Where was Uncle Buck filmed?
1989
City Locations
Evanston (USA), Chicago (USA), Cicero (USA), Wheeling (USA), Northbrook (USA), Riverwoods (USA), Winnetka (USA), Glencoe (USA), Lake Geneva (USA), Northfield (USA), Highland Park (USA)
Location Types
School, House, Bar, Club
Location Styles
Modern Building, Modern Car, School
About Uncle Buck
Uncle Buck is a funny, touching movie that has stayed with many people since its 1989 release. The movie, directed by John Hughes, stars John Candy as Buck Russell, a strange and likable bachelor who ends up taking care of his brother's rebellious teenage daughter and her cute little siblings. The story starts when Buck's brother and sister-in-law have to leave town quickly because of a family situation. They don't want to, but they have no choice but to ask Uncle Buck to watch their kids. The wary kids slowly warm up to Buck after a series of funny and touching events. Buck's unique way of caring for kids, from making huge pancakes to going on laundry day adventures, causes chaos and opportunities for kids to bond. Along with funny parts, the movie also deals with family, duty, and how love can show up in strange ways. At first, Buck doesn't seem like the right person to be a babysitter, but he shows that sometimes the strangest ways are the best way to bring a family closer together. Uncle Buck is a famous movie that keeps people interested with its mix of wit, heart, and a great performance by John Candy. This picture shows that family is more than just following the rules; it's about liking and sticking with each other through good times and bad.
Uncle Buck Locations
Fans of Uncle Buck were taken to beautiful places in Illinois and Ontario, Canada, to film scenes from everyday life in the suburbs. Most of the scenes were shot in and around Chicago, in and around Evanston, Winnetka, Northbrook, Riverwoods, and other places. In these places, you could see what life is like in a Midwest neighborhood. They were perfect for Uncle Buck's funny and touching trips. Evanston, with its cute streets and friendly neighborhoods, was the perfect setting for the Russell home, which had a perfect suburban feel. The surrounding old and vibrant metropolis of Chicago boasts a diverse urban scene, including Emmits Irish Pub on Milwaukee Avenue and Uncle Buck's modest apartment complex on Sheffield Avenue. Many different places, from quiet suburbs to busy towns, were used to film the movie, giving it a very Midwestern feel. Fans of the movie or people who are interested in the beautiful scenery would enjoy visiting these places. People can walk through the cute streets of Evanston, which is in the busy city of Chicago, and even find the exact spots where famous scenes happen. This kind of trip is fun for Uncle Buck fans because it takes them back in time and lets them see some of Illinois's most beautiful towns and sights.
Fun Fact
One interesting thing about the movie is that it features a young Macaulay Culkin in one of his first big parts, before his huge hit in "Home Alone," which was also directed by John Hughes. His questioning scene with John Candy is great, showing how well the two actors work together and when to laugh.
The Russell family moves to the suburbs scene in Uncle Buck
2602 Lincoln St, Evanston, IL
Bob (M. Brown) and Cindy Russell (Elaine Bromka), together with their three children, Tia (Jean Louisa Kelly), Miles (Macaulay Culkin), and Maizy (Gaby Hoffmann), recently relocated from Indianapolis to a suburb near Chicago. Tia's resentment of the transfer leads to a strained relationship with her mother. Evanston, Illinois's Lincoln Street, is a beautiful street with a rich architectural history. The Dwight Perkins house at 2212 Lincoln St. is a great example of the Prairie Style with Arts and Crafts influences. This lively street has a mix of historic homes and modern conveniences, creating a unique mix of neighborhood peace and architectural beauty. Evanston residents want to live there because it's close to beaches and cultural sites. To get to Dempster St. in Skokie, take I-94 W. From I-94 W, take exit 37. Keep going on Dempster St. until you reach Lincoln St. in Evanston. It takes about 30 minutes to drive, but that depends on traffic. Make sure you check to see if any roads are closed or being worked on that could change your plan.
