Litchfield Sky View Drive In

Drive In Movie Theaters seem threatened by extinction these days, but in their mid-century heyday, when many families were yet to own a television, they were a booming business, and every town seemed to have one…. and they all had such glorious names like The Auto-Vue Drive In, Moonlite Theater, Silver Moon Drive In, or The Stardust.

The Route 66 town of Litchfield Illinois has the Sky View Drive In. It opened in 1950, and is now the only original drive in theatre still existing on Route 66. (And to this day it charges by the carload rather than by the person.) The original modest neon sign remains, though the original back of screen sign is now just a memory. There is a children's playground under the big screen adorably named Playland, and also patio seating by the concession stand if you need a break from your car. And please do visit the concession stand, for a hot dog or a cool t-shirt, as the owners say the concession stand is what helps keep the drive in open. You can even get a pulled pork sandwich there, or nachos served in a bucket! Or you can order on-line and never have to leave your car - they will bring it to you!!

The Sky View operates on weekends and often shows retro movies as well as new releases. They also host lots of special events like car shows, Star Wars nights or live shows by Elvis impersonators etc.

It is a Roadside treasure and long may it stand.

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Midwest USA No. 30 - last visited October 2023