I still remember watching Night of the Living Dead for the first time and wondering where those creepy scenes were shot.
If you're asking the same question, you're in the right place. In this blog, I'll share the real filming spots, what makes them special, and how you can visit them today.
I've spent time researching these sites and even chatting with horror fans who toured them. You can trust this guide to give you clear answers without the fluff.
Here's what we'll cover:Filming locations in Pennsylvania, the famous Evans City Cemetery, the farmhouse spot, Pittsburgh scenes, the 1990 remake sites, and tips for visiting.
Night of the Living Dead Filming Locations Overview
A quick look at where George Romero shot his 1968 horror classic and why those Pennsylvania spots still matter.
The film was shot in western Pennsylvania, mostly in Evans City and around Pittsburgh.
George Romero lived and worked in Pittsburgh, where he ran a small film company, so using nearby farms, cemeteries, and small roads saved money and time while giving the movie a real, local feel.
The empty fields and old buildings made everything look raw and honest, and nothing felt fake. That grounded setting is a big part of why the film still scares people today.
Opening Cemetery Scenes with Barbara and Johnny
The first scene with Barbara and Johnny was filmed at Evans City Cemetery. Johnny's famous line, "They're coming to get you, Barbara," happens right here. Fans still walk the same path today.
The Cemetery Chapel Featured in the Movie
A small chapel sits inside the cemetery. It almost got torn down years ago. Fans raised money to save it. Now it stands as a tribute to the film.
The Grace and George H. Cole Grave Marker
This grave is shown clearly in the opening scene. Fans often visit it to take photos. It's one of the most spotted markers in horror movie history.
The Nicholas Kramer Monument Scene
The tall Kramer monument appears in the background of early shots. It helps fans match the movie scene to the real spot. Easy to find when you visit.
Visiting Evans City Cemetery Today
The cemetery is open to the public. Be respectful. People are still buried there. Bring a camera and walk the same paths the cast did.
Where Was the Night of the Living Dead Farmhouse Filmed?
The farmhouse where most of the action happens was a real home in Pennsylvania, now sadly gone.
The Farmhouse Location on Ash Stop Road
The farmhouse stood on Ash Stop Road in Evans City. It was a real home rented by the crew. They filmed inside and outside the house.
What Happened to the Original Farmhouse
The house was torn down in the 1980s. Today, only the land remains. Fans still visit the spot to pay respect to film history.
The Bridge and Nearby Filming Spots
A small bridge near the farmhouse appears in driving scenes. Some open fields nearby were also used. These spots are easy to find with a map.
Why the Farmhouse Became a Horror Movie Icon
The farmhouse is where most of the film's tension takes place. Its plain look made it scarier. Fans still call it one of horror's most famous homes.
Pittsburgh Filming Locations in Night of the Living Dead
Pittsburgh played a big role in the film, hosting the basement, TV, and driving scenes.
Where the Cellar Scenes were Filmed
The cellar scenes were shot in Pittsburgh, not at the farmhouse. The crew used a basement to save time and money.
The Latent Image Office Basement Location
George Romero's company, The Latent Image, had an office in Pittsburgh. Its basement doubled as the farmhouse cellar in the film.
TV Studio Scenes Filmed in Pittsburgh
The news scenes you see on TV in the movie were shot in a real Pittsburgh studio. This added a real-world feel to the panic.
Franklin Road Driving Scenes
Some driving scenes used Franklin Road near Evans City. Quiet roads helped the crew shoot without traffic problems.
Where Was Night of the Living Dead (1990) Filmed?
The 1990 remake used different Pennsylvania spots, giving fans new sites to track down.
West Middletown Cemetery Filming Location
The 1990 version filmed its opening at West Middletown Cemetery in Washington County. It looks similar to Evans City but is its own spot.
Jefferson Avenue Farmhouse Filming Site
A farmhouse on Jefferson Avenue in Washington, PA, served as the main set. It still stands today on private land.
The Gas Pump Explosion Scene Location
The famous gas pump scene was filmed nearby. The crew used a real rural gas station. The scene is one of the most talked-about in the remake.
Basement and Interior Filming Locations
Many indoor scenes were shot in studios and rented homes around the area. This kept the look close to the original 1968 film.
Can You Still Visit the Night of the Living Dead Filming Locations?
Yes, many spots are open to the public, but some are private and need respect.
Public Filming Locations Fans Can Visit
Evans City Cemetery is the top public spot. The chapel and famous graves are easy to find. It's free and open most days.
Private Properties and Restricted Areas
The 1990 farmhouse and some cellar spots are on private land. Don't trespass. Always check before visiting.
Horror Tourism in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has grown into a horror fan hotspot. Tours, events, and meetups happen all year. Many fans plan full trips around the film.
Annual Fan Events and Cemetery Tours
Each October, fans gather at Evans City for Living Dead Festival events. These include cemetery walks, panels, and meet-and-greets with cast members.
Tips for Visiting Night of the Living Dead Filming Locations
A few simple tips to help you plan a smooth and respectful trip to these horror sites.
- Visit in fall, especially October, for the spookiest mood and fan events like the Living Dead Festival
- Bring a wide lens and use morning light for the best cemetery shots, and avoid flash near graves
- Stay on public paths, never trespass on private land, and keep noise low out of respect
- Check out Monroeville Mall, the Dawn of the Dead site, for more Romero film history
- Visit Pittsburgh's Strip District, local horror bookstores, and Romero tribute murals across the city
Conclusion
Visiting the Night of the Living Dead filming spots feels like stepping into film history.
I went to Evans City a couple of years back, and standing near that chapel gave me chills. If you love horror or just enjoy real movie history, these places are worth your time.
Plan your trip, pack your camera, and feel the same air the cast once did.
Have you visited any of these spots? I'd love to hear your story. Drop a comment, share this post with a horror fan, or check out my other movie location guides next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Night of the Living Dead mostly filmed?
The film was mostly shot in Evans City and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Real homes, cemeteries, and offices were used as sets.
Is the original farmhouse still standing?
No, the farmhouse on Ash Stop Road was torn down in the 1980s. Only the land remains, but fans still visit the spot.
Can I visit Evans City Cemetery?
Yes, Evans City Cemetery is open to the public. Visit during the day and respect the graves and chapel area.
Where was the 1990 remake filmed?
The 1990 remake was filmed at West Middletown Cemetery and around Washington, PA, including a farmhouse on Jefferson Avenue.
Are there fan tours of the filming locations?
Yes, fan tours happen each year, mostly in October. The Living Dead Festival in Evans City is the most popular event.