Chicago Filming Locations Exploration
Buck comes to the school scene in Uncle Buck
Romona Elementary School, 600 Romona Rd, Wilmette, IL
Buck (John Candy) arrives at the school, a setting that contrasts sharply with his laid-back, unconventional demeanor. His mission is simple yet profound: to engage with the school environment as part of his temporary role as caretaker. The interaction that follows, especially with Maizy's (Gaby Hoffmann) principal, highlights Buck's protective nature and his willingness to stand up for his niece's individuality and spirit. This confrontation, marked by Buck's humorous yet pointed defense of Maizy, underlines the film's recurring theme of unconventional methods achieving heartfelt outcomes. Romona Elementary School, nestled in the charming community of Wilmette, Illinois, is celebrated for its commitment to academic excellence and fostering a nurturing environment. With a strong focus on personalized learning and a rich array of extracurricular activities, Romona ensures every student has the opportunity to thrive and explore their potential. To visit 600 Romona Rd, Wilmette, IL, from Chicago, take I-94 W. Exit on Lake Ave from I-94 W, and continue on Lake Ave to Wilmette, and finally north onto Romona Rd. This route leads directly to Romona Elementary School, approximately a 40-minute drive, traffic permitting.
Uptown Filming Locations Scout
The bowling scene in Uncle Buck
5242 W 25th St, Cicero, IL
Uncle Buck (John Candy) takes his young niece (Gaby Hoffmann) and nephew (Macaulay Culkin) out for a night of bowling. This scene is a delightful mix of comedy and warmth, showcasing Buck's efforts to bond with the kids and give them a sense of normalcy amidst their family turmoil. Buck, with his larger-than-life personality, navigates the lanes with a blend of clumsiness and charm, much to the amusement of Miles and Maizy W 25th St in Cicero, IL, stands as a vibrant corridor showcasing the diversity and growth of this suburban Chicago community. From multi-family residences and commercial properties to new home developments, this street embodies the dynamic blend of historical charm and modern living. Its array of properties, including homes with architectural nuances and mixed-use buildings, reflects Cicero's rich heritage and its ongoing evolution as a sought-after location for both residents and businesses. To reach 5242 W 25th St, Cicero, IL, from downtown Chicago, drive west on I-290. Exit at Austin Blvd, then turn left (south) onto Austin Blvd. Drive south to 25th Street and turn right (west). Continue on W 25th St until you reach your destination. The journey typically takes around 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
The pub scene in Uncle Buck
495 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
Buck (John Candy) travels to a smokey club to see his young niece, Tia (Jean Louisa Kelly), who is out with her shady boyfriend Bug (Jay Underwood). The atmosphere within the bar is tense and sleazy, which contrasts dramatically with Buck's suburban uncle's character. His presence in such an atmosphere demonstrates how far he will go to safeguard the safety and well-being of his nieces and nephew. In Chicago, N Milwaukee Ave is a famous thoroughfare that runs through the middle of some of the city's liveliest neighborhoods, like Wicker Park and Logan Square. This busy street is a mix of history, culture, and new ideas. It is lined with unique shops, famous restaurants, cutting-edge art galleries, and lively music places. It captures the spirit of Chicago's many neighborhoods by providing a constantly changing web of activities that show the city's rich history and lively present. In order to get to 495 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, from the Loop, take Wacker Drive north toward the river. After going left on W Lake St, make a quick right on N Milwaukee Ave. Stay on the straight path to reach. If traffic isn't too bad, the trip should take about 10 to 15 minutes by car.
Conclusion
Uncle Buck takes viewers on a tour of some of the most typical suburban Chicago spots, such as the Russell family's cozy but hectic home, the busy hallways of an elementary school, a bowling alley full of interesting characters, and a smoky bar full of tension. These places not only set the scene for Uncle Buck's unusual ways of caring but also draw attention to how the movie deals with family relationships, duty, and love. Uncle Buck, who at first doesn't want to be the guardian, ends up becoming a beloved figure because he has formed strong bonds with his nieces and nephew. The different settings used in the movie, each with its own charms and problems, reflect the characters' feelings and add to the movie's lasting draw. The movie Uncle Buck shows a lot of different aspects of suburban life, including humor and the strange ways that we can become heroes in our own homes.