Updated 4/2/21
As the country reopens amid COVID-19, people are looking for ways to stay entertained.
In 2020, drive-in movie theaters became a great way to practice social distancing while getting out of the house. Now, in 2021, Minnesota drive-in theaters are opening earlier than usual so you can get your movie fix safely.
Here’s a list of drive-in theaters ready to welcome you, along with ways many of them are adapting to guidelines.
Vali-Hi Drive-In
11260 Hudson Boulevard, Lake Elmo 55042
Now open
Lake Elmo is in the east metro of the Twin Cities, near Woodbury. Vali-Hi just north of I-94.
The box office opens Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 pm and on Sundays at 7:00 pm. The first movie starts at dusk.
Vali-Hi is operating at 50% capacity.
They have a webpage with COVID guidelines. They ask that only one person per car goes to concessions at a time. Face coverings are strongly encouraged while walking around.
Admission is $10 for adults 13 and older, $1 for kids 6 – 11 (5 and under are free). It is cash or check only, although an ATM is available on site.
St. Michael Cinema 15
4300 O’Day Avenue NE, St. Michael 55376
Now open
St. Michael is about 30 minutes northwest of downtown Minneapolis.
St. Michael Cinema is a regular movie theater, but also operates a drive-in.
Restrooms are available inside the movie theater (masks are required).
Tickets for movies can be purchased online. Prices online cost $8 for those 12 – 64 years old, $6 for those 65 and older, and $6 for those ages 2 – 11. There is also a $.25 per vehicle charge.
Elko Speedway
26350 France Avenue S, Elko New Market 55020
Expected to open May 2021
Elko is right off of 35, less than 45 minutes south of Downtown Minneapolis.
Gates open at 8:00 pm and only one movie is shown per night. The movie starts after sunset.
The Elko Drive-In Theater runs Thursday – Sunday nights.
In 2020, admission was $10 for adults 13 and older, $5 for kids 4 – 12 (3 and under are free).
Long Drive In Theater
24257 Riverside Drive, Long Prairie 56347
Opening April 9, 2021
Long Prairie is just over two hours northwest of Downtown Minneapolis.
Long runs one screen, showing two movies.
Cars must be parked six feet apart.
Overnight camping, which is typically allowed, is suspended.
You must stay inside your car to watch the movie. You can sit in the back of a pickup truck or in the trunk of a SUV with the hatch open.
Limited concessions are available.
Additional portable restrooms are added and will be cleaned every 30 minutes.
Admission is $8 for adults 12 and older, $4 for kids 6 – 11 (5 and under are free). It is cash or check only.
Starlite Drive-In Theater
28264 MN-22, Litchfield 55355
Opening April 14, 2021
Litchfield is about 90 minutes west of Downtown Minneapolis.
Starlite runs two screens. The screens run the same movies, but in reverse order.
Parking in each lot is limited to 50% capacity. Cars must be parked at least six feet apart from each other.
You must stay inside your car to watch the movie. Lawn chairs are not allowed. You can leave your car to visit the restroom and the snack bar. Masks are recommended when you are outside your vehicle.
The snack bar is limited to 10 people at a time.
Admission is $8 for adults 13 and older, $4 for kids 5 – 12 (4 and under are free).
Superior 71 Drive-In Theater
1482 300th Avenue, Spirit Lake, IA 51360
2021 opening not announced
Spirit Lake, Iowa is just short of three hours south of Minneapolis.
Showing first run double features.
Doors open at 7:00 pm and first movie begins at 9:00 pm.
They have two screens; one with family-friendly movies (PG) and one with Rated R films.
Families must stay six feet apart from each other.
Cars park six feet apart from each other.
Playgrounds are off limits.
They have a page dedicated to how they’re reopening amid COVID.
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What a helpful resource for this spring and summer! Going to a drive-in theater seems like the safest and most fun option for seeing a movie these days.
Drive ins are such a fun way to enjoy movies with the family. Thanks for sharing.