Updated 6/18/21
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.
Most, if not all, of these theaters operate rain or shine. And it should go without saying, but you will also need a car or portable FM radio to hear the movies.
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 is just north of I-94.
The box office opens Mondays through Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 pm, and on Sundays at 7:00 pm. The first movie starts at dusk.
For those unvaccinated, face coverings are strongly urged when out in public.
Outside food deliveries, like pizza or Uber Eats, are not allowed.
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.
Tickets for movies can be purchased online. Prices online cost $8 for those 13 and older, $1 for those ages 6 – 12, and free for those 5 and under. Advanced tickets are required to park a vehicle. You can add passengers on site.
Gates open 1 hour before the posted showtime, and you’re asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before the movie.
Elko Speedway
26350 France Avenue S, Elko New Market 55020
Opening TBA
Elko is right off of I-35, less than 45 minutes south of Downtown Minneapolis.
They have not announced any 2021 information.
In 2020, admission was $10 for adults 13 and older, $5 for kids 4 – 12 (3 and under are free).
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Long Drive In Theater
24257 Riverside Drive, Long Prairie 56347
Now open
Long Prairie is just over two hours northwest of Downtown Minneapolis.
Long runs one screen, showing two movies.
Because of its remote location, the theater has an overnight campsite, which is back open. You can check in starting at 3:00 pm and check out is at 11:00. Tent sites cost $10 while RV sites are $18. More information is here.
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. Outside food is not allowed unless you’re camping.
Long Drive In hosts an annual classic car show and Halloween trunk or treat event during the year. More information is here.
Admission is $8 for adults 12 and older, $4 for kids 6 – 11, and those 5 and under free. It is cash or check only.
Starlite Drive-In Theater
28264 MN-22, Litchfield 55355
Now open
Litchfield is about 90 minutes west of Downtown Minneapolis.
Starlite runs two screens, and each screen runs different movies. You cannot switch between screens.
Management recommends you bring mosquito repellent.
Admission is $8 for those 13 and older, $4 for kids 5 – 12, and those 4 and under are free. They accept cash, check and credit cards.
Sky-Vu Drive In
34032-34998 State Hwy 1, Warren 56762
Now open
Northeast of Grand Forks, Warren is 5 hours northwest of downtown Minneapolis.
Sky-Vu has been around for more than 50 years.
The showtime is listed on the main page of their website in the upper right corner.
A robust snack bar menu is available, including free refills on soft drinks.
The drive-in has been home to a kangaroo.
Admission $9 for adults, $6 for kids, and those under 2 are free. Members of the military receive a $2 discount. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
Verne Drive-In Theater
1607 S Kniss Avenue, Luverne 56156
Now open
Luverne is about three and a half hours southwest of Minneapolis.
They have a no outside food policy. This means no coolers and no alcohol.
They post on their Facebook page as to what time movies will start each week.
Pets are allowed, as long as they’re leashed.
Verne Drive-In does offer portable FM radios at the concession stand in case you have issues hearing the movie.
Admission is $7 for those 6 and older. Credit cards are accepted.
Superior 71 Drive-In Theater
1482 300th Avenue, Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Now open
Spirit Lake, Iowa is just short of three hours south of Minneapolis.
They have two screens, with each showing two movies.
Superior 71 does rent portable FM radios at the concession stand in case you have issues hearing the movie.
You can bring outside food in by purchasing a $5 Food and Beverage Permit. More info.
Admission is $8 for those 13 and older, $4 for kids 5 – 12, and those 4 and under are free. Credit cards are accepted.
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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.