where was footloose filmed
The original 1984 Footloose was filmed mainly in Utah, especially around the small town of Payson in Utah County, with additional key scenes in nearby American Fork, Provo, Vineyard, Lehi, and Orem.
Main Answer: Where Footloose Was Filmed
- The fictional town of Bomont is largely represented by Payson, Utah , a real small town about 12 miles south of Provo.
- Principal photography for the 1984 film took place at various locations in Utah County, Utah , rather than one studio backlot.
So when you’re watching Ren fight the town’s dancing ban, you’re basically taking a cinematic tour of 1980s Utah.
Key 1984 Filming Locations (Utah)
Here are some of the most recognizable spots from the movie and where they really are:
- Payson High School, Payson – Used as “Bomont High” for most school scenes and the tractor showdown area nearby.
- Allred Orchards, near Payson – The famous “tractor chicken” sequence was filmed in these orchards.
- American Fork Presbyterian Church (First Presbyterian Church, American Fork) – Main church scenes , including those with the strict minister.
- Lehi Roller Mills, Lehi – The flour mill where Ren works; one of the most iconic backdrops in the film.
- Geneva Steel, Vineyard – The industrial site where Ren does his intense solo dance, venting his frustration in that gritty warehouse-style setting.
- Provo, Utah –
- Ren’s house and neighborhood exteriors were filmed at residential intersections in Provo.
* The **drive‑in** scenes were shot at a former Hi‑Spot burger location in Provo (later replaced by an auto parts store).
* A downtown **bar scene** was filmed at The Silver Spur bar in Provo, later demolished for the Utah Valley Convention Center.
- Orem & Vineyard – Additional exterior and industrial shots around Utah County, including parts of the steel and rail areas.
2011 Footloose Remake (If You’re Curious)
If you were thinking of the 2011 remake , its “Bomont” looks different for a reason:
- Most 2011 filming moved to Georgia , especially Covington (a popular filming town) and some scenes in Hiram, Georgia.
But when people ask “where was Footloose filmed,” they’re usually talking about the 1984 Kevin Bacon classic, filmed all over Utah.
Quick HTML Table of Main 1984 Locations
| On-screen place | Real-world location | City / Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bomont (town) | Payson and surrounding areas | [1][7][3]Payson, Utah County | Main “small town” streets and exteriors |
| Bomont High School | Payson High School | [5][7][9][1]Payson, Utah | Most school interiors and exteriors |
| Ren’s job / mill | Lehi Roller Mills | [10][7][1][5]Lehi, Utah | Iconic mill where Ren works |
| Church | First Presbyterian / American Fork Presbyterian Church | [9][1][3][5]American Fork, Utah | Key sermons and town tension scenes |
| Warehouse / industrial dance | Geneva Steel facility | [7][3][9]Vineyard, Utah | Ren’s intense solo dance location |
| Drive-in & bar | Hi-Spot burger (drive- in), The Silver Spur bar | [5][9]Provo, Utah | Nightlife and hangout scenes |
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.