and set off downriver towards the coast. However, their journey is far from smooth sailing. The Spinosaurus, a prehistoric predator, catches up to them and attacks the boat, violently plunging it into the storm-lashed river. Despite the scene's chaos, each actor ends up submerged in the water due to the dinosaur's attack.

This particular sequence was filmed in a large water tank for safety reasons. However, the river depicted in the film as the "Site B River" is actually the Wailua River, located in Kauai, Hawaii. Known for its serene beauty, the Wailua River winds past stunning waterfalls and lush jungle landscapes along the island's East Side.

As the largest navigable river in Hawaii, the Wailua River offers various exploration methods, including kayaking, SUP, or outrigger canoeing. Open-air boats also offer guided tours of the Fern Grotto, a natural lava rock cave adorned with draping ferns. This romantic spot is a popular wedding venue.

To get to the Wailua River from Lihue Airport, follow HI-56 N/Kuhio Highway for approximately 6 miles until you come across signs indicating Wailua River State Park. This park provides access to the river. If you choose to drive or take a taxi, the journey will only take about 10 minutes. However, if you opt for the bus, be prepared for an hour-long ride.

The group races to the shore and spots a man with a megaphone calling out for Dr. Alan The Kirbys rush forward, waving their arms and warning that it's a terrible idea, echoing Alan's sentiment from the beginning of their adventure. However, they soon realize they are not alone on the beach—helicopters, troop landing ships, and a significant display of firepower quickly join the lone figure. As the helicopters fly away, they are passed by a Pteranodon, a prehistoric flying reptile, soaring freely.

This climactic scene was filmed at the picturesque Pila'a Beach on Kauai's northeast shore. Known for its striking scenery, Pila’a Beach, however, is not easily accessible and can be hazardous due to its rocky seafloor and turbulent waters. Additionally, the powerful riptide makes it unsuitable for snorkeling and paddleboarding, leading most surfers to opt for the more welcoming Kahili Quarry Beach nearby.

Furthermore, access to Pila’a Beach is challenging as the entire property behind it is privately owned by Mark Zuckerberg. With the land's development and the construction of a large wall, reaching the trail to the beach has become increasingly difficult.

The site is not far from Jurassic Kahili Ranch, so you can visit two places at once if you have a car. However, the beach is accessible via a gravel road that branches off North Waiakalua Road. A steep path leads down to the beach, or you can take the path to Waiakalua Beach and then walk east along the rocks to reach this secluded spot.