See the Stars at Drive-In Movie Theaters Near Marion, IL

So many elements of American culture developed around the automobile. Drive-in theaters, a great American invention, exploded in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s. At one time there were over 4000 drive-in theaters in the U.S. plus several hundred each in Canada and Australia. Illinois contained over 120 drive-ins. The golden age of the drive-in only lasted for a couple of decades, however. Today only about 325 remain.

Ike Honda is filled with car people who love all parts of car culture. There’s nothing like a drive-in movie under the stars. You can let the kids run around before the show. You get to recline in your own driver’s seat. While it’s harder to find a place to watch a movie from your car, we’re lucky enough to have the Oasis Theater right here in Marion. The area was once thick with drive-ins. Southern Illinois was once home to the largest drive-in screen in the country. With some driving, we could visit several around Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky. Sounds like a good reason for a road trip.

Oasis Theater – Marion, IL

“drive-in movie place” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by bradleygee

Many old drive-ins went out of business because they could not afford modern digital equipment. As movies converted to digital only, theaters had to adapt or go dark. Oasis, operating in the parking lot of the Oasis Mall, is a fully modern iteration of the classic concept. Their 36 foot by 60 foot LED screen can do something the old projectors never could: broadcast in daylight. It can also operate in any weather. Oasis has shown college football and basketball games. Audio is broadcast on the FM so movie-goers can easily tune in with their car radios.

Formerly known as the Illinois Star Centre Mall, the entire facility is under new ownership and is fully remodeled. Along with the movie, enjoy shopping, dining, a gym, and the adjacent Kokopelli Golf Club. The theater is at 3000 West DeYoung Street in Marion. Check here online for current show times.

The Egyptian Drive-In in Herrin, IL

In 1955, the 125′ wide and 80′ tall screen at the Egyptian was the largest in the country. It operated from 1948 to 2002. It was still popular up until the end, known for its funnel cakes, popcorn, and tornado taters. The restaurant stayed open even when the theater was not. Some of the facility remains and reopening is not impossible. Visit this piece of drive-in history at 3100 Eden Park Drive in Herrin.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Drive-In – Chaffee, MO

Just over an hour southwest of Marion you’ll find a back-from-the-dead story. The Montgomery Drive-In opened in 1955 but shut down in 1981. It sat for almost three decades until investors decided the pandemic was a perfect time for the return of the drive-in. Back when no one was making new movies, they played classics on the original 50′ by 80′ concrete screen. Social distancing is easy when you watch the show from your car. Now they play old favorites, new releases, and host concerts. See the Rock ‘N’ Roll Drive-In at 272 Drive-In Lane in Chaffee, Missouri. Call (572) 281-4746 or click here for ticket information and special events.

Calvert Drive-In – Calvert City, KY

Head southeast for a little over an hour and you’ll find one of the longest continuously operating drive-ins in history. Operating since 1953, this single screen theater has room for 400 cars. Situated close to Kentucky Lake, it’s a popular diversion for lake goers. They allow well behaved pets, which is unusual among drive-ins. They broadcast audio in FM but still have some of the old-fashioned pole speakers. Come catch a double feature at 111 Drive-In Lane in Calvert City, Kentucky. Call (270) 395-4660 or click here for show times.

Skyview Drive-In – Belleville, IL

Skyview is a resilient operation. It opened in 1949, then saw the rise and fall of the industry. Still, it persisted even after a major storm damaged its single screen in the 1980s. They built a new screen, repaired the original, and now show double features on both. It’s known for having very relaxed policies relative to other drive-ins. They allow responsible alcohol consumption, outside food, leashed pets, and sitting outside your vehicle. In fact, they encourage it by providing ample space between parking spots. They separate “high-rise” and “low-rise” vehicles so everyone gets a good view. You can even reserve your parking spot. Visit the theater at 5700 North Belt West in Belleville. Call (618)233-4400 or go to their website for show times and reservations.

Drive ‘N Theatre – Newton, IL

A bit more than two hours northeast, but certainly worth the trip, is a drive-in experience both old school and modern. Opened in 1953 as the Fairview Drive-In Theatre, it got a technological upgrade when the new owners reopened it in 2015. It received up-to-date digital projection and sound. They built a bigger and better concessions facility. It’s still in a rural Illinois cornfield, so it still feels like a bygone era. Their tickets are the most affordable on this list. They allow outside food, alcohol, and leashed pets. Find it at 16045 IL-33 in Newton. Call (618)455-3100 or click here for details.

Best Hondas for the Drive-In

You need a special car to enjoy a drive-in movie. When the industry was booming, cars were big. Piloting a fifties sedan was like driving a couch. Front benches and whale-size back seats were perfect for kicking back at the show. What new Honda vehicle is best for the drive-in?

• Odyssey: Seating for seven and ample glass gives everyone a good view.
• Ridgeline: Drop the tailgate, stretch out in the bed, and enjoy the in-bed trunk.
• Insight Hybrid: Get 55 miles per gallon on the highway while visiting all these theaters.
• Civic Type R: Enjoy the road to the fullest with BBS wheels, bolstered racing seats, and 46 pounds of weight reduction.

Ike Honda isn’t quite as old as the drive-in theater, but we’ve been in business since 1976. We’ve been helping car shoppers in Herrin, Johnson City, Carbondale, and all of southern Illinois explore. Come visit us in Marion and see how we can power your next road trip.