Drive-In Movie Theaters on Historic Route 6
There’s something magical about ending a day of road-tripping with a movie under the stars. On Historic U.S. Route 6—the nation’s longest continuous highway—travelers can still experience that retro charm at drive-in theaters scattered along the way. These spots evoke the golden age of American travel and invite you to slow down, grab some popcorn, and soak in roadside nostalgia.
Surviving Drive-In Theaters Right on Route 6
1. Wellfleet Drive-In (Wellfleet, Massachusetts)
The only remaining drive-in on Cape Cod, the Wellfleet Drive-In has been entertaining travelers since 1957. With a 100-foot screen, original window speakers, and family-friendly extras like mini-golf and a flea market, it’s both a classic and a modern experience.
2. Kane Family Drive-In (Kane, Pennsylvania)
Situated directly on U.S. 6, this long-running theater keeps the tradition alive in northwestern Pennsylvania. It’s a favorite summer stop for families and road-trippers exploring the Allegheny National Forest region.
3. Circle Drive-In (Dickson City, Pennsylvania)
Located on Business U.S. 6 near Scranton, the Circle Drive-In is one of the state’s oldest continuously operating drive-ins. It hosts films, a flea market, and seasonal events that make it a lively community hub.
4. Valle Drive-In (Newton, Iowa)
Opened in 1948, the Valle Drive-In is the oldest continuously operating drive-in in Iowa. Located on the old alignment of Route 6 (County Rd F48), it’s a true roadside relic that still packs in crowds on summer weekends.
Nearby Drive-Ins Worth the Detour
- Mansfield Drive-In (Mansfield, CT) – Just off U.S. 6 in eastern Connecticut, pairing movies with a weekend flea market.
- 49’er Drive-In (Valparaiso, IN) – A short hop south of Route 6; a Hoosier favorite for double features.
- 88 Drive-In (Commerce City, CO) – Near Denver where Route 6 joins U.S. 85; one of the last in Colorado.
- Paramount Drive-In (Paramount, CA) – Near Long Beach, the historic western terminus of Route 6. A perfect closing chapter for a coast-to-coast adventure.
Remembering the Lost Drive-Ins
Route 6 once had dozens of drive-ins dotting its path. Some have faded into memory, including the Maple Drive-In (Honesdale, PA), Wysox Drive-In (Wysox, PA), and Corry Drive-In (Corry, PA). While these screens have gone dark, their stories remain part of the fabric of Route 6 history.
Why Drive-Ins Matter to the Route 6 Story
Drive-ins embody the spirit of the open road. They flourished in the same postwar era when cross-country road trips became a symbol of American freedom. Along Route 6, they remind us that travel isn’t just about reaching the destination—it’s about collecting memories along the way.
So next time you’re traveling America’s “Grand Old Highway,” plan your evening around a drive-in stop. It’s nostalgia you can still live today.
