66 Drive-In Theater

On 9 acres, on the outskirts of Carthage Missouri, on Route 66, sits the 66 Drive In Theatre.

There are probably less than 300 drive in movie theatres that still remain across America, and this is one of the greatest.

It opened in 1949, four years before this area had television, and originally had loudspeakers dotted throughout the parking area to provide sound.

At the entrance gate the glorious streamline moderne style illuminated neon sign still stands in all its glory, not far from the little freestanding ticket booth that greets you at the front gate. Here the rules are listed. Yes, you can bring your own snacks, but please, no grilling! Wear your shoes at all times, and please don’t sit on top of your car!

On the back of the screen there is also an epic red and white 66 Drive In sign.

A little playground was added in the 1950’s, and in the middle of the action still stands the little concessions booth for all your pop and popcorn needs.

The 66 Drive-In closed in 1985, but was sympathetically restored and re-opened in 1998, and today shows double features, with vintage commercials and trailers screening during the intermission.

The night we attended the playground was in hot demand, and pre-movie picnics were being enjoyed by people who stayed outside their car on their folding chairs to enjoy the movie. The gates open an hour before the movie, which is screened at dusk. It’s a great retro atmosphere. We love the 66 Drive In Theatre.

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 Mid-West USA No. 17 - last visited October 2024