Movies Filmed in Wisconsin
Most of us don’t think of Wisconsin when it comes to Hollywood, or much of anything related to west coast stardom and glitz. Wisconsin is the nation’s Dairy State, offering a variety of cities and towns with unique cultures and classic Midwest roots. However, the natural scenes and classic Midwestern locations have been the centerpiece of more than one Hollywood movie.
A recent survey amongst friends prompted some deeper research into the roots of Wisconsin film making and movies; it turns out that over 25 movies have had significant filming appearances across Wisconsin. From Milwaukee, Lake Geneva, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and even small-city Kenosha, a shot at Hollywood hasn’t proven to be too far of a stretch. Did you know that the Blues Brothers was filmed in Milwaukee? The Firststar Building itself was the office of choice for this national hit, with Chicago remaining over a hundred miles away. The Big One directed by Michael Moore, himself a UW alumni, was also filmed in the Madison and Milwaukee area. Michael Moore is a popular Wisconsin-based producer, offering a unique perspective on many contemporary American political and social issues. Even Uncle Buck, the family-friendly John Candy movie, was filmed mostly on Milwaukee grounds. It turns out that Wisconsin has had a lot to offer in the thriller, horror, sports-based, and dark movie genres.
A list of other Wisconsin based movies include:
The Deep End of the Ocean: The bestselling book was launched by Jacquelyn Mitchard, a local author, and part of the movie was shot in Madison.
American Movie: this comedy hit is filmed in a variety of Wisconsin-based locations
Meet the Applegates: This dark movie was shot in areas of Oshkosh and Neenah
Back to School: This popular comedy was filmed at UW-Madison.
Major League: Most of the scenes were shot in the famous County Stadium.
For Keeps: This popular ’80s movie has many scenes from Madison.
Fever Lake: This horror movie was filmed in Kenosha’s Carthage College.
I Love Trouble: During filming, this movie created a lot of controversy from local farmers in Baraboo and Madison. However, many scenes followed from both of these location to make it one of the most famous movies filmed in the area.
Mr. 3000: This comedy was shot in Wisconsin’s famous Miller Park; some scenes also included portions of the Milwaukee Brewers game!
Iron Will: Kevin Spacey came to Superior, WI for most of this movie’s filming needs.
Amityville Horror: This horror movie was filmed in Silver Lake, Wisconsin and proved to be a tourist hotpsot in the following years for the famous house.
Semi-Tough: Some football scenes were shot in Wisconsin’s famous Green Bay arena.
One Night Stand: Parts of this famous Wesley Snipes movie were shot in Milwaukee.
A Simple Plan: The Billy Bob Thornton thriller was filmed in Ashland, Wisconsin
Hoop Dreams: Parts of this movie were filmed in Milwaukee.
Novocaine: This dark movie starring Steve Martin was shot in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.
Rudy: This popular college football movie has scenes from Milwaukee.
Additional honorable mentions to Wisconsin include: the story lines and scenes in ‘That ’70s Show,’ ‘Happy Days’ that takes place in Kenosha, and Laverne & Shirley spots in Wisconsin.
