Great Illinois Drive-Ins

Category: Fun Facts

Did you know Illinois once boasted more than 120 drive-in movie theaters? Although most of these iconic film-viewing sites of the past are long since closed, there are still 12 to 13 open outdoor picture shows (depending on who you ask) in Illinois—and two are located right here in the central part of the state.

The first, Harvest Moon Drive-In in Gibson City, opened in 1954 and still shows movies nightly from June through August and on weekends in April, May, and September. Shows begin at dusk and admission is $6 per person (children 5 and younger are free). Click here for movie listings and more information.

The second theater, Route 66 Drive-In in Springfield, originally was called Green Meadows when it opened in 1978. It closed in 1982, was purchased by Knight's Action Park in 1990, and reopened as the Route 66 Drive-In in 2002. The newly restored twin drive-in shows double features nightly from Memorial Day through Labor Day and on weekends through October. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for kids 12 and under, and free for kids younger than 3. Click here for movie listings and more information.

Learn more about Illinois drive-in movie theaters or about drive-ins across the country. Then pile into the family vehicle and head to the nearest drive-in for a night of wholesome entertainment straight out of the 1950s (with modern movies, of course).

Tags: Fun Facts | Route 66 | Drive-Ins | Springfield | Gibson City |

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