In the summertime when the weather is high, there is no shortage of things to see and do around the Mount Rushmore State, thanks to our beautiful state parks, incredible landmarks, and outdoor activities galore! If you are like us, you look forward to all of the above as well as taking in a movie at the drive-in, a warm-weather favorite that is beginning to make its seasonal debut around South Dakota:
Despite drive-in theaters becoming a rarity around the country (only 330 remain), South Dakota is still home to 6, making for an experience that the entire family can enjoy.
Winner Drive In Theatre LLC Facebook
Popular during the mid-20th century, drive-in theaters were once found in nearly every large to mid-sized city, with - at its peak - a whopping 4,000 screens lighting up the nighttime sky.
Starlite Drive-In Theatre Facebook
Sadly, with an increase in technology and the introduction of indoor theaters, drive-in theaters became somewhat of a rarity, though Driveinmovie.com reports that many still stand and have a chance of re-emerging in the future.
Starlite Drive-In Theatre Facebook
Where can you still see a drive-in movie in South Dakota? Fortunately, there is still a handful scattered throughout the Mount Rushmore State, including:
Roy’s Black Hills Twin Drive-In Facebook
- Winner Drive-In (Winner)
Google/Kris Norris The Winner Drive-In is open Thursday through Monday from late May to mid-August.
- Starlite Drive-In (Mitchell)
Starlite Drive-In Theatre Facebook After visiting the iconic Mitchell Corn Palace, be sure to swing by the Starlite Drive-In, which is open Friday through Sunday during the summer.
- Roy’s Black Hills Twin Drive-In (Hermosa)
Google/Jim Hovey Billed as being the first all-digital drive-in in America, Roy’s Black Hills Twin Drive-In is open weekends during the summer.
- Pheasant City Drive-In (Redfield)
Pheasant City Drive In Theatre Facebook Since 1953, the Pheasant City Drive-In has been an important part of South Dakota Americana, and can still be enjoyed every weekend from mid-May through late August.
- Midway Drive-In (Miller)
Midway Drive-In Theatre in Miller, SD Facebook As per their website, the Midway Drive-In will not be open for the 2020 season. For more information, like them on Facebook.
- Hilltop Drive-In (Gregory)
Hilltop Drive-In Facebook Last but certainly not least is the nostalgic Hilltop Drive-In, which runs May through October in the charming town of Gregory!
For more information on each theater’s times and shows, please visit their websites. To learn even more about these SoDak treasures, check out One Of The Oldest Drive-In Theaters In America Is Hiding Right Here In South Dakota.
Winner Drive In Theatre LLC Facebook
Starlite Drive-In Theatre Facebook
Roy’s Black Hills Twin Drive-In Facebook
Google/Kris Norris
The Winner Drive-In is open Thursday through Monday from late May to mid-August.
After visiting the iconic Mitchell Corn Palace, be sure to swing by the Starlite Drive-In, which is open Friday through Sunday during the summer.
Google/Jim Hovey
Billed as being the first all-digital drive-in in America, Roy’s Black Hills Twin Drive-In is open weekends during the summer.
Pheasant City Drive In Theatre Facebook
Since 1953, the Pheasant City Drive-In has been an important part of South Dakota Americana, and can still be enjoyed every weekend from mid-May through late August.
Midway Drive-In Theatre in Miller, SD Facebook
As per their website, the Midway Drive-In will not be open for the 2020 season. For more information, like them on Facebook.
Hilltop Drive-In Facebook
Last but certainly not least is the nostalgic Hilltop Drive-In, which runs May through October in the charming town of Gregory!
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Address: Gregory, SD 57533, USAAddress: US-18, Winner, SD 57580, USAAddress: Mitchell, SD 57301, USAAddress: 810 Tenaya St, Hermosa, SD 57744, USAAddress: 17230 US-281, Redfield, SD 57469, USAAddress: Miller, SD 57362, USA
