A tornado flattened this drive-in’s screen in 1995, and the place simply put up a new one and kept the movies rolling. That stubborn streak is a big reason it’s still here after 75 years.
One owner has run it since 1972. His granddaughter now manages the show, so this is truly a family business serving families.
I like how the night starts long before the first film. Kids ride a little train, swing, dig in a sandbox, and shoot hoops while the sky slowly turns orange over Iowa.
Then you tune your car radio, grab a blanket, and settle back for two movies on one big screen. I can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer evening.
So why does one small spot outlast nearly every other drive-in in the state?
Two Movies, One Screen, And Seventy-Five Years Of Stubborn Charm
Few drive-ins anywhere can say they opened in 1950 and never really stopped. Voy 61 Drive-In Theatre first lit up on August 11, 1950, with a film called Rachel and The Stranger.
Today it ranks as the second-oldest drive-in in Iowa. It’s also one of only four still operating in the whole state, which makes every ticket feel a little like a history lesson.
The setup stays wonderfully simple. One screen shows a double feature each night, so you get two movies for a single admission.
That’s a lot of entertainment for one evening. It also means bringing pillows is a smart move for little ones who might drift off halfway through the second film.
Digital projection keeps the picture bright and clear on the big outdoor screen. The grounds hold more than 250 vehicles, so there’s room for plenty of families at once.
Spots fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Buying tickets ahead guarantees you a place inside the grounds, though the exact parking spot still depends on when you roll in.
My advice? Treat the double feature like a mini road trip without leaving your seat.
Pack comfy clothes, extra snacks, and patience for that second movie.
Show Up Early And Let The Kids Burn Off Every Ounce Of Energy
The box office opens at 6:30 PM, and that’s your cue. Arriving early means a better parking spot and a long stretch of daylight for play.
The free pre-show lineup is impressive. Kids can try the playground, sandbox, swing set, basketball court, volleyball net, tetherball poles, and a wiffle ball diamond.
That’s basically a summer camp packed in front of a movie screen. Tired kids also tend to sit still once the film begins, which parents will appreciate.
You’re welcome to bring your own outdoor games too. Frisbees, chalk, or a soccer ball can fill any gaps between rounds of tetherball.
Families with older kids might organize a quick volleyball match. Grandparents can grab a lawn chair and cheer from the sidelines while the sun drops lower.
The best part is how naturally the evening flows. Games slow down as the sky darkens, and everyone drifts back to their cars and blankets.
Here’s a practical tip for busy nights. Pick a meeting spot near your car so younger children always know where to return when the light starts fading.
All Aboard The Little Train That Steals The Show
Choo-choo before the movie? Yes, really.
Young guests at this drive-in can hop on a free children’s train ride before the films start.
The train typically runs on Fridays and Saturdays. Weather and staffing can affect the schedule, so it’s smart to have a backup plan in case it’s parked for the night.
Rides wrap up before the first movie begins. That timing keeps the grounds calm once the screen lights up.
For small kids, this might be the headline event of the whole evening. A train ride at sunset is the kind of memory that sticks around for years.
Parents get a nice bonus too. You can snap photos as the train loops past, with the giant screen standing tall in the background.
Plan to arrive near opening time if the train is a must. Lines are part of the fun, but getting there early gives you more chances to ride.
One more tip from a practical angle. Remind little riders that the train is a pre-show treat, which helps avoid tears when it stops for the night.
Your Car Radio Becomes The Best Speaker In The House
Sound works a little differently here, and it’s half the charm. Movie audio broadcasts on 88.5 FM, so you simply tune your car radio and listen.
Worried about draining your battery? A portable radio solves that problem nicely, and you can bring your own from home.
Forgot one? Portable radios are available to rent at the concession stand.
Speakers on the building also help folks sitting close by.
Sitting outside on lawn chairs makes a portable radio extra handy. Set it on a cooler, curl up under a blanket, and enjoy the movie under open sky.
Captions get special attention too. Every Monday, both films play with open captions, which helps viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Captions also help with noisy kids or windy nights. Anyone who mumbles along with movie lines might secretly enjoy them as well.
Before you leave home, check your car’s radio settings. Knowing how to keep audio on without the engine running saves a lot of stress later.
