While filming a scene of running through a door, the rifle Laura Dern was carrying hit her in the face. She subsequently had to wear a neckbrace.
The outdoor scenes were filmed in northern California north of Oroville near the Concow valley. Lake Concow can be seen in several shots including the opening credits in part 2 of the movie. The family home was constructed near the intersection of Concow Rd and Rim Rd. The shot of the train crossing one bridge with another bridge above it is the Pulga bridge along hwy 70.
The film takes place in August 1992.
This is the first film in which Kirsten Dunst appeared with August Schellenberg. She later appeared with him again in True Heart (1999).