Exploring the Legacy of Forrest Gump: Can You Still Visit His House Today?

Forrest Gump is one of the most iconic movies of all time. Released in 1994, the film follows the life of a simple Alabama good-hearted man named Forrest Gump, played by Tom Hanks, as he makes his way through some of the most important events of the 20th century. The movie won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and its popularity is only increasing with time.

The movie was shot primarily in Savannah, Georgia, and several locations around the state were featured prominently in the film. One of the most memorable locations from the movie is, of course, the house Forrest Gump lived in. In this article, we explore whether you can still visit Forrest Gump’s house today.

Is Forrest Gump’s House Real?

Firstly, it is important to note that the house where Forrest Gump lived in the movie is not a real house. The house was built specifically for the movie in the town of Bluffton, South Carolina, just across the state line from Savannah, Georgia. The house was constructed on a plantation just off Highway 46, and the production team worked hard to give it a genuine feel of a home in Alabama. The house was built with a wraparound porch that was furnished with comfortable rockers and a porch swing.

Can You Visit Forrest Gump’s House Today?

Many tourists and movie buffs visit Savannah, Georgia, to explore the city and all the famous sites featured in Forrest Gump. Bluffton, South Carolina, where the house was built, is also a popular destination for tourists interested in exploring the movie locations. The house was open to visitors for a while, receiving many tourists and providing them with an opportunity to experience firsthand what it might have been like to live in a southern home like the one depicted in the movie. However, the property has since changed hands, and visitors are no longer allowed to enter the property. The house still stands, but it is now privately owned and not accessible to the public.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t see the house at all. Fans of the movie can still get a glimpse of the house from the road. While driving down Highway 46, there is a dirt road that leads to the property where the house was built. Visitors can still drive down this road and get a good look at the house from a distance. As the house is on private property, it is important for visitors to respect the privacy of the owners and not trespass on the property.

Other Famous Locations from Forrest Gump

Beyond the house, there were many other filming locations for Forrest Gump around Savannah, Georgia, that visitors can check out. The famous bench where Forrest sat and recounted his life story to strangers is no longer in Chippewa Square, but you can see a plaque commemorating where it once sat. The famous bus stop where Forrest stood while waiting for the bus was also located in Savannah, on the corner of Bull Street and Oglethorpe Avenue.

Visitors to Savannah can also explore the city and other landmarks featured in the movie. The city has a long and rich history, and Savannah is filled with many other historical and cultural sites, including several museums, art galleries, and parks. Visitors can walk across the famous Talmadge Memorial Bridge, where Forrest embarks on a cross-country run; visit the Savannah History Museum, which has an exhibit dedicated to the movie’s production and features several props and costumes from the film. Other iconic locations to visit include the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, where Forrest and his friend Bubba attend church, and the King-Tisdell Cottage, which was featured as Mrs. Gump’s boarding house.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is not possible to visit the actual house where Forrest Gump lived in the movie today, as it is now privately owned and not accessible to the public. However, visitors can still enjoy a glimpse of the house from the road, and explore the other landmarks and locations featured in the movie around Savannah, Georgia. The popularity of the movie endures, and despite the passing of time, there are many opportunities to explore its legacy and capture the film’s iconic moments. The beauty and charm of Savannah and its surroundings continue to attract visitors from around the world, and Forrest Gump’s house will always be a cherished part of cinematic history.