Route 66 / Green Meadow Drive-in Theatre
Springfield, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Green
Meadow Drive-in in Springfield, IL is closed, though a go cart track sits in its place.
The screen still stands erect, awaiting its next show... a show that may
never come. The marquee is now covered with graffiti. 06-00
When I first photographed the Green Meadows Drive-In, it looked like its movie days were over. The marquee was covered in graffiti, a go-kart track occupied part of the property, and the old screen tower stood silently over the lot, waiting for a show that might never come. It was one of those places that seemed destined to become another drive-in memory.
Route 66 / Green Meadow Drive-in Theatre
Springfield, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The theater originally opened in the 1970s as the Green Meadows Drive-In before closing in the early 1980s. After sitting abandoned for years, the property found a temporary second life as part of neighboring Knight's Action Park, with go-karts replacing moviegoers. Thankfully, that wasn't the end of the story. The owners eventually removed the track, restored the property, and reopened the theater in 2002 as the Route 66 Drive-In. A second screen returned just a couple of years later, bringing the drive-in back to its original twin-screen layout.
UPDATE: Around 2004, the Green Meadow Drive-in took out the track and built a new ticket booth and opened up again with 1 screen. About a year later, they opened up the second screen and are open 7 days a week. The drive-in is now known as the Route 66 Drive-in. Many thanks to Scott Shanle for update. 04-09
UPDATE: After years of abandonment, the Green Meadows Drive-In was revived as the Route 66 Drive-In. It remains open seasonally with two screens and continues entertaining moviegoers along historic Route 66. 04-09
Sky View Drive-in Theatre
Litchfield, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Sky View Drive-in Theatre in Litchfield offers Route 66 travelers a good reason to stay until dark. Well-kept grounds, picnic tables and a restored neon marquee make an inviting roadside stop.
I remember first seeing it in 2000 while the owners were fixing it up. It was exciting to find such a familiar name among drive-in fans, and the care put into the property has continued to show.
Opened on May 13, 1950, Sky View entered the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame in 2004. Community ownership followed when Litchfield Community Partners purchased it in 2024.
UPDATE: Sky View remains open seasonally, preserving outdoor movies and a familiar neon welcome along Illinois Route 66. 06-26
Sky View Drive-in Theatre
Litchfield, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Sky View Drive-in Theatre
Litchfield, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Springmill Drive-In
Mansfield, OH Photo courtesy Steve Felder
The Springmill Drive-In in Mansfield has always impressed me with its well-kept grounds and attractive marquee. A movie beneath the stars is even better when the place receives this much care.
The theater expanded over the years, adding screens and digital projection while continuing to offer first-run movies. Concession sales help keep the shows going, with food permits available for visitors bringing their own meals.
UPDATE: The Springmill Drive In had added a second screen to their drive-in back in the Spring of 2009. Both of the drive-ins in the Manfield, OH area are doing quite well. The Sunset Drive-in and the Springmill Drive-in. Many thanks to David Hughes for update. 12-10
UPDATE: The Springmill Drive-In Theater remains open seasonally with four screens and continues to be one of Ohio's premier destinations for outdoor movies. 06-26
Skyborn Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Fairborn, OH Photo courtesy Mark Hackett
The colorful Skyborn Drive-In Theatre marquee stood near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Its daytime “Closed” message always made me smile—the business really got started when the sun went down.
Opened in 1950 on former Kinsel family farmland, Skyborn entertained audiences for 65 years, much of that time under Chakeres Theatres. Skyborn Skateland joined the property in 1956, offering families another way to spend the afternoon before the movie.
UPDATE: Both attractions closed after the 2015 season. The screen, marquee and remaining buildings have been removed for quarry expansion. 06-26
Clark 54 Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Summer Hill, IL Photo courtesy Don Gardner
The Clark 54 Drive-In Theatre welcomed families along Route 54 near Summer Hill. When first posted, it had reopened for another season—a welcome sight along this rural Illinois highway. 04-06
Clark Armentrout opened the 300-car theater on July 2, 1952. Opening-night entertainment even included live music through the speakers. After a 1975 windstorm destroyed the wooden screen, a stronger steel replacement kept the movies going.
UPDATE: Clark 54 has been demolished. Martin’s Tractor dealership now occupies the property, with the screen, concession stand, booth and marquee all gone. 06-26
Springmill Drive-In
Skyborn Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Clark 54 Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
