We live in media-rich times, but no streaming service compares to summer nights at the 10-Hi.
Cloud and 10-Hi were the ‘drive-in’ outdoor cinemas near Waite Park and St Cloud from the 1940s to the 1970s, a cheap night out for families when films like Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music were screening, and an adventure-filled experience for carloads of young people.
The 10-Hi opened on Highway 10 April 1962 with Marlon Brando’s One Eyed Jacks. Car capacity was 300 in a lumpy field, with a concession stand for snacks, and bathrooms so you didn’t have to find a bush or tree when nature called.
At dusk we’d park in rows next to wooden posts close enough to attach the metal speakers over our windows. Then we’d settle in with bags of home-popped corn, pillows, blankets, and drinks.
Sometimes there were dusk to dawn horror movie nights. We’d hop from car to car sharing jokes, snacks, boozy nips, and maybe a kiss or two.
The Cloud was located in Waite Park just off Division, opening in 1949 with space for 389 cars with a single gigantic screen.
Cloud and 10-Hi operated until the late 1970s.
I never did kiss the boy I learned to ballroom dance with. We often went to the 10-Hi with other friends, watching the movies on our car hoods under the stars. On nights when the mosquitoes or drizzle were bad, scenes flickered across our faces, squeezed side by side inside our cars.
He was proud of his biceps at dancing lessons and at the drive-in. They flexed impressively beneath his tight t-shirts in all scenarios, pressing against mine, an invitation I wasn’t brave enough to return.
The Cloud and the 10-Hi are no more, but you can still go to Litchfield’s Star Lite Drive-In Theater on summer nights with a bag of home-popped corn and whatever else you fancy.
Drive-in rules haven’t changed much since the 1970s.
Instead of the crackly metal speakers, you now receive sound by tuning your FM radio, or you can bring a portable radio.
There’s a concession stand and you can pay the entry fee with cash, checks, or credit ($9 for those 13+, $5 for kids 5-12, free for kids under 4).
“Please bring a portable if your car radio does not work as we don’t have any loaners.”
There are two screens at the Star Lite, but you can’t swap fields to watch different movies.
“If you go to another field, you’re watching a movie you didn’t pay for, and nothing goes to that studio. Curiously, they seem a bit persnickety about money!” says Star Lite.
Alcohol consumption is discouraged.
"After all, it's a DRIVE IN, with obvious implications for people who drink then head home in their cars. If our staff observes you out of your vehicle with alcoholic beverages, we will ask that you throw them away or leave the theatre. If you appear to be intoxicated, under 21 and under the influence or indulging in any illegal substances at any age, it’s highly likely the Sheriff will stop by to say hello."
The Star Lite, like most drive-ins, is located on the edge of town surrounded by open country, which means mosquitoes and other unwelcome insects.
Pack bug spray in your cubbyhole or trunk for when you go to the drive-in.
And don’t be tempted to hide a few unpaid guests in your trunk, as we did when we were young. Unlawful admittance violates theft of service and trespass laws, with the same penalties and legal consequences as shoplifting. Breaches may be dealt with by law enforcement.
Star Lite warns patrons about laying on blankets between or in front of their vehicles to watch the movies, as drivers moving across the field might run you over.
Once you enter the drive-in zone, you can't leave and come in again.
Hatchbacks and other doors need to be tied open so they don’t block the view of movie watchers parked behind you.
“Twine or a short piece of small rope or wire works very well. If you plan to have speakers or people on top of your vehicle, or you prefer to have your hatchback all the way up, expect to park in the back rows.”
Barbecues and fireworks aren’t allowed at Star Lite, or open flames, except for citronella candles and mosquito coils. But you can take your dog if it stays in the car or you bring a leash.
Drive-In Tips
- Keep a garbage bag in your vehicle to toss everything into for easy disposal when you get home.
- Pack pillows, blankets, a blow-up mattress, mosquito repellant, and snacks.
- If you have an SUV, back into your viewing spot so you can open the hatch and recline while you watch the movies.
- For kids, use glow stick bracelets or necklaces so they can be easily seen when going to the bathroom or concession stand, or pack a flashlight.
- You can buy snacks at the drive-in, but you may want to bring your own. Google ‘drive-in snacks’ for all kinds of ideas. I keep things simple: popcorn, something to drink, and maybe some Twizzlers.
Photos WJON, istock
We are lucky enough to live 10 miles from one of Minnesota ‘s few remaining drive-ins, the one at Long Prairie. We haven’t been there much but it’s great it’s still going. They’re part of Americana. This drive-in caters to younger families with kids, which makes it a great resource for families with young children.
Have never been to that one Lois but perhaps it’s time!