Drive-In Culture Thrives In Minnesota: Verne And Starlite Prepare For Opening

We are about to hit the middle of March, and people are starting to get a little squirrely as the weather starts to warm. One of the many signs that spring is on the way would be the Minnesota Twins playing down in Florida and of course ,learning when Minnesota's drive-ins are opening back up for the year. The good news is that we know at least one Minnesota drive-in has posted when they will open, along with a telling message for its visitors...

The Verne Drive-In down in Luverne, Minnesota, is one of the remaining drive-ins left in Minnesota, and they recently shared their opening day on their outdoor sign/marquee along with a 'stearn' tongue-in-cheek message to its visitors.

The drive-in shared a picture of their marquee sign, that had the message:

We know what happens in the backseat
Open April 18

What about the drive-ins closer to St. Cloud? Well, this is what we know about the Long Drive-In and the Starlite Drive-In.

The Starlite in Litchfield typically opens up around Memorial Day, but the drive-in does have new owners so keep an eye on their social media for updates, incase they want to open up a little earlier this year.

The Long Drive-In in Long Prairie is looking at April as well to open up, at least according to a social media post from the drive-in last week.

With temps in the 50s it's time to start getting ready for the return of summer nights at the Drive-In! While we would love to be open by March 21st with a Snow White / Mufasa line-up, that is probably not likely. (sadly, another late March snowstorm is looming in the forecast)

We should definitely be open by the first weekend in April.

STAY TUNED. See everyone soon!!

Elko-New Market's Drive-In doesn't have a SET opening date publicized but they are letting people know some details about the drive-in season.

According to their website:

"For the 2025 season, the drive-in at the speedway will be open on event nights, which are Saturdays, except for June 21st, July 5th, and September 20th & 27th. All shows will start at 10 PM. Upcoming movies and event night details will be released prior to each event."

The SkyVu Drive-In in Warren, MN has also announced when folks can expect to watch a movie under the stars, and like the other drive-in's in Minnesota it's all weather dependent but SkyVu is thinking mid-April, so 4 more weeks and we could be enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of a Minnesota drive-in.

Have you been to one of Minnesota's remaining drive-ins? What one is your favorite?

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Gallery Credit: Rachel Cavanaugh