Where was Wild America filmed?
1997
City Locations
Canmore (Canada), Calgary (Canada), Hardeeville (USA), Monument Valley (USA), Tybee Island (USA), Sedona (USA), Savannah (USA), Rincon (USA), Jasper County (USA), Drumheller (Canada), Bragg Creek (Canada), Banff (Canada), Fort Smith (USA)
Location Types
Unique, Unusual, House
Location Styles
Beachfront, Mid-Century Modern, Neglected, Americana, Plane Style, Sail, Camper, School, 60's
About Wild America
Wild America (1997) is a fun-filled, adventurous family film that tells the captivating true story of the Stouffer brothers - Mark, Marty, and Marshall. The film is directed by William Dear and is based on their 1967 summer adventure, driven by their shared passion for wildlife and filmmaking.
The three brothers, hailing from Arkansas, embarked on an ambitious journey across America, dreaming of capturing the country's rare and endangered wildlife on camera. Their parents permit them to embark on this daring quest, armed only with their unwavering determination, a brand-new camera and shared love for animals.
Their journey is far from smooth sailing. The brothers encounter rampaging moose and deadly crocodiles and stumble upon a den of wild grizzly bears. These hair-raising encounters not only test their resolve but also provide them with unique opportunities to document American wildlife's raw beauty and power.
Despite the dangerous situations they find themselves in, the Stouffer brothers' spirit of adventure never wanes. Their shared goal and individual dreams fuel them through each challenge, creating a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Wild America Locations
Wild America (1997) is an adventurous film that beautifully captures the diverse landscapes of North America. The film's production spanned multiple regions, each chosen for its unique features and natural beauty, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Most scenes were shot in Savannah, Georgia, and Alberta, Canada, according to the source from lyssad.tripod.com. Savannah, known for its historic charm and lush greenery, was chosen because it resembled the Stouffers' homeland of Arkansas. The summer onset is early here, providing the perfect setting for the brothers' initial journey.
In contrast, with its rugged mountains and wide-open prairies, Alberta offered a starkly different backdrop for the brothers' wildlife encounters. The areas around Canmore and Calgary in Alberta were particularly used for their breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.
The Devil's Playground in Colorado was a unique location featured in the film. Known as "the last home of the wild American wolf," this location added an element of mystery and danger to the plot.
Visiting these locations would be worthwhile for fans of the film and nature enthusiasts alike. Each location offers unique charm, from Savannah's historic beauty to Alberta's majestic wilderness and the intriguing Devil's Playground.
Fun Fact
Wild America is more than just an entertaining movie; it's a testament to the real-life Stouffer brothers' contribution to wildlife documentation. The brothers became renowned naturalists, and their early adventures paved the way for Marty Stouffer's popular television series Wild America, which brought the wonders of American wildlife into homes across the country.
Marshall is chased by his older brothers scene in Wild America
Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA
During the summer of '67, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Marshall Stouffer (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) finds himself the subject of his older brothers, Mark (Devon Sawa) and Marty's (Scott Bairstow) daring stunts. Much to Marshall's chagrin, the elder Stouffers relish capturing these antics on film. Periodically, they showcase their adventurous exploits, filmed in their garage, to an audience of their friends.
Fort Smith, Arkansas, is marked by its rich history and vibrant community. As Arkansas's third most populous city, it boasts a population of 89,142 per the 2020 census. Known for its beautiful confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau rivers, Fort Smith offers a variety of attractions, including museums, art galleries, heritage sites, and a thriving nightlife.
Fort Smith, Arkansas, offers various transportation options for travelers. Mapquest and Waze provide detailed directions and real-time updates for road travel. Checkmybus.com provides information on bus companies and schedules for those who prefer bus travel. Fort Smith Transit offers public transportation within the city.
At the rugged terrain scene in Wild America
Drumheller, Alberta, Canada
The brothers navigate the rugged terrain of the badlands, with their distinct hills and gullies formed by centuries of erosion. The area's wild horses could have been caught on their cameras, and soaring eagles might have flown overhead, adding an extra touch of wilderness to their footage.
