The tender small-town drama about a young man caring for his family – his housebound mother and his brother with special needs – is set in Iowa, but filmed in the small towns of Texas, east of Austin.
Where was What’s Eating Gilbert Grape filmed?
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape was filmed in the small towns of Texas, east of Austin.
Every What’s Eating Gilbert Grape location, explained
1
Endora – the Texas towns
The fictional town of Endora used Manor, Pflugerville and Lockhart, Texas.
2
The grocery store – Georgetown
The Foodland store used Georgetown, Texas.
3
The countryside – central Texas
Rural scenes used the flat country around Austin.
4
Iowa – the setting
The story is set in the fictional town of Endora, Iowa.
Planning a visit
The small towns east of Austin, Texas – the film’s real setting – are accessible parts of the state.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape Fun Facts
1
Iowa filmed in Texas The Iowa-set film used small towns near Austin, Texas.
2
DiCaprio's breakout Leonardo DiCaprio earned an Oscar nomination as Arnie.
3
Depp stars Johnny Depp plays the title character, Gilbert.
4
A small-town portrait The film captures life in a fading rural town.
5
Based on a novel It adapts Peter Hedges’s book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was What's Eating Gilbert Grape filmed?
In the small towns of Texas, east of Austin.
Is it set in Texas?
No – it’s set in Endora, Iowa, but filmed in Texas.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the towns near Austin are accessible.
Who stars in it?
Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio.
When was it released?
1993.
