Gone Girl was filmed right here in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. In the fall of 2013, the town welcomed Hollywood as David Fincher’s adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s best-selling novel began filming, transforming the riverfront into the fictional North Carthage. For six weeks, the town buzzed with excitement as stars like Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, and Tyler Perry shot scenes at over 30 local spots.
Whether you’re a film buff or just looking for a unique way to experience Cape Girardeau, here are the must-see locations from Gone Girl that made their mark on the silver screen.
The 10 Gone Girl Filming Locations
1. Riverfront Park
Start your journey at Cape Girardeau’s scenic Riverfront Park. This stretch along the Mississippi River played a starring role in the film, with sweeping views that made their way into trailers and posters. Stroll the trail, admire the murals, and take in the same sights featured prominently throughout the movie.
Bonus Stop:
- Historic Downtown District | Antique Stores: Cape Girardeau’s antique shops were crucial in crafting the movie’s aesthetic. Downtown Cape Girardeau is home to most of these charming businesses, all brimming with treasures. Stroll the downtown area while you’re here. You’re sure to find a hidden treasure all your own at some of the same shops the film crew visited. For a complete list of antique and specialty stores in Cape Girardeau, see our Shopping page.
2. The Bar
Aaron Palmer / Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau
Head over to 117 Themis Street, at the corner of Spanish and Themis, to see “The Bar.” In the book, Nick uses the last of Amy’s (Rosamund Pike) trust fund to buy the business, which he runs with his twin sister Margo, nicknamed Go (Carrie Coon). It anchors some of the film’s biggest moments, including the haunting shot of Amy that opens and closes the movie. Typically, exterior shots are filmed on location with interior scenes recreated later at a studio, but The Bar provided both interior and exterior shots for filming.
Here’s the best part: The Bar isn’t just a movie set. Before filming, the space sat empty, and the crew transformed it into a fully functioning bar that became an attraction all its own. It has opened and closed under different management over the years, but today, The Bar is open and pouring, with live music and events throughout the week. Grab a drink in the very spot where Nick and Go talked through the mystery, and see why this stop remains a fan favorite.
3. Common Pleas Courthouse Terraces
H3: The stairs and terraces of the Common Pleas Courthouse are right across the street from The Bar and served as a wintry backdrop for filming in early fall. To create a snowy scene, the crew used a special shredded paper to make it “snow” on the terraces. Streetlights along the steps were painted to match streetlights throughout downtown.
4. Old Bridge Overlook & Park
The iconic Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge made multiple appearances in Gone Girl, including a major role in the shot of Amy driving away. Our favorite view of the bridge is from the overlook.
5. Courthouse Gazebo
Credit Aaron Palmer / Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau
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Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau
H3: The candlelight vigil for Amy, one of the film’s dramatic scenes, took place at the Common Pleas Courthouse Gazebo. The crew enhanced the lighting and landscaping, leaving behind an improved and visually stunning spot for future visitors. Follow the walkway to the front of the Courthouse to view the Mississippi River: It’s what sold the location scouts and David Fincher on using Cape Girardeau as the primary location for the movie.
6. Former Federal Building
H3: Cape Girardeau’s old Federal Building served as the North Carthage Police Station. North Carthage city seals were affixed to the exterior, and the back parking lot became the set for media-frenzied moments outside the station.
Bonus Stops:
- Cape Girardeau Convention & Visitors Bureau: Stop by for tips on additional filming locations.
- Manufacturing Facility: This parking lot and former manufacturing plant was used as a major staging location for the crew of Gone Girl.
- Muy Bueno: This authentic Mexican restaurant was frequented by cast and crew. Stop and enjoy some Mexican fare on their covered porch for a nice break during your driving tour. Cape Girardeau is home to many wonderful Mexican restaurants. View them all on our Food & Drink page.
- Celebrations Restaurant: A popular dining spot for the cast and crew.
- Teen Challenge Thrift Store: Several props were sourced from local thrift stores like this one.
7. Drury Lodge
In the movie, this local hotel served as the command center for Amy’s supporters. It also housed much of the cast and crew during filming, as did Holiday Inn Express, Drury Suites, Candlewood Suites and other hotels. See Places to Stay for a complete list of accommodations in Cape Girardeau.
8. Arena Golf
This putt-putt course hosted some overnight filming. A fun stop along the tour!
Bonus Stop:
- Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce: The local business community was very supportive of the filming of Gone Girl. The Chamber’s parking lot served as a staging location when filming was taking place at the next tour stop.
9. Private Residence (Nick and Amy’s Home)
This home was made to look like Amy and Nick’s rented “McMansion” in a post-recession neighborhood with multiple foreclosures. Surrounding homeowners in this beautiful neighborhood were asked to not mow their lawns to add to the illusion. Numerous days of filming were done here. Producer Cean Chaffin mentioned that the fictional North Carthage is not as nice as the ‘real’ Cape Girardeau. The changes made to this location as seen in the movie are an example of that transformation. This tour site is private property.
Bonus Stop:
- Bistro Saffron: Another favorite dining spot for the cast and crew, offering a unique Pan-Asian menu.
10. Private Residence (Go’s Home)
Located on a quiet street, this home was used as the residence of Nick’s twin sister, Margo. While this stop is private property, you can still drive by and admire the neighborhood that played a pivotal role in the film.
Bonus Stop:
- Andy’s Frozen Custard: The cast and crew enjoyed sweet treats at this hot spot. As the folks who made the film said, “No one lost any weight in Cape Girardeau!” This is the perfect spot for a refreshing break as you wrap up your driving tour.
Make a Weekend of It
The tour takes an hour or so, but Cape Girardeau is worth a whole lot more. Turn your movie pilgrimage into a getaway with a stay at one of the hotels and lodging options around town, and refuel between stops at the restaurants and bars serving up flavors you won’t find anywhere else. The mystery ends here, but your weekend is just getting started.