10 Drive-In Movie Theaters In Wisconsin For Retro Summer Fun

Summer’s on its way to Wisconsin! As the weather gets warmer, Wisconsinites can look forward to overdue sunsets, barbecues, swimming in the Great Lakes, and, best of all, summer nights at the movies. Who doesn’t love watching the latest blockbuster with a bucket of popcorn on a hot Wisconsin evening?

But what if you can’t decide between a night at the cinema or a night out in nature? Well, why not both?

Wisconsin is home to 10 different drive-in movie theaters across the state, ranging from the classically kitsch to the freshly renovated and flashy. While most drive-in theaters are seasonal, the season is beginning, so pack some snacks and hit the road to check out these spots to enjoy the silver screen in the summer.

N9199 Winnebago Rd, Wisconsin Dells

The Wisconsin Dells are a popular vacation spot in the Badger State, and what’s more festive than a summer night at the drive-in? At the Big Sky Twin Theater, you can enjoy first-run double features on one of their two supersized outdoor screens. The theater is cash-only, so be sure to hit the ATM before you hit the highway!

N3712 WI-55, Freedom

If you build it, they will come … to the movies! For over 20 years, Field of Scenes has been more than just a drive-in movie theater, offering multiple basketball and volleyball courts for some outdoor recreation before the sun has fully set and your show begins. While carry-in food is prohibited (except for birthday cakes), you can enjoy pizzas, burgers, and other tasty snacks from their concession stand.

1255 E Chestnut St, Chilton

In Chilton, the start of summer brings the opening of the Get Reel Twilight Drive-In. Starting with weekend-only double features in May, and ramping up the schedule as the summer goes on, the Get Reel Twilight Drive-In is the perfect place to relax on a summer evening with popcorn, pizza, and a first-run flick. Tickets are only $6 per adult and $4 per child, so your night at the movies can be a “reel” bargain!

N1936 WI-69, Monroe

A true classic, the Goetz Sky-Vu celebrates its 71st anniversary in 2024, after its founding in the 1950s! Today they’ve gone newfangled, with digital projections, but some things never change — like their signature lemonade at the concession stand (and the fact that they’re cash-only). Sky-Vu doesn’t permit outside food, but their concession stand can keep you full with foot-long balmy dogs, pizzas, cheesy pretzels, and more.

W6423 US-18, Jefferson

You know you’re near Highway 18 Outdoor Theatre when you see the glow of their retro neon sign lighting up the sky! This seasonal drive-in movie theater is open every year from Friday to Sunday starting in May. With double features starting at sundown, and an emphasis on science fiction, you’re in for a night at the movies that’s out of this world!

1494 E Green Bay St, Shawano

The Shawano Cinema shows first-run movies in a customary theater all year round. However, from May through September, they also offer something special — a drive-in! With double features, plus a loyalty club where you can earn points, it’s basic to see why this palace is a local favorite.

3475 WI-42, Fish Creek

A gem of Door County, the Skyway Drive-In is a family place — literally! Ever since it started in 1950, the drive-in has been owned and operated by the Jacobson family since 1981. Today, you and your family can come on by for a double feature, and that includes furry family members, as well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome. You can also bring outside food — but save room for some Door County Ice Cream Factory treats from the snack bar!

995 22nd St, Chetek

Located in the northwestern part of the state, the Stardust Drive-In is conveniently located near multiple campgrounds and outdoor-focused resorts, making for a perfect way to enjoy a movie while still connecting with nature. Visitors to the pet-friendly, two-screen Stardust can also enjoy balmy food from their full-service on-site restaurant, including local favorites like cheese curds and a nightly fish fry.

U.S. Highway 14 East, Richland Center

Open since 1952, the Starlite 14 Drive-In is one of the oldest drive-in movie theaters in the state. Along with its sister theater, the customary Center Cinema, the Starlite 14 shows first-run and “familiar favorite” movies in a vintage venue, with double features every weekend. Or, for a touch of nostalgia, come by for their “Classic Sundays,” where you can enjoy a classic film under the stars, including constrained seasonal specials as the holidays approach — how festive!

7035 S Ballpark Dr, Franklin

Located just outside of Milwaukee, Franklin’s Milky Way Drive-In is an basic drive for a fun night away from the city. Voted the best drive-in in Wisconsin, the Milky Way boasts a state-of-the-art screen that shows kids’ movies as the sun sets and first-run blockbusters after shadowy. While you’re allowed to bring your own food, the Milky Way also offers a carhop concession service, so you don’t have to miss a moment. Best of all, tickets are only $35 per carload, so bring the whole gang for a bargain!

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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