Plot Overview of Roadhouse
Before we dive into the filming locations, it’s essential to understand the movie’s plot. The story follows Dalton (Patrick Swayze), a tough bouncer with a reputation for cleaning up unruly bars. He is employed to put the Double Deuce, a bar in a small Missouri town marred by violence and corruption, back in order. As Dalton takes control of the bar, he must also confront Brad Wesley, a local businessman who rules the town through intimidation. Although Roadhouse is set in Missouri, fans often ask, “Where was Roadhouse filmed?” Surprisingly, most of the filming took place in California.
Key Filming Locations for Roadhouse
1. California: The Primary Filming Location
Though Roadhouse takes place in Missouri, the majority of filming occurred in California. California’s varied landscapes provided the perfect environment to depict the fictional Missouri town. The state’s open spaces and proximity to Hollywood made it an ideal choice for creating the rugged feel of the film’s setting.
2. Santa Clarita, California: The Double Deuce Bar
One of the most memorable locations in Roadhouse is the Double Door, where most of the action unfolds. Filmmakers built the bar set in Santa Clarita, California, specifically at Newhall Ranch. Although the set was dismantled after filming, Santa Clarita remains a popular destination for fans curious about where Roadhouse was filmed, particularly the bar scenes.
Santa Clarita’s convenience for filmmakers is well-known due to its proximity to Los Angeles. Even though the Double Deuce is no longer standing, the area continues to attract fans wanting to explore the location of these iconic scenes.
3. Fresno, California: Key Exterior Filming Location
Several important exterior scenes were filmed in Fresno, California. The rural landscape of Fresno perfectly portrayed the small-town atmosphere crucial to the story. Its wide-open spaces and tranquil surroundings offered the ideal contrast to the violence at the Double Deuce. Fresno’s role in filming is often highlighted when fans inquire about where Roadhouse was filmed.
4. Reedley, California: Additional Rural Scenes
Reedley, a small town in Fresno County, provided another essential filming location. The quiet streets and rural charm of Reedley made it a fitting backdrop for several key scenes. Fans often visit Reedley to catch a glimpse of where some of the quieter, more peaceful moments in Roadhouse were filmed.
Iconic Outdoor Filming Spots
5. The Santa Clarita River: Fight Scene with Jimmy
One of the most memorable moments in Roadhouse is the fight scene between Dalton and Jimmy (Marshall Teague), Wesley’s top enforcer. This intense showdown took place along the Santa Clarita River, providing a rugged and raw setting for the action. The Santa Clarita River’s secluded location gave the filmmakers the perfect spot to stage this dramatic fight.
Fans often search for where was Roadhouse filmed specifically to find the location of this iconic scene. The dramatic fight along the river remains one of the most talked-about moments in the film, and the location only added to its intensity.
6. Lake Piru, California: Dalton’s Quiet Retreat
In contrast to the gritty bar fights, several quieter scenes in Roadhouse were filmed at Lake Piru in Ventura County, California. Dalton often retreats to a peaceful home by the lake, where he reflects on his actions and contemplates his next moves. Lake Piru’s tranquil setting provided a stark contrast to the violence and chaos surrounding the Double Deuce. These scenes show a different side of Dalton, revealing his more philosophical and introspective nature.
For fans of the movie, Lake Piru is a popular spot to visit when wondering where Roadhouse was filmed. The lake scenes add emotional depth to the film and showcase Dalton’s character development.
Why Did Filmmakers Choose California?
Although Roadhouse is set in Missouri, California’s diverse landscapes made it the ideal filming location. Several factors contributed to this choice:
- Diverse landscapes: California’s varied scenery, from rural farmland to peaceful lakes, gave the filmmakers everything they needed to depict a small Midwestern town.
- Proximity to Hollywood: Filming close to Los Angeles provided easy access to production resources and talent.
- Cost efficiency: Staying within California reduced travel expenses and streamlined the production process.
These factors made California the best choice for filming Roadhouse, despite the Missouri setting.
Visiting Roadhouse Filming Locations Today
Although the Double Deuce no longer exists, many of the Roadhouse filming locations are still accessible to fans today.
- Santa Clarita: Visitors often explore the scenic surroundings where the Double Deuce once stood.
- Lake Piru: Fans seeking a more tranquil experience can visit Lake Piru to see where Dalton’s quieter scenes were filmed.
- Fresno and Reedley: These small California towns retain their charm, offering fans a chance to see the rural landscapes featured in Roadhouse.
Conclusion
While Roadhouse is set in Missouri, most of the filming took place in California. Locations like Santa Clarita, Fresno, Reedley, and Lake Piru provided the perfect backdrops for the movie’s rugged, small-town atmosphere. The question of “Where was Roadhouse filmed?” continues to intrigue fans, but the film’s iconic scenes are deeply rooted in the diverse landscapes of California. Contact us for more details.