Where is the Forrest Gump Bench?

The Forrest Gump bench is one of the most iconic pieces of movie furniture. 

It’s a rare movie that can make a man sitting on a bench so engaging that viewers now associate that bench with deep contemplation. 

But where was that filmed, and is the bench still there? 

Let’s dive into this box of chocolates!

Where Is the Forrest Gump Bench? 

The bench scenes in Forrest Gump were filmed in Chippewa Square in Savannah, Georgia. However, there’s more to this story.

About the Forrest Gump Bench

In reality, The Forrest Gump bench consists of four prop benches made for the movie. The props department constructed the benches out of fiberglass (not wood) and designed them to complement the surrounding aesthetics of Savannah. 

Filmmakers brought the benches to the set; there was no bench already in Chippewa Square. However, many movie fans still stop in Chippewa Square to share space with Hanks’ beloved character. 

Of the four prop benches, we know of only one’s location. It now resides less than a mile from Chippewa Square at the Savannah History Museum.

Pro Tip: The Coastal Heritage Society offers a 3-day pass for any three of its seven participating museums, including the Savannah History Museum and Old Fort Jackson.

Where Was “Bubba” from Forrest Gump From?

In the movie, Forrest Gump’s best friend was a shrimp expert named Benjamin Buford Blue, better known by his nickname, “Bubba.” The character was from Bayou La Batre, Alabama, which is near Mobile, Alabama. None of the movie scenes were filmed there, including the shrimping scenes, so there aren’t any Forrest Gump sites to visit. It is, however, called the seafood capital of Alabama.

Where Did Forrest Gump Run Away From the Bullies?

Forrest Gump grew up in Greenbow, Alabama, a fictional town created for the movie. However, his early life with his mom filming happened in South Carolina.

They filmed the running from the bullies scene at 3457 Combahee Road in Yemassee, South Carolina. If you visit today, be mindful that it’s private property. 

Best Hikes Near the Forrest Gump Bench

Savannah Ogeechee Canal Museum and Nature Center Trail

This is an easy 2.3-mile hike through gorgeous scenery and river views, with plenty of benches to watch the water. Birdwatchers especially rave about what they see on the trail. The pat is dirt and well-maintained. 

It costs $5 to use the Nature Center trail, or $3 for military, seniors, and children aged 7 to 17. Kids under seven years old can enter for free. 

The most frequent negative comment is that the trail’s hours can be limited or unpredictable, so make sure you check before heading out there. 

Sandpiper Trail Loop

This trail includes one of the most fascinating combinations of geography, plant life, and history you’ll ever see in the course of a single mile. The trail traverses salt flats, tidal creeks, and maritime forests on island hammocks (which are an elevated landform, not the kind you hang in a tree.)

There’s also a deadwood forest, thanks to pine beetles, and salt flat plants like the black needle rush. You’ll also see V-shaped earthworks built by the Confederate Army and a hole that contained a liquor still in the 1930s. Bicycles are not permitted. 

Best Camping Near the Forrest Gump Bench

Red Gate Campground & RV Resort

Located on beautifully landscaped green space and a lake, this campground and resort offer many amenities for RV travel. Their sites range in price according to location and hookup provided. Currently, an economy space is $45 a night, and the most expensive spots are the eight semi-private ones, at $59/night. Weekly and monthly rates are also available. 

Their biggest draw is all the recreation available on the property. The resort has several fishing ponds, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and more. Their amenities are equally generous, offering laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and a clubhouse full of games and activities. 

Skidaway Island State Park

This campground is open year-round, and it has 99 campsites to offer, 87 of which have electricity. At only 20 minutes from downtown, you can check out Forrest Gump’s bench in the Savannah History Museum and quickly return to do your personal contemplations on a park bench. 

Live oaks shade the campsites, and silvery Spanish moss sets a Southern tone for sure. There’s also an Interpretive Nature Center with offerings such as a sloth exhibit and a birding station. The rates start at $35/night for picnic shelter camping and $45/night for electric sites.

Is a Trip to See the Forrest Gump Bench Worth It? 

You can’t see Forrest Gump’s bench in Chippewa Square, though you’ll probably recognize the location once you get there. You can see the bench at the Savannah History Museum, though you can’t sit on it. Regardless, Savannah’s little downtown parks are cute and touched with history, so they’re fun to check out on their own.

There’s also a tour of Forrest Gump sites in the city, which includes the bench scene. A tour will show Forrest Gump fans the bench exhibit, Chippewa Square, and more. 

It’s well worth the trip if you’re a fan of the movie, plus Savannah is always pleasant to explore. Have you visited Forrest Gump’s bench or Chippewa Square?

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