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Q: What happened to Wisconsin's classic drive-in cinemas?
- A: Though many of Wisconsin’s classic cinemas closed during the drive-in slump of the late 20th century, a number of former facilities have been renovated and reopened recently.
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Q: What opportunities do renovated drive-ins offer filmgoers?
- A: These renovated drive-ins offer chances for new generations of filmgoers to experience this quintessentially American pastime.
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Q: What features can be found at Wisconsin's modern drive-in theaters?
- A: These 10 drive-in theaters offer newly-updated digital projection screens, 1950s-style concession stands, and a variety of family entertainment amenities such as playgrounds and ball courts for before-film enjoyment.
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1. Chilton Twilight Drive-in
Skyway Drive-in is a single-screen theater that was opened in 2012 and is operated today by Get Reel Theater, which oversees several Wisconsin-area standard admission movie theaters. The theater is open seasonally, with all film double features starting at sundown. Films are shown Wednesdays through Sundays, with carload admission rates offered on weeknights. A concession stand serves appetizers such as garlic toast, nachos, and breadsticks and features call-ahead ordering for pickup of a variety of pizzas to enjoy during films. A video game arcade is also offered for children and teenagers, and a weather hotline provides current information on conditions for film showings.
1255 East Chestnut St, Chilton, WI 53014, Phone: 920-849-9565
2. Skyway Drive-in
Skyway Drive-in is the state’s second-oldest drive-in cinema, originally opened in 1950 by Orville and Elton Voeks, the proprietors of the nearby indoor Lake Cinema. Today, the theater is Wisconsin’s longest continually-operating drive-in, offering space for 300 cars around a single classic screen for double feature showings between May and September. The cash-only cinema offers a classic 1950s-style concession stand serving footlong hot dogs, Tombstone pizzas, Door County Ice Cream Factory homemade ice cream flavors, and a variety of snacks and dessert novelties. Classic cartoon advertisements are shown before each nightly double feature, and traditional speakers are still offered in the cinema’s first four rows, though FM transmission is also available for in-car listening.
3475 State Highway 42, Fish Creek, WI 54212, Phone: 920-854-9938
3. Field of Scenes Drive-in
Field of Scenes Drive-in is Wisconsin’s newest drive-in theater, constructed in 2003 by Tim and Brenda VandeWettering. The cinema features two screens with a capacity for 500 cars nightly, offering seasonal showings of blockbuster and family first-run films Wednesday through Sunday evenings. Several concession options are provided on site, including a main concession building serving classic American favorites and a Sweets ‘N Treats trailer selling ice cream and candy selections. Nearby, the jointly-owned Fieldhouse Sports Bar and Grill offers full-service dining in a casual pub setting. Two children’s playgrounds and volleyball and basketball courts are also available for entertainment before showings.
N3712 Highway 55, Freedom, WI 54130, Phone: 920-788-1935
4. Hi-Way 18 Outdoor Theatre
Hi-Way 18 Outdoor Theatre was originally opened in 1953 during the heyday of Wisconsin’s drive-in movie theaters, offering a single screen with the capacity for 540 cars for nightly film showings. Though the theater went dark during the late 20th century, it was completely restored and reopened in 2000 under new management. Today, the theater is open seasonally between Memorial Day and Labor Day and shows double features on digital projection screens with FM transmission for in-car listening, though speakers are available for the first six rows of cars. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leashes, and a children’s playground is offered for use before film showings.
W6423 US-18, Jefferson, WI 53549, Phone: 920-674-6700
5. Shawano Cinema IV
Shawano Cinema IV was Wisconsin’s second recently renovated classic drive-in cinema, reopening to the public in 2000 for seasonal film showings of major blockbuster and family releases. The cinema offers a unique moped format, featuring both outdoor drive-in and traditional indoor cinema facilities. A single outdoor screen features a capacity for 300 cars nightly, with FM transmission available during films for in-car listening. A classic drive-in concession stand is available, offering favorites such as hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, and a variety of movie theater candies. Visitors should note that outside food and drink are not permitted on the premises during films.
1494 East Green Bay Street, Shawano, WI 54166, Phone: 715-524-3636
6. Big Sky Drive-in
Big Sky Drive-in was originally known as the Winnebago Drive-in, opened with a single screen in 1950. Today, the family-friendly drive-in cinema features two screens and has a capacity for 400 cars during showings, which are offered seasonally between May and September. Double features of first-run blockbusters and family films are offered nightly on recently renovated digital projection screens, with FM radio transmission available for both screens. A concession stand serves a variety of unique American fare, including homemade sloppy joes and signature Mamaburgers. Visitors should note that the theater is cash only and that well-behaved pets are permitted on leashes.
9174 Winnebago Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, Phone: 608-254-8025
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