Drumheller, located in east-central Alberta, Canada, is a town on the Red Deer River. Known as the "Dinosaur Capital of the World," Drumheller offers a rich prehistoric experience with iconic dinosaur attractions and the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology. The town also boasts stunning natural landmarks like the Hoodoos, Horseshoe Canyon, and Horsethief Canyon. Adventure seekers can explore the Canadian Badlands through hiking, biking, and rafting.
There are multiple transportation options available to reach Drumheller, Alberta. If you're starting from Calgary, the most common method is by car, taking approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes via Highways 2, 566, and 9. Shuttle services and taxis are also available, although taxis may not be the most cost-effective choice. Greyhound Canada offers buses from Calgary to Drumheller twice daily for those who prefer public transportation, with a typical travel time of around two hours. If you're flying, Calgary (YYC) is the nearest airport, and the drive to Drumheller takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Brothers watching the sun scene in Wild America
Tybee Island, Georgia, USA
Mark (Devon Sawa) and Marty, Jr. (Scott Bairstow) abandon Marshall (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) to watch the car while they enjoy the sun at Tybee Island. This could have portrayed their journey's playful and carefree aspects, highlighting the brothers' youthful zest and love for adventure.
Tybee Island, Georgia, is a charming barrier island 18 miles east of Savannah. Renowned as a beloved vacation spot since the 19th century, Tybee Island offers five miles of public beaches perfect for sunbathing and people-watching. Historic clapboard cottages and modern amenities complement the island's natural beauty. Notable attractions include Jaycee Park and the marshes of the Atlantic. It's a top-rated beach destination offering a blend of old and new.
Getting to Tybee Island can be done via multiple routes depending on your starting point. If you're driving, you can reach the island via I-95 (north/south) or I-16 (east/west), both of which intersect in Savannah. From there, Tybee Island is just 20 minutes east. Alternatively, if you're in Savannah, taxi and rideshare services are available. Some shuttle bus services also operate between Savannah and Tybee Island. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is the closest airport if you're flying. From there, you can drive to Tybee Island following GA-21 S/Augusta Rd towards Savannah and continue onto GA-21 S/I-516 E.
Visiting the Devil's Playground scene in Wild America
Devils Playground, Colorado, USA
The boys journey northwest, eventually reaching Devil's Playground in Colorado, famously known as "the final haven of the wild American wolf." This area is situated on land safeguarded by the government. They manage to capture a video of a wolf subtly approaching a doe. Explosions occur when the wolf is on the brink of launching an attack on the doe.
Devil's Playground in Colorado is a popular hiking destination known for its unique geological features and stunning views. The trailhead, which intersects with the Pikes Peak Highway, offers various routes with differing difficulties. One such route is the 5.5-mile out-and-back trail near Woodland Park, while another challenging trail stretches 8.5 miles near Divide. The area is named “Devil's Playground” because lightning appears to dance from rock to rock during alpine electrical storms.
Getting to Devil's Playground in Colorado is straightforward. From Colorado Springs, take Highway 24 to Highway 67 and drive for about 4 miles. Different hiking trails include Devil's Playground Trailhead #753 (5.5 miles) and Crags Trail (approximately 7 miles). Consider the 14-mile route with 4,500 feet in elevation gain for a more challenging hike.
Conclusion
Wild America, released in 1997, took audiences on a cross-country journey through various stunning filming locations that showcased the American wilderness's beauty. The production spent three months on location, beginning in the picturesque coastal city of Savannah, Georgia, and its nearby Tybee Island, known for its lush landscapes and southern charm. The film also used the raw, natural beauty of Buffalo Gap National in South Dakota. Parts of the movie were also shot in Fort Smith, Arkansas, adding a distinct midwestern flair to the film's visuals. A key part of the narrative was filmed in Devil's Playground, Colorado, described as "the last home of the wild American wolf." The film even ventured north to Alberta, Canada, further diversifying the terrains and ecosystems depicted. This range of locations provided a rich, varied backdrop that enhanced the film's narrative, making Wild America a true cinematic journey across North America.