Theater and Film
Skyway Drive In - Outdoor Movies and Much More!
By Tegan Grant
Jun 21, 2009 - 9:35:20 PM

Always a double feature

For those of us old enough to remember drive in movie theatres, we’re also old enough to remember when they began to disappear. Having grown up near Chicago, a double screen drive in theatre was one of our favorite family destinations. Sadly, the majority of the drive in theatres that once existed no longer do. In Wisconsin, the number of drive ins has dropped from sixty-five to just ten. One such gem is the Skyway Drive In located between Fish Creek and Ephraim.

A great evening is about to begin ...

Founded by Orville and Elton Voeks, the Skyway was their second theatre business, having founded the Lake Cinema in Baileys Harbor. Unfortunately, after just over fifty years of business, Lake Cinema, one of the last Quonset Hut-style theatres left in the country, was sold in 2000 and torn down in 2001 after changing hands for sixth time.

Luckily for us, who have fond memories of drive in theatres or have yet to experience one, the Skyway did not meet the same fate. Built as a single screen theatre, the Skyway Drive In began operation on July 26, 1950, and has been operational continually ever since, making it the second longest running drive in theatre in Wisconsin.

In 1981, the Skyway changed hands to Darrell and Eileen Jacobson. Some updates were made to the equipment and building, but the feel of the drive in remained the same. When the theatre changed hands again in 1999 – to the Jacobson’s sons Dale and Jeff – they continued to do their best to preserve the tradition of the drive in.

Car speakers, just like in the old days

Some of the changes made to help keep things running smoothly are not visible to patrons.  One such example is the updating of the projector. In the beginning, it was required to have a projectionist on staff to run the movie. Today, with the help of a high-powered bulb and automated equipment, the movie basically runs itself. Other more visible changes include the addition of a few more spaces to park, expansion and moving of the bathrooms and the ability to listen to the sound of the movie through your choice of an AM or FM station.

Despite these changes, it was important to keep what they could the same as it was when the drive opened in 1950. The snack bar is set up in about the same way, and cartoon advertisements shown before the movie in the 50s are still played today. Yes, the mosquito repellent commercial is still played – and yes, you can still purchase the product in the snack bar. And if you prefer the old crackly sound that speakers provided, park in the first three rows and hook the speaker onto your car.

Every night at the drive in is a double feature, and every night you are bound to see a Jacobson or two (or three), making sure things run smoothly for your night out. Eileen can still often be found selling tickets, and Darrell helping out on busy nights, helping to show further how this family run business is most certainly family friendly. Have children with four legs and fur? They are welcome, too. Just be sure to keep them on a leash.

With the economy in distress, you may think a night out at the drive in might not be in your budget, but with the low prices the Skyway has maintained over the years, you are certain to be able to include this stop during your vacation. Ticket prices are as follows:

Bring your living room right along!

Adults - $6.75 for ages 12 and over

Children - $3.75 for ages 6-11

Children five and under are free.

There is no extra charge for pets.

Popcorn, candy, soda, woo hoo

There is a snack bar on the grounds that provides a variety of candy, beverages, and ice cream, as well as Tombstone pizza, foot long hot dogs and nachos. And of course there is popcorn – with real melted butter to drizzle on top! With low prices reaching even as far as the food, you can walk out with a large tub of popcorn, a large soda and a large box of candy for under ten bucks – and still have some change left over.

The Skyway Drive In books their movies week to week, and if the movies change they will begin on the Friday of every week. To find out what will be showing on Friday, call (920) 854-9938 starting on Monday afternoon. You can also check out the Skyway Drive In website.

For more information about other drive ins still left in Wisconsin, check out the WI Drive In website.

The Skyway Drive In was also part of the filming of Feed the Fish during the winter of '08-'09. For more information, check out our feature story!