Wisconsin Drive-In Crowned One of America’s 10 Best

This once hugely popular way to watch movies has mostly disappeared across the country, with only a handful of locations left, but one of the best is right here in Wisconsin.

During their peak in the 1950s and 60s, there were more than 4,000 drive-in movie theaters in the United States. Today, there are just over 300, a staggering 90% drop. Drive-in theaters remained popular into the late 80s and early 90s, with an estimated 2,000 still showing films. However, once the VCR hit the scene, their decline accelerated.

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An vacant drive in movie theatre and its vintage speaker.

The Rise and Fall of Drive-In Theaters in America

Between VCRs, increased competition from indoor multiplex cinemas, and suburban development, which increased the value of the land drive-ins occupied, it became more profitable for owners to sell the land or repurpose it.

These factors led to a significant plummet in the popularity of drive-in theaters. In large parts of the country, drive-in theaters are also a very seasonal activity, making it even harder to maintain a profitable business.

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Wisconsin's Drive-In Shines Bright

Thankfully, some great drive-in theaters still exist, including a top 10 location right here in Wisconsin. USA Today recently released the results of their Reader's Choice Awards for the 10 best drive-in theaters in the U.S., and coming in at #7 is a classic drive-in that has been showing films since July 26th, 1950. This makes it the longest continuously running drive-in in Wisconsin.

From May to October, the Skyway Drive-In Theatre welcomes moviegoers in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. Located on the Door Peninsula's western shoreline near Peninsula State Park, this classic drive-in plays new and old films daily, always with a two-for-one double feature.

If you're looking for a fun, nostalgic experience, you should find the nearest drive-in and enjoy a night of outdoor movies. Below are the remaining drive-in locations in Wisconsin and Minnesota. See you at the movies!