The bench is on Chippewa Square in Savannah, Georgia

The famous bench where Forrest tells his life story to strangers is located on Chippewa Square in downtown Savannah. The filmmakers shot the scene there in 1993, and the square still looks much the way it did during filming. The bench itself was a prop created for the movie and is no longer there — it was removed after production wrapped — but the exact spot where it sat is marked and remains one of Savannah's most visited tourist locations.

Chippewa Square is a public park in the historic district, surrounded by Spanish moss-draped oak trees and historic buildings. The square was laid out in 1815 and is one of Savannah's original town squares. When you visit, you're standing in a real neighborhood where people live and work, not a movie set that was built and torn down.

Key Takeaways

  • The bench scene was filmed on Chippewa Square in Savannah's historic district, at the corner of Bull Street and York Street.
  • The actual bench used in the movie was a film prop and no longer exists, but a plaque marks the filming location.
  • Chippewa Square is a public park open year-round and remains largely unchanged from how it appeared in the 1993 film.
  • The square is in a residential and commercial neighborhood, so visitors should be respectful of local businesses and residents.

How to find the exact spot on the square

The bench was positioned on the north side of Chippewa Square, facing south toward the fountain in the center. If you visit, look for the spot near the corner of Bull Street and York Street. A small plaque or marker indicates where the bench sat, though the exact marker changes over time as the city maintains the square.

The fountain in the center of the square is your landmark. The bench was set up on the grass area to the left (north side) of that fountain, with a clear view across the square. Visitors often photograph the same angle Forrest faced in the film, looking out toward the fountain and the buildings beyond.

What the square looks like today

Chippewa Square retains most of its appearance from the 1993 filming. The large oak trees with hanging moss are still there, the fountain remains in the center, and the surrounding historic buildings have been preserved. The square is well-maintained and open to the public during daylight hours.

The neighborhood around the square includes restaurants, shops, and offices in the historic buildings. Benches are scattered throughout the square for visitors to sit and rest. The area is busier now than it was during filming, especially during tourist season, but the basic layout and feel of the location have not changed significantly.

Visiting Chippewa Square as a tourist

Chippewa Square is free to visit and accessible to the public. It's located in Savannah's historic district, which is walkable and has parking nearby. The square itself has no entrance fee or hours — it's an open public space. Many visitors combine a trip to Chippewa Square with other Savannah attractions in the historic district, which are within walking distance.

The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the square is less crowded and the light is better for photographs. The Spanish moss and oak trees create dramatic shadows throughout the day. Weather in Savannah can be hot and humid in summer and mild in winter, so plan accordingly.

Other Forrest Gump filming locations in Savannah

Savannah was used for several other scenes in the film beyond the bench sequence. The city's historic squares, Spanish moss-covered trees, and antebellum architecture made it a natural choice for the filmmakers. Other recognizable locations from the movie are scattered throughout the historic district.

If you're interested in visiting multiple filming locations, walking tours of Savannah often include stops at several Forrest Gump sites. These tours provide context about how the filmmakers used the city and which buildings and streets appear in the movie. Local tour companies can tell you which locations are still accessible and which have changed.

Respecting the location as a working neighborhood

Chippewa Square is part of a living neighborhood, not a museum or theme park. Residents and workers use the square daily. When you visit, keep noise levels low, stay on designated paths, and do not block access to nearby businesses or residences.

Photography is permitted in the square, but be mindful of other visitors and locals. If you're taking photos, move to the side so you're not blocking foot traffic. The square is a public space, but it's also someone's neighborhood, and treating it with respect ensures it remains open and welcoming to visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sit on a bench at the exact spot where the movie bench was?

There are benches throughout Chippewa Square where you can sit, though not necessarily at the exact filming spot. The original movie bench was a prop and was removed after filming. The plaque or marker shows where it was positioned, and you can stand or sit nearby on one of the public benches in that area of the square.

Is there a museum or visitor center at Chippewa Square?

Chippewa Square itself does not have a dedicated museum or visitor center. However, Savannah's historic district has several museums and visitor information centers nearby. The Savannah Visitor Center, located a short walk away, can provide maps and information about filming locations and other attractions in the area.

How long does it take to visit the bench location?

Most visitors spend 15 to 30 minutes at Chippewa Square — enough time to walk around, take photographs, and sit for a bit. If you're combining it with other nearby attractions or taking a guided tour, you might spend longer in the historic district overall.

Is Chippewa Square accessible by car, or do I need to walk?

The square itself is pedestrian-only, but there is parking available on nearby streets and in parking lots within a short walk. Savannah's historic district is designed for walking, and most visitors park once and explore on foot. Street parking and paid lots are available throughout the area.

What time of year do most people visit the bench location?

Savannah sees visitors year-round, but spring and fall tend to be the most popular times because the weather is mild. Summer can be very hot and humid, while winter is cooler but still generally pleasant. The square is less crowded on weekday mornings compared to weekends and afternoons.