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.
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
Today, the Route 66 Drive-In is once again a popular stop for both locals and travelers exploring historic Route 66. The graffiti-covered marquee is gone, replaced by a new retro-style entrance that welcomes visitors for first-run movies under the stars. It's one of the best comeback stories you'll find in the drive-in world.
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 is one of the true Route 66 survivors. Sitting right along the Mother Road in Litchfield, it's one of those places that makes you want to pull off the highway and stay awhile. The grounds are beautifully maintained, the picnic tables invite you to enjoy dinner before the show, and the restored neon marquee lets you know you've found a genuine piece of roadside Americana.
I still remember the first time I saw the Sky View back in 2000. The owners were in the middle of fixing it up, and I was excited just to see it because the theater was already well known among drive-in fans. Looking at it today, it's hard to believe how much care has gone into preserving the place. It's remained in terrific shape ever since.
The Sky View opened on May 13, 1950, and today holds the distinction of being the last operating drive-in on Route 66 in Illinois and one of only four original Route 66 drive-ins still operating anywhere in the country. In recognition of its importance, it was inducted into the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame in 2004.
Its future was briefly uncertain in 2024, but the local non-profit Litchfield Community Partners stepped in and purchased the property, ensuring that this Route 66 landmark would remain open instead of being redeveloped.
UPDATE: The Sky View Drive-In Theatre remains open seasonally and continues welcoming Route 66 travelers. Thanks to community ownership, this historic drive-in and its restored neon marquee have a bright future. 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
Quite possibly the nicest drive-in in Ohio, the Springmill Drive-In Theater is well worth a stop if you're passing through Mansfield. The grounds are always beautifully maintained, the marquee looks great, and it's the kind of place that reminds you why drive-ins continue to have such a loyal following. A night under the stars watching a movie isn't a bad way to spend an evening.
The Springmill is the last remaining drive-in in Richland County and has grown over the years into an impressive four-screen operation. Rather than simply surviving, the theater has continued to evolve with digital projection while offering first-run movies, giving visitors plenty of choices on any given night.
Like many successful drive-ins today, the concession stand plays an important role in keeping the theater going, although outside food is still allowed with the purchase of a food permit. The drive-in is also pet friendly, making it easy to bring the whole family along. It's clear the owners have done a great job keeping this classic attraction relevant while preserving the relaxed atmosphere that makes drive-ins so enjoyable.
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
Sitting just outside Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Skyborn Drive-In Theatre was hard to miss thanks to its colorful marquee. Ironically, the sign often read "Closed" during the day, even though the theater was very much open for business once the sun went down. It always made me smile. The location next to one of the country's largest Air Force bases gave the drive-in a setting unlike just about any other.
The Skyborn opened in 1950 on what had once been the Kinsel family's farm and entertained moviegoers for 65 years. For much of that time it was operated by Chakeres Theatres, one of Ohio's best-known theater chains. Beginning in 1956, the drive-in shared the property with Skyborn Skateland, and for decades families could spend an afternoon at the roller rink before settling in for a movie under the stars.
Unfortunately, both attractions closed together after the 2015 season. Although there was interest in preserving the colorful marquee, it ultimately disappeared along with the rest of the property. The land has since been cleared for expansion of a commercial gravel quarry, bringing an end to one of the Dayton area's most memorable drive-ins.
UPDATE: The Skyborn Drive-In Theatre closed in 2015 and has since been demolished. The marquee, screen, and remaining structures are gone, and the property is being redeveloped as part of a quarry operation. 06-26
Clark 54 Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Summer Hill, IL Photo courtesy Don Gardner
The Clark 54 Drive-In Theatre once welcomed moviegoers along Route 54 near Summer Hill. When this photo was originally posted, the drive-in had reopened for another season, continuing a tradition that stretched back to the early 1950s. It was one of those small-town drive-ins that always seemed right at home along a rural highway. 04-06
The theater officially opened on July 2, 1952, and was built by regional theater operator Clark Armentrout. With room for about 300 cars, it served generations of local families and even featured live music over the in-car speakers before the opening-night movie. In 1975, a powerful windstorm destroyed the original wooden screen tower, but the owners rebuilt it with a stronger steel structure and carried on.
Unfortunately, the Clark 54 eventually closed for good, and the property was sold for redevelopment. The screen tower, concession stand, ticket booth, and marquee have all disappeared, ending the long run of one of western Illinois' best-known rural drive-ins.
UPDATE: The Clark 54 Drive-In Theatre has been demolished, and the property is now occupied by a Martin's Tractor dealership. Nothing of the drive-in remains today. 06-26
Springmill Drive-In
Skyborn Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Clark 54 Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
