Drive-in movie theaters are a part of American culture. They are now seen as old dinosaurs with drive-in graveyards more plentiful than venues still in operation. The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In in Dearborn, Michigan is our lone surviving drive-in in metro Detroit.
The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In in Dearborn, Michigan.
The Ford-Wyoming is open 7 days a week, year round, has 5 screens showing recent releases, and can accommodate over 1500 cars!
My husband had never been to a proper drive-in so on the Fourth of July we went to see Toy Story 3 in the most American way possible. We parked up at the drive-in!
Going to the drive-in movie theater was a special treat when I was a kid. We’d go in our pajamas and bring our pillows and sleeping bags. I remember going to the Galaxy in Madison Heights and the Troy and Van Dyke Drive-Ins. Sometimes we’d go with just our family, sometimes we’d hop in a car with all of our neighbors.
You can still use these old speakers or you can tune the sound in on your car radio.
My parents, who were teenagers in the 1950’s, grew up in the heyday of the drive-ins. My dad has fond memories of the Gratiot, the Van Dyke, and especially the Bel-Air. “What was nice about the Bel-Air was that there was a spot behind the drive-in where you could park. You couldn’t hear the movie but it was a good place to 'park'.”
The Ford-Wyoming is old, it opened in 1950, and it’s a bit rundown. That didn’t hamper our recent visit; in fact, my husband and I had a blast! We'll go back to the drive-in a few more times this summer.
You can enjoy the movie in the comfort of your own car, catch a double feature, and enjoy a summer night. And, because it was the Fourth of July, there were fireworks going on all around us.
The screen quality may not stand up to modern indoor theaters but the atmosphere makes up for it. Drive-ins are also quite economical. At the Ford-Wyoming it’s $8.50 for an adult and that includes two movies. You can also bring your own snacks and beverages. We opted to bring our own beverages and buy some buttery movie theater popcorn from the concession stand.
Drive-Ins aren’t just for date night; they also are a great destination for family fun or a group outing.
A few tips for your next trip to the drive-in:
- If you don’t want to sit in your car bring lawn chairs, pillows, and blankets.
- Bring your own food and beverages to save on cost.
- Shut off your headlights. Don’t be that guy!
- Remember to bring a keychain light or glow sticks to navigate your way to the concession stand and restrooms.
- Get there early to pick the best spot. (The gates at the Ford-Wyoming open at 8:00 p.m.during the summer.)
The Ford-Wyoming may be the last surviving drive-in in metro Detroit but there are a few others still open throughout Michigan. Check out this list when you head out on your next road trip. You can also watch movies at the Drive-In Theaters at Compuware Arena.