Where Was The Hunting Wives Filmed? Visit These Real-Life Texas Locations From Netflix’s Hit Thriller
If you’ve been captivated by Netflix’s sizzling new series The Hunting Wives, you’re not alone. Based on May Cobb’s bestselling novel, this darkly glamorous thriller follows a group of affluent women whose secret club of seduction and gunplay turns deadly. But while the drama is fictional, the gorgeous backdrops are very real—and worth exploring in person.
Below, discover exactly where The Hunting Wives was filmed in Texas, the most stunning locations you can visit, and why these settings perfectly capture the story’s mix of Southern charm and sinister intrigue.
1. Tyler, Texas: The Piney Woods Setting That Inspired the Story
Primary Filming Location: Tyler and surrounding East Texas towns
May Cobb grew up in East Texas, and Tyler is both the inspiration and the filming hub for the show’s lush setting. Nestled among towering pine trees, Tyler is famous for its rose gardens, historic districts, and old-money atmosphere—ideal for the series’ themes of privilege and secrecy.
Why Visit:
Tyler Rose Garden: America’s largest rose garden with over 500 varieties.
Historic Azalea District: Tree-lined streets of grand 19th-century homes.
Tyler State Park: Pine forests, scenic trails, and a tranquil lake.
Charming Downtown: Wine bars, antique shops, and Southern bistros.
2. Jefferson, Texas: The Eerie Small-Town Backdrop
Secondary Filming Location: Jefferson, about 45 minutes northeast of Tyler
Many scenes set in the town’s more atmospheric locales—dimly lit taverns, hunting cabins, and riverfront hideaways—were shot in Jefferson, known as “the most haunted small town in Texas.” Its historic architecture and misty bayous add an authentic gothic flavor to the show.
Why Visit:
Jefferson Historical Museum: Learn about the steamboat era that shaped the town.
Caddo Lake State Park: Explore cypress swamp trails and kayak among Spanish moss.
Jefferson Ghost Walk: A nighttime tour of haunted sites featured in the series.
3. Caddo Lake: The Moody Lakeside Retreat
Iconic Setting: Lake retreats where the “wives” hold their notorious gatherings
Caddo Lake’s shadowy waterways and hidden cabins set the perfect stage for the show’s secret meetings. With its surreal, moss-draped cypress trees, this lake blurs the line between beauty and menace—exactly the vibe The Hunting Wivesneeded.
Why Visit:
Guided Boat Tours: See filming spots up close.
Fishing and Birdwatching: One of the most biodiverse areas in Texas.
Photography: Unforgettable landscapes at dawn and dusk.
Image Courtesy: Lionsgate/Netflix
4. Mineola, Texas: The Quaint East Texas Downtown
Select Scenes Filmed: Main Street shops and cafes
Mineola, about 30 miles northwest of Tyler, provided the backdrop for the series’ charming boutiques and diners. Its preserved early-20th-century storefronts and friendly atmosphere contrast with the darkness lurking beneath the wives’ polished exteriors.
Why Visit:
Historic Downtown: Antique stores and cafes.
Mineola Nature Preserve: Hiking trails and equestrian paths.
The Select Theater: One of the oldest continuously operating movie theaters in Texas.
5. Local Ranches and Private Estates
Several of the show’s most luxurious interiors were filmed in privately owned ranches and homes outside Tyler and Jefferson. While these are not open to the public, you can stay in nearby historic inns or book luxury rentals that offer a taste of East Texas high society.
Why You Should Plan Your Trip
The Hunting Wives doesn’t just deliver suspense—it showcases a side of Texas that many travelers overlook: lush pine forests, haunting lakes, and warm small towns with layered histories. Whether you’re a true-crime buff, a fan of Southern Gothic stories, or simply love exploring beautiful places, a trip to these filming locations makes for a fascinating and photogenic getaway.