8 Places to Catch a Drive-In Movie in Michigan

With summertime blockbuster films getting ready to hit the big screens in the coming months, a trip to the movies is a perfect way to spend an evening with the family. Some of us may remember the summer nights when a typical pastime involved pulling up to the local drive-in theater and curling up in the driver's seat to enjoy a silver screen show. Relive those memories and make some new ones by visiting a local drive-in movie theater near you.


Here are eight places you can go to catch a drive-in movie in Pure Michigan.

1. Capri Drive-In - Coldwater

The big screen at Capri Drive-In | Photo Courtesy of Capri Drive-In in Coldwater

Listed as one of the "10 Best Drive-In's in America" by USA Today back in 2001, the Capri is a 1,000 car, twin-screen drive-in open seven nights a week from early spring until late October. The box office opens at 7:30 p.m. and movies start at dusk. Be sure to get your popcorn and snacks ready before the show starts!

2. Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theater - Honor
The Cherry Bowl Drive-In has provided fine films, food and family entertainment since 1954. Complete with playground, volleyball net, vintage movie memorabilia, 50's style putt-putt golf,  home run derby and popcorn popped fresh in their original 1953 popcorn popper, a trip to the Cherry Bowl is like stepping back in time to simpler summer nights.
 

3. Sunset Drive-In Movie Theater - Hartford
Put yourself in the backyard of your favorite friend’s house, and you’ll have an idea of the homey atmosphere of the Sunset Drive-In Theater in Hartford. The screen, put up in 1948, backs up to a canopy of trees and an open sky, creating a quiet zone where the movie and you are all that you can see. With a flat rate of $15 per carload, you can pack as many friends into your vehicle with no extra charge! Plus, their concession stand is full of goodies including fresh buttery popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, candy, slushies and more.
 

4. Getty 4 Drive-In Theater - Muskegon
At the Getty-4, tune in your movie on your car radio to enjoy your movie in stereo sound, or use the nostalgic drive-in speakers! The box office gates open nightly at 7:45, and the first features hit the screen around dusk or 9:00. The drive-in has a large playground and arcade room for all the kids, and a self-serve concession that has all your movie favorites.
 

5. Hi-Way Drive-In Theater - Carsonville 

Entrance to Hi-Way Drive-In | Photo Courtesy of Hi-Way Drive-In in Carsonville

Opened in 1947, Hi-Way Drive-In is Michigan's oldest remaining drive-in movie theater. The box office opens at 7:30 and the movies start at dusk. Sound is available through your FM car radio. If you're near Carsonville on the way to or from your next Michigan camping trip, be sure to pull in and make the Hi-Way Drive-In your rest stop -  Campers are always welcome!

6. Ford Drive-In - Dearborn
The Ford Drive-In located in Dearborn is America's largest drive-in-theater with 9 screens and parking for 2,500 cars that is open for viewing year round.  In-car heaters are now available for the winter months. Gates open at 8 pm during the summer.

7. US-23 Twin Drive-In - Flint

US-23 Twin Drive-In | Photo Courtesy of US-23 Digital Drive-In

The US 23 Drive-In Theater features double-feature films nightly on three giant screens. This fun drive-in theater, located in Flint, recently went through renovations to make your experience that much more special. Enjoy the new concessions stand and stay for two shows when you have the time!
 

8. 5-Mile Drive-In - Dowagiac
Built in 1961, the 5 Mile Drive-In can be found in the grand old town of Dowagiac in southwest Michigan. This space is a favorite among locals and has a fun playground for children to burn off their energy before your movie of choice starts. This theater accommodates 500 cars and is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

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