In case you didn’t hear this week’s announcement, The X-Files is making its triumphant (albeit limited) return to television. This is major moment for fans of the famed genre series.
The X-Files took Mulder and Scully across the country and occasionally even around the world (hello, Tunguska). That means there are dozens of cool locales to see if you want to commemorate the original run of the show. In that spooky vein, here are our top ten places to visit from The X-Files.
Gibsonton, Florida
As featured in the celebrated carnival-themed episode, “Humbug,” Gibsonton was once a popular winter layover for those on the circus circuit. Though today fewer frequent the area, and many of the former landmarks have since been demolished, you can still check out the International Independent Showmen’s Museum in nearby Riverview, which has multiple floors of amusement park and carnival exhibits.
Grouse Mountain, British Columbia
Serving as a stand-in for the fictional Skyland Mountain, Grouse Mountain in Canada was the locale from which Scully was infamously abducted by aliens (or shady government figures, whichever). The Mountain returns in a later episode when Scully wants to join a group of fellow abductees there. If you visit, be sure to ride the gondola. Mulder once precariously hung from it while trying to rescue Scully!
The Redwood Forest
For the first five seasons, The X-Files was shot in Vancouver. This gave the cast and crew easy access to the majestic redwoods of the West Coast. And in episode after episode, the show took advantage of this locale. Plus, these tall trees supposedly incubate America’s favorite cryptid: Bigfoot. Searching for mythical beasts and commemorating a show that often featured mythical beasts? Too perfect or what?
The Pine Barrens, New Jersey
In the first season, Mulder and Scully took on the Jersey Devil, which wasn’t really a devil at all (but I won’t spoil it anymore than that). You can search for the Jersey Devil yourself in its homeland known as the Pine Barrens. A bucolic setting for a terrifying legend.
Roswell, New Mexico
There’s probably no place in America as perfect for the alien-minded as Roswell, except maybe Area 51, and it’s not open for tours. The name “Roswell” is evoked repeatedly throughout the series as an example of a government cover-up of aliens. These days, you can visit the Roswell UFO Museum to get your fill of X-Filesesque fun.
Albion, Indiana
A quaint small town American locale was the setting for one of The X-Files’ most unique throwbacks, “The Post Modern Prometheus.” Shot in glorious black and white, this episode is the one with pitchforks, mad scientist experiments, and Cher. Don’t expect quite so much eclectic craziness in real-life Albion, though. Think home-style cooking and a beautiful state park. But hey, you can’t do much better than that, right?
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Fox Mulder grew up in Martha’s Vineyard, making it a great stop for fans of the show. During your visit, be sure to check out the city of Chilmark. That’s where the aliens (or again, shady government figures) took Mulder’s sister, Samantha. Not quite the usual reason for visiting the austere East Coast community, but just remember: the ocean will do you good after all your weird wanderings.
Saint Paul & Minneapolis, Minnesota
In the perennial fan favorite, “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose,” Mulder and Scully travel to Minnesota to track a serial killer. In honor of Peter Boyle’s eponymous character, consider visiting a fortune teller while you’re there. The Twin Cities never seemed so spooky.
The FBI Building in Washington D.C.
The epicenter of all X-Files, the FBI Building in D.C. is a must-see for fans. Unfortunately, the Headquarters Tour closed after September 11th, so you’ll have to settle for the Education Center Tour. And FYI: you have to schedule a month in advance, so keep in that in mind if you want to get close to Mulder and Scully’s old stomping grounds.
Collum National Forest, Oregon
The forest that started it all. In the Pilot of the series, Mulder and Scully investigate their first ever X-file as a dynamic duo in the Collum National Forest. Hopefully, on your visit, you’ll be UFO-sighting free. Unless you’re like us and into that sort of thing. In that case, watch the skies. The truth is out there.
Happy haunting, and happy return of Mulder and Scully!
Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and personal archive