Lights Out: Abandoned American Drive-Ins

Jordana Weiss | January 30, 2019

The first drive-in movie theater was opened in the United States in 1915. This innovation marked yet another step in the American entertainment industry. For the first time ever, families could see a movie together without having to get out of their car. Although for a time, drive-in movie theaters were popular all over the United States, with almost a thousand open during their heyday in the 1950s and 60s, the rise of the luxurious multiplex drove most American drive-ins out of business.

Now, there are only a handful that still operate, and exist mostly as nostalgic tourist attractions. Most drive-ins that weren’t turned into multiplexes were abandoned, and still lie empty. If you’re in the mood for some rural exploration, check out a few of these cool abandoned drive-ins.

Redland Drive-In

The Redland Drive-In theater is located just off Highway 59 between Lufkin and Nacogdoches, Texas. Much of the drive-in is now scrap. The only piece that remains is the large screen tower, where you can still see the words “Redland Drive In & Theatre” written in neon lights.

When it was open, admission was only $1 per car, and at first, they did steady business in family-friendly movies. Eventually, as cinemas got more popular, the Redland was forced to show movies that were more risqué in order to attract customers. After it closed for business in the 1980s, it was turned into a scrapyard. Now, the owner is deciding whether or not to tear down the old screen tower to make way for a manufacturing plant.

Lori Martin / Shutterstock

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