Michael Cimino’s classic film “The Deer Hunter” is often remembered for it’s harrowing scenes set in the Vietnam War, which were actually shot in Thailand.  However, the first half of the film is set in a blue-collar town in Pennsylvania.  The town was a composite of quite a few different locations, including Mingo Junction and Cleveland, Ohio, Weirton, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rockport and Deming, Washington.

Among the many towns featured in the film, Mingo Junction is the one that most celebrates the film. This area is seen in one of the opening shots of the film, showing the steel factory. The factory has mostly been demolished, but some remnants are still standing.

LOCATION: 438 Commercial St, Mingo Junction, OH 43938

Just behind the above location, you’ll find this mural honoring the film’s history in Mingo Junction.

LOCATION: 448 Commercial St, Mingo Junction, OH 43938

Here is a closer look at the mural showing various scenes filmed around Mingo Junction.

Just across the street from the above mural, you’ll find another mural for the documentary “Michael Cimino, God Bless America” about this film’s director, which also shot scenes around Mingo Junction. For those interested, there is a third film mural in Mingo Junction, for the 1984 movie “Reckless,” located at 456 Commercial St, Mingo Junction, OH 43938.

This plaque is located beside the mural.

The location of Welsh’s Lounge has since been demolished. It could be found just across the street from the building on the right, in what is now empty land. The guys can be seen racing past a truck from this view.

LOCATION: Near 904 Commercial St, Mingo Junction, OH 43938 (GPS coordinates: 40°19’03.9″N, 80°36’29.2″W)

Some women are seen carrying the wedding cake in this area in Cleveland, Ohio. Most of the buildings have since been demolished and replaced with different buildings, including the grocery store.

LOCATION: 761 Starkweather Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113

The wedding of Steven and Angela was shot at the Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland, seen in the same image above.  The building considered to be one of the finest examples of Russian architecture in the United States. The same location briefly appears in the films “American Splendor” and “Major League.” The building suffered a fire in 2024 and is being repaired.

LOCATION: 733 Starkweather Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113

The reception hall exterior was filmed at Lemko Hall in Cleveland.

LOCATION: Lemko Hall, 1046 Literary Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113

After Michael, played by Robert De Niro, returns from the war, he is seen walking with Linda, played by Meryl Streep down the stairs on the right. The buildings on the right side have since been demolished, but the stairs, as well as the buildings in the background, all still match up.

LOCATION: Near 601 Commercial St, Mingo Junction, OH 43938 (GPS coordinates: 40°19’17.4″N, 80°36’23.3″W)

To see our “The Deer Hunter” location page, click here.