John Hughes, who also directed popular comedies like National Lampoon’s Vacation and Home Alone, directed Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Released in 1986, the movie starred Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, and Alan Ruck. It’s said that Edward McNally might have inspired the character of Ferris Bueller.
McNally and Hughes lived on the same street, and McNally’s best friend had a similar name, “Buehler.” Like Ferris, McNally once had the school dean chase him for skipping school. However, while Ferris missed only nine school days, McNally skipped 27.
The movie gives a fun look at teenage life as Ferris (Matthew Broderick) and his friends find themselves in one crazy situation after another while exploring Chicago. At its heart, the film comments on the pressure to conform and the importance of friendship. Throughout all of this, Ferris stays true to who he is, despite the challenges he faces.
When it was released, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off became a huge success at the box office and has since gained critical praise for its wit, humor, and charm. The film won two awards, one from the Online Film & Television Association in 2021 and another from the National Film Preservation Board in 2014.
Matthew Broderick earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical for his role. Critics, including Roger Ebert, gave the film positive reviews, with Ebert awarding it three out of four stars and calling it a “sweet, warm-hearted comedy” that is one of the most innocent movies ever.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Locations
The film was shot at various locations in Chicago and its nearby suburbs. Most of the scenes were filmed in Northbrook, Highland Park, and downtown Chicago.
Ferris went to Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, a northern suburb that can be reached from Union Station via the Metra rail North Line. The school is a modern building with a classic brick exterior and scenic surroundings.
Cameron’s house and garage, where his dad kept his prized Ferrari, was located at 370 Beech Street, between Linden Avenue and Wade Street in Highland Park. This beautiful area has homes with lovely garden lawns and great views of the downtown skyline.
Where was Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Filmed: All the LocationsIn downtown Chicago, visitors can visit the spot where Ferris proposes to Sloane, overlooking the trading floor of the Chicago Board of Trade at 141 West Jackson Boulevard. Further along Dearborn Street, they filmed the scene of the German-American parade, with Ferris singing “Twist and Shout.”
A visit to the filming locations from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a fun trip for movie fans or anyone wanting to explore the famous landmarks and peaceful residential areas nearby.
370 Beech St, Highland Park, IL 60035, USA
The garage scene in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off shows teenage rebellion. Ferris (Matthew Broderick) drives Cameron’s dad’s vintage Ferrari 250 GT, with Cameron (Alan Ruck) and Sloane (Mia Sara) in the car, to Chicago. In the last scene, when they return home, Ferris tries to reverse the car to reduce the mileage on the odometer.
Unfortunately, his plan doesn’t work, and Cameron’s anger towards his controlling father causes him to destroy the car. Ferris offers to take the blame for the damage, but Cameron refuses and decides to confront his father instead. This sequence has become unforgettable for its boldness and for reflecting Ferris’ adventurous spirit, along with touching on key themes in the film: privilege, materialism, and the idea that adults don’t understand their kids.
The house in the North Shore area is located at 370 Beech St, Highland Park. It was designed by architect A. James Speyer and plays an important role in the movie. The location is currently privately owned, so please be respectful and avoid disturbing the residents if you visit.
To get to the filming location at 370 Beech St., take Interstate 94 W and exit onto the Clavey Rd exit from US-41 N/US Hwy 41 N. Then, go west on Old Green Bay Road until you reach Beech Street. Turn left onto Beech Street and continue until you reach 370 Beech Street
Where was Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Filmed: All the LocationsGlenbrook North High School, 2300 Shermer Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062, USA
Ferris and Cameron drive away in the Ferrari to a high school in a suburb of Chicago. The outside of Glenbrook North High School, where the scene takes place, is easily recognizable. Its hallways were also featured in another popular John Hughes movie, The Breakfast Club.
When they arrive, Ferris pretends to be his girlfriend’s father (George Peterson) to get her (Mia Sara) out of school. After they succeed, viewers see the “Save Ferris” water tower in the background as they drive away with Sloane Peterson.
The whole movie was filmed on location in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. The exterior shots of Glenbrook North High School were filmed at 2300 Shermer Road in Northbrook, Illinois, which is accessible from Metra rail North Line from Chicago’s Union Station. Interestingly, John Hughes was a former student at the school, which is why he often included it in his films.
To visit this location today, take a Metra train from Union Station to Northbrook Station or drive north on I-294 to exit 33A (Half Day Road/Illinois 22). Then, turn left onto Half Day Road, take a right onto Sanders Road, and turn right onto Shermer Road. Continue on Shermer Road until you reach Glenbrook North High School.
The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
The scene at the art gallery is one of the most unforgettable moments in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. In this scene, Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane stand with their arms crossed, staring up at a painting in The Art Institute of Chicago.
The painting is Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, a famous pointillist artwork, one of the most well-known paintings in the world. The trio looks thrilled by the painting and takes a moment to appreciate its beauty. At the same time, viewers also get to see Marc Chagall’s America Windows and other exhibits in the museum.
Where was Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Filmed: All the LocationsThe Art Institute of Chicago is located in downtown Chicago, Illinois, and was established in 1879. It has more than 300 galleries that feature art from around the world, including Ancient Greek artifacts, European masterpieces, and modern works. The museum is one of the most visited in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to see its large collection.
To reach The Art Institute of Chicago, you can take public transportation to downtown Chicago or drive there. There is plenty of parking near the museum and along the city streets.
230 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
The German-American Parade scene shows Ferris jumping onto a float and performing Twist and Shout. Right after this, Cameron and Sloane walk through the Mies van der Rohe-designed Federal Building and Post Office Plaza, where they talk about their plans after high school. This plaza is home to Calder’s Flamingo sculpture, another well-known landmark of the Federal Center.
The parade takes place on Dearborn Street, and part of it was filmed again the following Saturday. Around 10,000 people attended the event after being invited by ads in the radio and newspapers. Viewers can spot Flamingo, an orange statue that looks like a giant mantis, located at the corner of West Adams Street.
To get there, you can drive or take public transportation, such as CTA buses or trains (Metra). You can also use Divvy bikes or walk if you’re close enough, as it’s only about 1 mile from State/Lake station. If you’re driving from Lincolnwood, you can take either Interstate 90 or 94, which will take you about 20 minutes.
Where was Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Filmed: All the Locations160 Hazel Ave, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA
After a busy day in Chicago, Ferris and Cameron find a quiet spot on the rocky shoreline of Glencoe Beach, where they can look out over the lake. Here, Ferris comes up with a plan to change the odometer reading on Cameron’s dad’s car, and he briefly thinks about the potential damage the day’s adventures might have caused to the car’s microchips.
This beach is located at the end of Park Avenue in Glencoe, Illinois. It is known for its rocky ground that offers a beautiful view of Lake Michigan and stunning sunsets. The area is great for activities like swimming, kayaking, fishing, and peaceful walks along the lake. The beach is open during certain seasons and provides boat and chair rentals, food stands, and picnic areas.
To reach Glencoe Beach, take Interstate 94 W toward Glenview Road and turn right onto Lake Cook Road West. Drive for about 3 miles until you reach Park Avenue, then turn right onto Park Avenue. Glencoe Beach will be on your left at the end of Park Avenue.