If you’re looking for vintage fun or just want to see a movie outdoors on your way back from a day trip, a drive-in movie theater might hit the spot. While they were popular back in the ’50s and ’60s, many have closed over the years. But quite a few still operate around the St. Louis region, in both Missouri and Illinois.
We’ve organized our lists by distance from St. Louis separately, from nearest to farthest, within Missouri and Illinois. Prices range from $5–$11 for adult admission, and many theaters admit children of various ages for free or discounted fees. Some also charge for double features instead of per movie. Be sure to check whether the theater has vintage speakers or only transmits by FM radio. And don’t forget to try the popcorn.
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MISSOURI
Head down I-44 to watch a double feature with old-school speakers. Keeping with tradition, you’ll find cheap popcorn and plenty of car space. This one’s on the way to and from Mark Twain Nation Forest’s north edge, as well as at the half-way point between St. Louis and Lake of the Ozarks. 5853 MO-19, Cuba.
Conveniently located on the way to Johnson Shut-Ins and Elephant Rocks, this drive-in makes the perfect top-off to the end of a day or weekend trip. With a full-service concession stand, the two-screen theater runs four films and provides sound over the radio. 15605 North State Highway 21, Cadet.
If you’re visiting Mark Twain National Forest or any of the surrounding conservation areas, this drive-in is less than an hour south. It still retains the old-fashioned speakers. The owners recently revamped the concession stand and added restrooms. MO-34, Van Buren.
B&B Theatres Moberly Five and Drive
Part of a chain of successful drive-ins, the Moberly Drive-In has played double features on its single screen since the 1950s. And if the drive-in’s not showing what you want to see—or the weather heads south—the indoor Moberly Five offers more options. 3000 N. Morley Street, Moberly.
Another indoor-outdoor combo, the Phoenix Theater is located two and a half hours southwest of St. Louis. Indoor movies are shown daily; outdoor movies are shown seasonally on weekends. (Check the theater’s website for times and dates.) Looking for a vintage birthday? Rent either screen for a private showing. 16675 Highway B, Houston, Missouri.
ILLINOIS
This drive-in boasts that it’s the last originally operating drive-in on Route 66 in Illinois. Stop by to catch a throwback classic or a modern release, and learn more about the history of Route 66 and the theater at an exhibit near the entrance. 1500 Old Route 66 N., Litchfield.
If you’re coming from most parts of the St. Louis region, Belleville’s Skyview is the closest theater. Once known for its formerly pink concessions stand, the Skyview Drive In has been around since the late ’40s. It’s stereo-only, so bring your own battery-powered radio or make sure your car has a strong battery. 5700 N. Belt W, Belleville.
The Springfield area drive-in is not to be confused with the 66 Drive-In, its Missouri counterpart (which is outside of our three-hour drive range). Stop at this two-screen theater on your way to or from Chicago; it’s conveniently located near the junction of I-55 and I-72. 1700 Recreation Drive, Springfield.
Originally known as the Fairview Drive-In Theatre, this screen has endured several openings and closings. In 2015, new owners bought it to modernize and revitalize the experience, adding a digital cinema project and revamping the concessions. 16045 IL-33, Newton.
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