66 Drive-In

The 66 Drive-In is an outdoor movie theater in Carthage along Route 66 where visitors watch films from their parked cars on a large screen. The venue spreads across an open grass field where rows of vehicles face toward the main projection booth and screen.

The theater opened in 1949 as part of the post-war boom in American entertainment and quickly became popular with local families. It closed in 1984 but was reopened in 1998 after being restored, gaining recognition as a historic site.

This drive-in brings people together to watch films from their cars, continuing a tradition that defines summer entertainment in the region. Families, couples, and friends gather here as part of local social life, making it a gathering place rooted in American leisure culture.

The venue sits at the intersection of Route 66 and Oak Street, making it easy to find while traveling the famous highway. Arriving early helps secure a good spot and allows time to settle in before the movie starts after sunset.

The sound system has evolved significantly over the decades, from individual speakers mounted on parking spaces to modern FM radio transmission. Today visitors simply tune their car stereos to hear the film, making the experience more comfortable and removing the need for external equipment.

Location: Carthage

Inception: 1949

Address: 17231 Old 66 Boulevard, Carthage, MO 64836

Website: http://66drivein.com

GPS coordinates: 37.17410,-94.36890

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:25