Photo: Thomas Hawk
Winters in Minnesota are intense, but the summer months are perfect for spending time outside and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Land of 10,000 Lakes. These four drive-ins offer family fun in a nostalgic setting while enjoying the great outdoors from the comfort of your car.
Vali-Hi Drive-In
The Vali-Hi Drive-In is located in Lake Elmo. This cash-only theater is open regardless of weather. The concession stand sells favorites like popcorn, nachos, and candy. If you arrive early, you can entertain yourself or your kids in the arcade or take a souvenir photo in the vintage black-and-while photo booth. Entry costs $9.50 per person, or $1 for kids 6-12 (kids 5 and under get free entry).
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Sky-Vu Drive-In
Located in Warren, the Sky-Vu Drive-In originally opened more than 50 years ago and has been showing movies ever since despite growing competition from television, streaming media, and brick-and-mortar movie theaters. The on-site snack bar features barbeque sandwiches, hotdogs, nachos, popcorn, pizza, pretzels, and candy. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for children, and free for kids under 2. Military members can get a $2 discount on admission.
The Verne Drive-In is open seasonally in the summer, seven days a week, showing the latest movies in double features. Tickets cost just $6 for anyone ages 6 and up (kids 5 and under get in free). The concession stand includes nachos, fries, pizza, cheeseballs, ice cream, and more. Movie start times vary throughout the summer depending on when the sun goes down. Follow along on the Facebook page for the latest information in any given week.
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Long Drive-In Theater
Originally opened in 1956, the Long Drive-In Theater has been a favorite destination for Long Prairie residents and visitors ever since. Due to many people driving a long distance to visit the Long, the theater offers stay-overs for tents and RVs with advance booking. Pets are welcome but must be well behaved and leashed at all times. Admission for the movie costs $7 for adults and $3 for kids ages 6-11 (5 and under is free). Tent and RV camping costs $10 on top of the movie admission fee.
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