Egyptian Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Herrin, IL Photo courtesy Emily Priddy
Welcome to the Egyptian Drive-In Theatre, one of the most famous drive-ins ever built. Its claim to fame was a gigantic movie screen that, when erected in 1955, was recognized as the largest drive-in screen in the United States. Whether it was truly the world's largest is harder to verify, but there was no denying it was an impressive sight. By the summer of 2003, however, the theater was in the process of being demolished, marking the end of another classic ozoner.
The Egyptian opened in 1948 and steadily expanded over the years, growing from about 400 to more than 650 parking spaces. Families came for more than just the movies. The drive-in featured a kiddie park with pony rides and a miniature train, making it a destination long before the sun went down. After operating under the Kerasotes theater chain for several years, ownership eventually returned to the Smith family before the theater's final chapter.
Egyptian Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Herrin, IL Photo courtesy Emily Priddy
Following the death of longtime owner Alene Smith in 2001, the family operated the drive-in for one last season before selling the property to accommodate the expansion of the nearby airport. Watching the giant screen come down in 2003 was a sad reminder that even some of America's most famous drive-ins couldn't escape development.
UPDATE: The Egyptian Drive-In Theatre closed after the 2002 season and was demolished in 2003. The property is now part of the Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois expansion, and nothing of the drive-in remains. 06-26
Screen
tower back
Herrin, IL Photo courtesy Emily Priddy
Screen
tower view
Herrin, IL Photo courtesy Emily Priddy
Route
34 Drive-in Theatre
Earlville, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Route 34 Drive-In Theatre sits just off U.S. Route 34, making it an easy stop for anyone traveling through north-central Illinois. When I visited, the neatly manicured grounds made it obvious this wasn't a drive-in simply hanging on. It looked healthy, well cared for, and ready for another busy night under the stars.
Originally opened in 1954 as the Dyas 34 Drive-In, the theater remained under the ownership of founder Charlie Dyas for nearly 40 years before passing to Ron Magnoni Jr. in 1993. After his passing in 2023, longtime patrons Paul and Shelley Bottomley stepped in and purchased the drive-in, ensuring that this Illinois favorite would continue welcoming moviegoers.
Route
34 Drive-in Theatre
Earlville, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
One of the things that makes Route 34 special is that it still offers both the old and the new. Modern digital projection and FM radio sound keep the movies looking and sounding great, but the first six rows still have the original post-mounted speakers for anyone wanting the full drive-in experience. The classic concession stand is another highlight, serving favorites like Green River soda and hand-dipped corn dogs.
UPDATE: The Route 34 Drive-In Theatre remains open seasonally as a single-screen drive-in. Its original marquee, classic concession stand, and vintage speaker posts continue to make it one of Illinois' best-preserved outdoor theaters. 06-26
Airway Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
St Ann, MO Photo courtesy Dennis Dixson
The Airway Drive-In Theatre is gone, but its neon majorette still attracts attention. Her baton appeared to spin through a sequence of illuminated tubes, making this one of St. Louis County’s most memorable roadside displays.
Opened in 1948 with Song of the South, the theater began with space for 500 cars. It later became the Airway Twin, accommodating as many as 1,000 vehicles under operators including General Cinema and Wehrenberg Theatres.
Movies ended during the mid-to-late 1980s, but preservation efforts gave the marquee another job. The majorette could keep twirling even without a feature on the screen.
UPDATE: Airway Centre shopping plaza replaced the drive-in. The restored sign survives at its entrance as a designated St. Louis County landmark, keeping part of the old theater’s welcome beside the road. 06-26
Sundance Kid Drive-in Theatre
Oregon, Ohio Photo courtesy Mark Hackett
Across from Pearson Metropark, the Sundance Kid Drive-In Theatre offers a scenic setting for outdoor movies near Toledo.
Opened in 1949 as the Parkside Drive-In, it added a second screen in 1978 and received the Sundance Kid name under new ownership in 1989. Lease problems threatened closure in 2022, but community support helped keep the movies going.
New operators arrived in 2024, renovating the concessions with a 1950s diner theme and adding a sweet shop and arcade.
UPDATE: Now called Sundance Drive-In, the theater remains open seasonally with two screens. Its roadside sign continues welcoming moviegoers to the refreshed property. 06-26
Egyptian Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Egyptian Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Route
34 Drive-in Theatre
Route
34 Drive-in Theatre
Sundance Kid Drive-in Theatre
