Drive-In Theaters Near Rochester, MN

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Drive-in theaters have a long history in this country, with a partial drive-in opening in Las Cruces, New Mexico as early as 1915. As the car gained popularity, so did the drive-in, and by the 1950s it had reached its heyday. In the 60s, drive-ins were still going strong, but with the 70s energy crisis, the automobile’s dominance began to wane. This coincided with the emergence of new home entertainment systems, and the once-popular drive-in theater was on its way out. However, they aren’t entirely gone forever. If you’ve been dreaming of trying one, here are some places to start.

The Drive-In at Graham Park

Located at Olmsted County Fairgrounds at Graham Park, this is a free community drive-in, with a suggested donation of $20 if you can afford it. All profits go to local non-profits. The movies are shown on a 50-foot screen, with sound coming through your FM radio. You can arrive up to one hour early, but not later than 15 minutes before the show time. They also have concessions available at the Snack Shack. Their website is a little out-of-date with no upcoming schedules, but there are recent movie showings listed on Eventbrite in the area.

Vali-Hi Drive-In

An hour and 20 minutes from Rochester in Lake Elmo, Vali-Hi Drive-in is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. The cost is a reasonable $10 per person, but only $1 for children six to 12, and children five and under are free. They don’t accept credit cards, but there is an ATM available. Their box office opens at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 7 p.m. on Sundays, with the first show beginning at dusk. They show two movies each night, which you can listen to through your FM radio. You can either bring one or use your car’s.

The concession stand offers hot buttery Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn and other popular snacks, like $1 hotdogs and candy, with restrooms available at the back. Outside food deliveries are not permitted, so enjoy the inexpensive snacks at the vintage concession stand on-site for the full movie experience. Whatever the weather may bring, the movies play here every weekend. They are currently operating at 50% capacity and observing local safety protocols, so park in designated spots between two poles. Chairs are only allowed in front of your vehicle. Vali-Hi is a popular local attraction you won’t want to miss.

ELKO Speedway and Drive-in Theater

The ELKO Speedway and Drive-in Theater is located in Elko New Market, which lies about 1.5 hours from Rochester and just south of Minneapolis. It’s been operating since 1965 as a source of affordable family fun. Their speedway has three divisions racing under the NASCAR Banner. But you won’t want to miss the drive-in theater showing a new blockbuster movie after the last race has ended. They use modern digital projection to bring you the best visual quality with FM sound coming through your radio.

Ticket sales for the movie begin at 8 p.m. at the gate on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. There is just one showing a night beginning at sunset. The admission price is $10 for adults, $5 for children up to 12, while children three and younger are free. ELKO is currently operating at 50% capacity, but there’s still plenty of space for you to set up chairs or blankets and have a good time. Their limited concession menu includes staples like candy, popcorn, pop, and beer, however, no outside alcohol is allowed.

The Starlite Drive-In

The Starlite Drive-In has a long history since it opened in 1955 at the height of drive-in popularity. It’s located in Litchfield, which lies over 150 miles away from Rochester, so it’s not the closest drive-through on this list. However, it offers two screens, each showing a double feature, and is well worth the drive if you’re a drive-in aficionado or have the time and want something new to try. Ticket sales begin at the box office at 8 p.m., and the first movies start around 9 p.m.

The price is an affordable $8 for the double-feature, while children under 12 are half-price, and it’s free for under-fives. They accept cash, card, or checks for tickets and concessions, so you don’t have to worry about finding an ATM. Their concessions consist of a snack bar with goodies like mini-donuts, pretzels, cheesy nachos, and hot dogs, as well as standard movie fare like popcorn and candy. Alcohol is discouraged, as the Starlite Drive-In is a family-focused setting, and they don’t want anyone drinking and driving.

Long Prairie Drive-In Theater

Long Prairie Drive-In Theater is situated in Long Prairie Minnesota and is a popular summer activity. This theater is a long drive from Rochester, but what makes this drive-in unique is that it has camping available, so you don’t have to worry about driving home after a late night at the movies. They even have occasional concerts and live music shows you can enjoy from your car.

They have a large menu that includes cold drinks, hot drinks, snacks, popcorn, ice cream, and hot food like nachos, hot dogs, pretzels, and pizza. Here you can find a double-feature of the latest blockbusters for the whole family to enjoy. Admission is eight dollars for adults and includes both movies. This drive-in accepts cash and checks only, so plan ahead if you usually only carry a card.

Drive-in movie theaters are a unique, time-honored experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a fun family activity that you can all look forward to each summer. Whether you like to see old classics or catch the latest releases, you’ll find a drive-in theater that can provide this. At Tom Kadlec Kia we’d love to hear which of the drive-ins on this list is your favorite one to take your family to. Is there a drive-in theater in the Rochester area that we’ve forgotten to include? Contact us to tell us about it today.

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