There might not be anything more nostalgia-inducing than a drive-in movie theater. For a few decades, they defined family outings and summer nights and they have all but disappeared from the landscape. Many states are down to just a single theater, but here in Wisconsin, we’re incredibly lucky to have nine different drive-ins all across the state — some of which have been serving their communities for sixty or more years. Packing up the car and taking the family for a double-header at the drive-in used to be the highlight of the summer and with these awesome spots, now you can share those memories with your family.
- Hwy. 18 Outdoor Theater — Jefferson
Hwy 18
Going here feels like a true drive-in experience — there are audio poles in the first six rows and speakers off the concession stand in the back. Movies start at dusk, about 20 minutes after the sun sets. Movies are listed the Monday before they’re shown. There’s a playground at the front of the lot that kids can use until the movie starts.
Hwy 18 Located at W6423 US-18, Jefferson, WI 53549.
- Big Sky Twin Drive-In - Wisconsin Dells
Facebook/BigSkyDriveIn
An awesome way to spend a night in the Dells, Big Sky has two screens and is cash only. You get sound through your car’s radio or you can rent a radio from the concession stand.
Facebook/BigSkyDriveIn Located at N9199 Winnebago Rd., Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965.
- Stardust Drive-In Theater — Chetek
Facebook/StardustDriveIn
What better way to spend a Northwoods night than at this amazing retro theater that has a fun game room to keep the kids occupied until the show starts.
Facebook/StardustDriveIn Located at 995 22nd St., Chetek, WI 54728.
- Chilton Twilight Drive-In Theater — Chilton
Facebook/ChiltonTwilight
One of the awesome additions here is the party pit at the back of the viewing area. You can rent this area for just $20 and it comes with firewood. Bring your friends and have one of the most unique outings you could ever imagine! They also have a mini-golf course.
Facebook/ChiltonTwilight Located at 1255 E Chestnut St., Chilton, WI 53014.
- Sky Vu Drive-In Movie Theater — Monroe
Facebook/SkyVuDriveIn
A true classic, this place has been operating since 1954 and screens movies every night over the summer.
Facebook/SkyVuDriveIn Located at N1936 WI-69, Monroe, WI 53566.
- Starlite 14 — Richland Center
Facebook/Starlite14
Open since 1952, the Starlite is a familiar sight on the main drag, right in the middle of town. Old-school audio poles help add to the authentic experience.
Facebook/Starlite14 Located at U.S. Highway 14 East, Richland Center, WI 53581.
- Field of Scenes — Freedom
Facebook/FieldofScenes
These folks have a full menu available at the concession stand and also have a bar and grill on the premises where you can sit down to a meal before heading out to the movie.
Facebook/FieldofScenes Located at N3712 WI-55, Freedom, WI 54130.
- Moonlight Outdoor Theater — Shawano
Facebook/ShawanoCinema
This is a year-round traditional movie theater that added an outdoor screen in the back of their property, which is pretty awesome. In the summer months, enjoy the drive-in instead!
GoogleMaps Located at 1494 E Green Bay St., Shawano, WI 54166.
- Skyway Drive-In Theater — Fish Creek
Facebook/SkywayDriveIn
In operation since 1951, this place is as nostalgic and old-school as you can get.
Facebook/SkywayDriveIn Located at 3475 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212.
What is your favorite spot for this old-school. nostalgic experience? Let us know in the comments!
Hwy 18
Located at W6423 US-18, Jefferson, WI 53549.
Facebook/BigSkyDriveIn
Located at N9199 Winnebago Rd., Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965.
Facebook/StardustDriveIn
Located at 995 22nd St., Chetek, WI 54728.
Facebook/ChiltonTwilight
Located at 1255 E Chestnut St., Chilton, WI 53014.
Facebook/SkyVuDriveIn
Located at N1936 WI-69, Monroe, WI 53566.
Facebook/Starlite14
Located at U.S. Highway 14 East, Richland Center, WI 53581.
Facebook/FieldofScenes
Located at N3712 WI-55, Freedom, WI 54130.
Facebook/ShawanoCinema
GoogleMaps
Located at 1494 E Green Bay St., Shawano, WI 54166.
Facebook/SkywayDriveIn
Located at 3475 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212.
Another awesome outdoor summer experience is at the American Players Theater in Spring Green. Read all about it here.
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