When you think of 'Animal House,' what comes to mind? Perhaps it's the unforgettable antics of Bluto Blutarsky, played by John Belushi, or the wild toga parties that became synonymous with college life in America. But behind those raucous scenes lies a fascinating backdrop—the filming locations that brought this cult classic to life.
The primary setting for National Lampoon's Animal House was Eugene, Oregon. The film cleverly used various local sites to depict the fictional Faber College and its infamous Delta Tau Chi fraternity house. One notable location was 751 East 11th Street, which served as the exterior for Delta House itself. Unfortunately, this iconic building has since been demolished; however, its legacy lives on in our memories and through countless viewings of the film.
Filming took place over several weeks from October to November 1977. While many scenes were shot around Eugene—capturing both campus life and local culture—other areas contributed their charm too. For instance, some interior shots were filmed at a nearby high school gymnasium that stood in for various party scenes throughout the movie.
Eugene’s vibrant atmosphere perfectly matched the chaotic spirit of Animal House. The city is home to a lively student population thanks to institutions like the University of Oregon—a fitting parallel given how much energy flows through both real-life campuses and their cinematic counterparts.
Interestingly enough, while most people associate Animal House with outrageous humor and rebellion against authority figures (like Dean Wormer), it also reflects an era when college experiences were evolving rapidly during the late 1960s into early ‘70s—a time marked by social change and youthful exuberance.
If you're ever visiting Eugene today, you might not find Delta House standing tall anymore but take heart! You can still feel echoes from those days gone by just walking around town or grabbing a drink at one of its many bars where students continue celebrating their own version of camaraderie—and perhaps even raise a glass in honor of Bluto’s legendary escapades.