Popcorn, Brats, And Dippin’ Dots Make A Strong Case For Seconds
Popcorn comes in reusable souvenir tubs, and that’s a smart move for repeat visitors. Bring the tub back and you can grab a refill.
The concession stand covers classic movie cravings. Hot dogs, chili dogs, Johnsonville brats, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, pretzels, and nachos all share the menu.
Candy lovers have plenty of choices too. Then there’s the freezer, stocked with Drumsticks, Dippin’ Dots, Icee Freeze Pops, and ice cream sandwiches.
Drinks include Coke products, Monster Energy Drinks, Capri Sun, and Slushees. A bright blue slushee under the stars feels like pure summer.
Here’s a friendly perk. Outside snacks and drinks are allowed, so families can pack a cooler to stretch the budget.
Grills aren’t permitted, though, so leave the burger flipping at home. Let the concession stand handle anything hot.
Buying something from the counter supports the drive-in directly. Snacks help keep this place running, so a box of candy is basically a vote for more movie nights.
Budget-Friendly Nights Are Totally Possible Here
Family movie nights can get pricey fast, but this drive-in keeps things reasonable. Admission is lower for children ages 4 to 12, and kids 3 and under get in free.
Tuesdays are the bargain night. Every person gets the same discounted admission, which is great news for larger groups.
Remember, that ticket covers two movies. Add free playground time and a train ride, and you’ve filled an entire evening.
Payment is easy too. The theatre accepts cash, credit cards, and tap payments, though electronic transactions carry a small processing fee.
Gift cards are available as well. They never expire, so they make a sweet birthday or holiday gift for movie-loving friends.
Packing your own snacks saves even more. A cooler full of sandwiches and fruit pairs nicely with a treat or two from the counter.
A little planning goes a long way. Check the schedule, choose a Tuesday in summer, and you’ve got one of the most affordable family nights in Iowa.
Pitch A Tent Right Where The Movie Plays
Camping at a drive-in sounds like a kid’s dream, and here it’s real. Voy 61 Drive-In Theatre offers overnight tent camping on the grounds.
Campers get access to restrooms and electricity. You’ll need to reserve ahead, so this isn’t a last-minute decision.
Birthday parties get their own package too. It includes movie admission, reserved parking, concession treats, and special announcements for the guest of honor.
Hearing your name announced at a drive-in? That beats a cake candle any day.
Groups can rent the whole place privately on Wednesdays and Thursdays. That opens doors for church groups, teams, or big family reunions.
Group tours offer a peek behind the curtain. Visitors can see the projector, learn about projection programming, tour the concession stand, and even make popcorn.
Curious kids will love that tour. Understanding how a giant screen gets its picture adds a whole new layer to movie night.
A Family Story That Spans More Than Five Decades
Ownership stories rarely last this long. Dennis Voy bought the drive-in in 1972 and has guided it for more than fifty years.
His granddaughter, Sara Clasen, now serves as general manager. Three generations of care show up in how the place keeps evolving.
Founders Dick Franklin and Walter Allen opened it back in 1950. Decades later, the name changed to Voy 61 Drive-In by April 2023, honoring the family behind it.
Tough times came too. In 1995 a tornado destroyed the screen, and a replacement went up so the movies could continue.
Fresh upgrades keep arriving. A new illuminated exterior marquee, funded by a grant from American Express and Main Street America, now lights the way in.
That marquee feels like a fitting symbol. Old-school movie magic, glowing brightly for another generation of Iowa families.
Next time you pull in, take a moment to notice it. You’re visiting a business that has survived storms, changing technology, and seventy-five summers.
Plan Around The Calendar And The Highway Exit
Timing matters at a seasonal drive-in. In April and May, movies play on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Summer brings the big stretch. June through August, the screen lights up Friday through Tuesday, then returns to weekends in September.
New schedules post every Monday. Most films stick around for at least two weekends, so you usually get a second chance at a movie.
Finding the place is simple. You’ll pull into 1228 US-61, Delmar, IA 52037, right off Exit 153 on Highway 61.
It sits about five miles south of Maquoketa. Families from the Quad Cities or Dubuque can reach it in roughly 35 miles either way.
Before you go, know the house rules. Pets and grills stay home, but lawn chairs, blankets, radios, and games are welcome.
Arrive early, watch the sky turn pink, and let the kids run wild. When the screen flickers on, you’ll understand why this little Iowa drive-in keeps going strong.
