Point of Interest: Meet Me at the Drive-In

Spend an evening under the stars at Iowa's oldest drive-in movie theatre.

By Haley Banwart

For more than 70 years, moviegoers have flocked to the Valle Drive-In for old-fashioned family fun and entertainment.

In their heyday, Iowa was home to more than 70 drive-ins. Today, only four remain.

The Valle Drive-In, located near Newton, is Iowa’s oldest surviving outdoor theater. Aside from swapping film reels for digital formats, not much has changed at the old-school picture show. Its authentic qualities and first-run movies continue to captivate audiences of all ages.

One-of-a-Kind Cinema Experience

On a typical summer night at the Valle Drive-In, lines of cars arrive early to scout out the best parking spaces. Guests are greeted at the ticket window under the glow of Valle’s signature neon sign.

As daylight turns to dusk, moviegoers mingle and settle in for a double feature presentation. A steady stream of patrons make their way to the original snack shack for food, popcorn, candy and refreshments.

Meanwhile, original 1950s teaser trailers entertain viewers with vintage ads, snack bar cartoons and friendly drive-in reminders.

Going to the movies is a time-honored tradition many families enjoy, but for Valle’s visitors, the magic of the drive-in experience is more than watching stories come to life on a 60-foot screen.

“There’s something pure about a night at the drive-in that draws people in and reminds them of simpler times,” says Jeff Namminga, co-owner of the Valle Drive-In. “It’s a special summertime activity that turns going to the movies into a five- or six-hour outing.”

“You might still see a few cell phones, but for the most part, the drive-in is a place where you’ll find friends and families hanging out, having fun and spending time together. I think a lot of people long for that kind of purposeful interaction.”

As daylight turns to dusk, moviegoers mingle and settle in for a double feature presentation at the Valle Drive-In.

Make a Night of It

The Valle Drive-In’s family-friendly atmosphere inspired Namminga to take over operations of the historic central Iowa hangout in 2014.

Nestled in a remote area surrounded by Iowa corn and soybean fields, he compares the drive-in vibe to a tailgating event.

“Groups show up hours before the showing to set up, kick back and play games of football, Wiffle ball or corn hole,” he says. “It’s different than going to an indoor theater and showing up a few minutes before the movie starts. At the drive-in, people come for the experience.” From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Valle Drive-In runs two movies a night, seven days a week. Tickets are sold on a firstcome, first-served basis at the box office. There is also an online reservation option for those who want to plan ahead.

“Whether you go to the drive-in once or a couple of times a month, come early and make a night of it,” Namminga recommends. “There’s nothing better than spending a summer evening with friends or family and curling up to watch a movie beneath a starry sky.”

For more information on admission and upcoming showings, visit valledrive-in.com.

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