The ‘Breakfast Club’ changed how we see teen movies. If you’re looking for ‘Breakfast Club’ filming locations, you’re in the right place.
I’ll show you exactly where John Hughes shot this 1985 classic.
You’ll learn about the real schools that became Shermer High School. I’ve researched every spot, from the famous library to that final football field scene.
This guide covers Maine North High School in Des Plaines and Glenbrook North in Northbrook. I’ll explain what you can visit today and share fun facts about each location.
Let’s find where it all happened.
Why Fans Love Visiting the Locations
The Breakfast Club remains a favorite after nearly 40 years. Fans want to stand where their favorite characters sat during Saturday detention.
They want to see the real hallways where Bender walked and the library where five strangers became friends.
The football field scene sparks the most discussion. People still debate which field Bender actually crossed. Some say it was Glenbrook North. Others insist it was Maine North.
This mystery makes fans even more curious.
Visiting these locations feels personal. You’re stepping into John Hughes’ world. You’re connecting with the characters who felt misunderstood, just like you might have.
These aren’t just buildings. They’re places where movie history was made.
Shermer High School: Maine North High School, Des Plaines
Maine North High School became the heart of The Breakfast Club. Most of the film was shot here.
Library Scenes
The production team built the library set inside the school’s big gym. The real library was too small for filming. They created the wooden tables, tall windows, and that second-floor railing you see in the movie. Every major scene happened here.
The students talked about their lives. Bender defied authority and climbed through the ceiling. The group shared marijuana and danced together. These moments made the movie special.
Today, the building houses Illinois State Police offices. You can’t go inside. But you can see the exterior from the street.
Address: 9511 Harrison Street, Des Plaines, IL, USA
Hallways and Staircases
Some interior shots used Maine North’s actual hallways and staircases. The crew added red lockers and doors for filming. These matched the school’s existing style.
You might recognize the staircase where Bender falls through the ceiling. Or the hallway where Principal Vernon chases him. These scenes used real parts of the building.
Gym and Basketball Scene
Maine North had two gyms. The small gym appears when Bender shoots baskets alone. This scene shows his isolation and anger.
The big gym held the library set. The crew spent weeks building it. They needed space for cameras, lights, and the full cast.
Football Field Controversy
The ending scene causes the most confusion. Bender walks across a football field, pumps his fist in the air, and “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” plays. The confirmed location is Maine North’s east side football field. It’s near Harrison Street. You can see this field from the road today.
Here’s the fun part: Glenbrook North appears in the credits. This led many fans to think the ending was filmed there. But research and interviews confirm it was Maine North.
The credit listing was likely a thank you for other location assistance.
Glenbrook North High School, Northbrook
Glenbrook North provided some interior shots for the film. This school meant a lot to John Hughes personally.
Interior Hallways and Locker Shots
Several hallway scenes were filmed at Glenbrook North. Some locker shots also came from here. The crew mixed footage from both schools to create Shermer High.
Hughes attended Glenbrook North as a student. The school sits on Shermer Road. That’s where he got the name for his fictional town of Shermer, Illinois.
Address: 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook, IL, USA
Connection to John Hughes
Hughes based much of his work on his Chicago suburban childhood. Glenbrook North inspired the look and feel of Shermer High.
The school hallways, the social dynamics, and the pressure students faced all came from his memories.
This personal connection shows in the film. The Breakfast Club feels real because Hughes drew from his own high school experience.
Tips for Visiting the Filming Locations
Both schools are accessible for exterior viewing, but interiors are restricted.
- Maine North is now an Illinois State Police office. The exterior is visible from Harrison Street, and you can photograph it from the sidewalk. The east side football field where Bender walked is viewable from the street, but the interior is closed to the public.
- Glenbrook North is an active high school with students attending daily. You can photograph the exterior from public areas, but don’t enter during school hours. Be respectful of students and staff at all times.
- Public transit serves both locations well. The CTA Blue Line gets you close to Des Plaines, and Metra trains run to Northbrook. Check schedules before your trip to plan accordingly.
- Both towns have parking available if you’re driving. Street parking is typically found near both locations, making it easy to access the sites by car.
- Plan your visit for weekends or after school hours to avoid disrupting classes. Bring a camera and take time to walk around and soak in the atmosphere where movie history was made.
Fun Facts About the Locations
The library set was built in Maine North’s gym because the actual library couldn’t fit the crew and equipment. Building a set gave the director more control over lighting and camera angles.
The football field debate keeps fans engaged decades later. Online forums and fan sites discuss which school filmed which scene. This ongoing conversation shows how much people care about the film.
Both Maine North and Glenbrook North appear in other John Hughes films. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off used some of the same locations. Hughes loved filming in his hometown area. He knew these schools inside and out.
Conclusion
The ‘Breakfast Club’ filming locations let you step into 1980s movie history. Maine North High School and Glenbrook North High School created Shermer High together. I’ve visited Des Plaines myself, and standing near that football field gave me chills.
These buildings hold memories for millions of fans. If you’re in the Chicago area, make the trip. Walk the same grounds where Bender, Claire, Brian, Allison, and Andy spent their Saturday detention.
Have you visited any ‘Breakfast Club’ filming locations? Share your experience in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go inside Maine North High School today?
No, the building is now Illinois State Police offices and closed to the public. You can view and photograph the exterior from the street.
Was the library scene filmed in a real library?
No, it was a set built inside Maine North’s gymnasium. The actual library was too small, so the crew constructed the detention room in the gym.
Where was the football field scene at the end filmed?
The final scene was filmed at Maine North High School’s east side field near Harrison Street. Despite credits listing Glenbrook North, sources confirm it was Maine North.
Is Shermer High School a real school?
No, it’s fictional. John Hughes created it based on Glenbrook North High School. The name comes from Shermer Road in Northbrook, Illinois.
Can you visit Glenbrook North High School?
You can photograph the exterior from public areas. The school is actively used, so don’t enter without permission. Visit outside school hours.
