Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
66 Drive-In Theatre
Springfield, Illinois
Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2025
1. 66 Drive-In Theatre Marker
The 66 Drive-In Theatre was originally opened on June 6th, 1952, and was operated by Kerasotes Theatres. Despite only having one screen, it could house up to 1000 cars. It closed in 1986, and was tragically burnt down in 1991. Today, FitClub South and FedEx inhabit the original grounds along South Sixth Street.
Drive-In Theaters were landmarks in communities along Route 66, such as the Bel-Aire Drive In located in Mitchell, IL, which is also part of the "Legacy Neon Park" just behind you. You can still enjoy these big screen movies at the "Route 66 Drive In" at Knights Action Park here in Springfield, IL, or at the Skyview Drive-In in Litchfield, IL.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 6, 1952.
Location. 39° 49.913′ N, 89° 38.22′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. It can be reached from North Peoria Road (Business Interstate 55) north of Sangamon Avenue. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Sky Glider (within shouting distance of this marker); Illinois - Where The Mother Road Begins! (within shouting distance of this marker); The Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience (within shouting distance of this marker); Route 66 Alignments in Springfield (within shouting distance of this marker); Chain of Rocks Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Giants on Route 66 in Illinois (within shouting distance of this marker); The Coliseum (within shouting
Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2025
2. 66 Drive-In Theatre Marker
Marker is located at the Illinois Route 66 Experience exhibit, located on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. It is accessible to the public all year round.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 291 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 7, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
