Location Highlights of “The Great Outdoors”

The Great Outdoors is a classic comedy film that takes viewers on a hilarious adventure in the great outdoors. Released in 1988, the movie stars the comedic duo of John Candy and Dan Aykroyd, who deliver unforgettable performances that will leave you in stitches. But have you ever wondered where this hilarious film was filmed? Well, look no further!

The majority of The Great Outdoors was filmed at the picturesque Bass Lake, located in California, USA. Bass Lake, with its stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for the movie’s outdoor escapades.

One notable location in the film is the Pines Bar, where John Candy and Dan Aykroyd’s characters find themselves in a humorous situation. This scene was actually filmed at Ducey’s Bar and Grill, a lakeside restaurant in Bass Lake. Sadly, shortly after filming, the restaurant burned down due to a gas fire. However, it was rebuilt and now features posters and memorabilia from the film as a tribute to the original establishment.

Another noteworthy spot in the movie is Chet’s vacation home. While this location was a movie set and does not exist in reality, it was expertly designed to emulate the charm and coziness of a lakeside cabin. However, the locally famous Ducey’s Bass Lake Lodge and Bar & Grill stood in as Wally and Juanita’s Perk’s Pine Lodge in the film, adding an authentic touch to the scenes.

Bass Lake itself plays a significant role in The Great Outdoors, showcasing the beauty of nature and providing a stunning backdrop for the characters’ adventures. With its crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings, Bass Lake perfectly captures the essence of the great outdoors, making it an ideal filming location for this comedy gem.

It’s worth noting that Bass Lake has also been featured in other films, adding to its reputation as a go-to destination for filmmakers. For example, the movie Meatballs 4, starring Corey Feldman, utilized Bass Lake for its lakeshore scene, further highlighting the area’s appeal as a filming location.

The Great Outdoors is a hilarious comedy that was primarily filmed at Bass Lake, California. This stunning location provided the perfect setting for the characters’ escapades and showcased the natural beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you’re a fan of the film or simply looking to explore a picturesque destination, Bass Lake is a must-visit location that will leave you in awe of its splendor. So pack your bags, grab your sense of humor, and embark on your own adventure in the great outdoors!

What Lake Was Filmed In Great Outdoors?

The lake that was filmed in the movie “The Great Outdoors” is Bass Lake. The crew spent a total of six weeks filming at Bass Lake in 1987. One specific scene in the movie features John Candy and Dan Aykroyd at the Pines Bar, which is located at Bass Lake. The lake provided a picturesque backdrop for this comedy film.

Additionally, another movie that utilized Bass Lake for its lakeshore scene is “Meatballs 4.” This film, starring Corey Feldman, took advantage of the beautiful scenery at Bass Lake to enhance its storytelling.

Bass Lake served as the filming location for both “The Great Outdoors” and “Meatballs 4,” capturing the essence of the great outdoors and adding to the visual appeal of these movies.

where was the great outdoors filmed

What Restaurant Was The Great Outdoors Filmed At?

The Great Outdoors, a 1988 comedy film directed by Howard Deutch, featured a lakeside restaurant in its filming. This restaurant was called Ducey’s Bar and Grill and was located in Bass Lake, California. Unfortunately, shortly after the filming of the movie, Ducey’s Bar and Grill was destroyed by a fire caused by a gas incident.

However, the restaurant was rebuilt, and today it stands as a reminder of the old establishment. The current Ducey’s Bar and Grill proudly displays posters and memorabilia from the film, serving as a homage to its history with The Great Outdoors.

It’s worth noting that Bass Lake, California is a popular vacation destination in the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for its beautiful lake and surrounding scenery. The filming of The Great Outdoors at Ducey’s Bar and Grill helped to put this quaint lakeside town on the map for movie enthusiasts and fans of the film.

Is The Cabin In The Great Outdoors Real?

