Harvest Moon Theatre
Gibson City, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Harvest Moon Drive-In Theatre was packing them in on this breezy summer evening. Cars filled the lot, the snack bar stayed busy, and people crossed the street carrying take-out pizza. Quite a welcome before the show. 11-20
Opened in 1954, the Gibson City theater continues the outdoor-movie tradition beneath its vintage Route 47 marquee. Glowing neon and a classic reader board still make a convincing invitation.
UPDATE: Harvest Moon remains open with two screens and its familiar marquee, welcoming another summer’s worth of moviegoers. 07-26
Georgetown Drive-in Theatre
Georgetown, IN Photo courtesy Rosalind Causey
The red neon arrow at Georgetown Drive-in Theatre points toward a summer tradition dating to 1951. It’s hard to pass this Indiana marquee without checking what’s playing. 08-06
Originally a single-screen theater, Georgetown expanded to two while retaining its playground and family atmosphere. Digital projection and FM sound handle modern presentations, with vintage window speakers available for an older-style experience.
As sunset approaches, lawn chairs appear and the concession stand gets busy. Some parts of a drive-in evening need little improvement.
UPDATE: Georgetown remains open with both screens operating and the classic neon marquee still welcoming visitors. 07-26
Skyway Drive-in Theatre
Fish Creek, WI Photo courtesy Alan Culley
Here's a couple of nighttime shots of the Skyway Drive-in Theatre, one of Wisconsin's true roadside treasures. The colorful neon marquee looks even better after dark, welcoming moviegoers the same way it has for generations. If there was ever a sign made for a summer evening, this is it. 07-07
The Skyway opened in 1950 and is the longest continuously operating drive-in theater in Wisconsin. Tucked between Fish Creek and Ephraim in beautiful Door County, it has become a summertime tradition for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a movie beneath the stars.
While the theater has embraced digital projection over the years, it hasn't forgotten its roots. The snack bar still has much of its original 1950s feel, and a few rows continue to offer vintage window speakers for anyone wanting to hear the movie the old-fashioned way.
Skyway Drive-in Theatre
Fish Creek, WI Photo courtesy Alan Culley
Of course, it's the marquee that steals the show. With its cartoon-style lettering, glowing neon border, and classic reader board, it's the kind of sign that makes you smile before you've even bought a ticket. It probably convinced more than a few passing motorists to pull in over the years.
UPDATE: The Skyway Drive-In Theatre is still going strong after more than 75 years. The classic neon marquee continues to light up Highway 42, and the theater remains one of Wisconsin's best places to catch a first-run movie on a warm summer night. 07-26
13-24 Drive-in Theatre
Wabash, IN Photo courtesy Alan Culley
The sweeping neon arrow at 13-24 Drive-in Theatre leaves little doubt where to turn. This Wabash marquee has directed generations toward an evening beneath the stars. 11-07
Opened in 1951, the theater takes its name from nearby State Road 13 and U.S. 24. Its large outdoor screen and distinctive entrance sign made it a familiar local destination.
Preservation in 2011 helped keep the movies going, with modern projection supporting the traditional experience.
UPDATE: The theater continues operating seasonally, and its long neon arrow still points moviegoers toward the box office. 07-26
ABC Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Noblesville, IN Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley
The ABC Drive-In Theatre marquee in Noblesville kept its message simple. Neon lettering supplied enough character to make this old movie stop worth noticing, even after the reader board no longer advertised a feature. 01-08
Opened in 1951, the theater entertained local families for more than forty years before showing its final films in 1994. Afterward, weeds overtook the parking field while window speakers lingered on their posts, apparently waiting for another audience.
The abandoned grounds offered a quiet reminder of summer evenings when cars filled the rows and the concession stand stayed busy. Unfortunately, another season never arrived.
UPDATE: The screen, marquee and remaining buildings have been demolished. A heavy-equipment supply business now occupies the property, with nothing left of the outdoor theater. Another Indiana ozoner has become a roadside memory. 07-26
ABC Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
