Hit A Drive-In Movie Theater This Summer Near Rockford

If you're looking for some good old-fashioned family fun this summer, then make plans to check out a movie at a drive-in theater in Illinois or Wisconsin.

Outdoor Movie Theaters Near Rockford

What's The History Of The Drive-In Movie Theater

According to Premiere Outdoor Movie...

The story of the drive-in theater begins with an entrepreneur named Richard Hollingshead from Camden, New Jersey.

 

 

In the early 1930s, Hollingshead had an idea that would forever change how people watched movies.

 

 

He wanted to create a new kind of movie-going experience, one that would be accessible to families who might find it difficult to attend traditional indoor theaters, particularly those with young children.

READ MORE: Travel Back In Time At The Old School Amusement Park In Wisconsin

Back in the day, both Illinois and Wisconsin were home to many drive-in movie theaters. The number has dwindled over the years, but there are still some out there fighting the good fight. In fact, there are some really cool ones not far from Rockford. I highly recommend grabbing the family and checking out at least one this summer.

I remember going to the drive-in movies with my parents as a kid and just loving it. That was something so different to experience. Then, when I was in high school and college, my friends and I would go a couple of times a year.

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During COVID in 2020, like many people, I rediscovered the fun of the outdoor theater and started going again. Ever since, my family has hit a couple of drive-in movies each summer. It really takes me back in time. I can't help but smile.

Here are some drive-in movie theaters not too far from Rockford...

• McHenry Outdoor Theater (McHenry)

• Midway Drive-In (Dixon)

• SkyVu Drive-In (Monroe)

• Route 34 Drive-In (Earlville)