The cabin featured in the movie “The Great Outdoors” is not a real location. It was a movie set specifically built for the film. However, Ducey’s Bass Lake Lodge and Bar & Grill, located in Bass Lake, California, served as the filming location for Wally and Juanita’s Perk’s Pine Lodge in the movie. Ducey’s Bass Lake Lodge is a well-known establishment in the area, known for its scenic views and cozy atmosphere.

Here are some key points about the cabin in “The Great Outdoors”:

1. The cabin depicted in the movie is a fictional location and does not exist in reality.
2. The movie set was built specifically for the filming of “The Great Outdoors.”
3. Ducey’s Bass Lake Lodge and Bar & Grill was used as the filming location for Wally and Juanita’s Perk’s Pine Lodge in the movie.
4. Ducey’s Bass Lake Lodge is a popular local establishment located in Bass Lake, California.
5. The lodge offers beautiful views of the surrounding area and provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

While the cabin in “The Great Outdoors” is not a real location, Ducey’s Bass Lake Lodge and Bar & Grill served as the filming location for a lodge depicted in the movie.

What Movies Have Been Filmed At Bass Lake CA?

Several movies have been filmed at Bass Lake, California. Here is a list of some of them:

1. Mousehunt (1997) – This comedy film, directed by Gore Verbinski, features Nathan Lane and Lee Evans as two brothers who inherit a rundown house and try to get rid of a pesky mouse.

2. The Great Outdoors (1988) – Directed by Howard Deutch, this comedy film stars Dan Aykroyd and John Candy as two families who go on a vacation at a lakeside resort, including scenes filmed at Bass Lake.

3. Leave Her to Heaven (1945) – This classic film noir, directed by John M. Stahl, stars Gene Tierney and Cornel Wilde. While most of the film was shot in various locations, some scenes were filmed at Bass Lake.

4. Meatballs 4 (1992) – The fourth installment in the “Meatballs” comedy film series, this movie was partly filmed at Bass Lake. It features Corey Feldman as a camp counselor trying to save his summer camp from being shut down.

5. Hiawatha (1952) – Directed by Kurt Neumann, this adventure film tells the story of Hiawatha, a Native American hero. Some scenes were filmed at Bass Lake, showcasing the picturesque scenery.

6. ClothesFree TV Preview: Nudes in the News (2011 Video) – This documentary-style video, directed by Mark Storey, explores news stories related to naturism and nudism. It includes footage shot at Bass Lake.

7. Bloody Wedding (2011) – This horror film, directed by Arben Fishta, follows a group of friends who attend a wedding at a secluded cabin by Bass Lake. The beautiful landscape of the lake serves as a backdrop for the film.

8. The Mysterious Pilot (1937) – Directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet, this adventure film features a mysterious pilot who fights against criminals. Some scenes were filmed at Bass Lake, showcasing its natural beauty.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there might be other movies that have been filmed at Bass Lake, California.

Conclusion

“The Great Outdoors” is a beloved comedy film that showcases the beauty and charm of Bass Lake, California. The movie, filmed in 1987, captures the essence of the great outdoors and highlights the stunning scenery of the area.

One notable scene in the film takes place at the Pines Bar, where John Candy and Dan Aykroyd share a hilarious moment. The bar, known as Ducey’s Bar and Grill, was a popular lakeside restaurant in Bass Lake. Unfortunately, shortly after filming, the restaurant suffered a devastating fire and burned to the ground. However, the rebuilt restaurant today proudly displays posters and memorabilia from the film as a reminder of its connection to “The Great Outdoors.”

Additionally, Bass Lake served as the backdrop for another film, “Meatballs 4,” which featured a lakeshore scene. This further demonstrates the natural beauty and versatility of Bass Lake as a filming location.

“The Great Outdoors” and its use of Bass Lake as a setting have left a lasting impact on both the local community and movie lovers. The film showcases the idyllic scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities that Bass Lake has to offer, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and film enthusiasts alike.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.