61 drive in theatre

I think I figured out why drive-ins all across Iowa are closing. I am stunned by all of the good reviews for this drive-in. I'm 22 and wanted to experience my first drive-in. Everyone at this drive-in seemed to use it as a baby-sitter, letting their children run free while they conversated or drank beer by their vehicles. Also, when you first arrive, the man at the ticket booth gives you a list of rules---a few of them being to NOT sit on your vehicles OR beside them, but in front of them. The rules also stated that you had to keep your lights off. Before the movie started, I had a large group of children kicking and throwing a volleyball right at my car several times. I also watched them hit other cars and trucks. Any attempts to get them to stop were fruitless, because as previously mentioned, parents just drop their kids off and treat this place like a babysitter so they can have a good time without disciplining their kids. Finally, when the movies started, the kids were gone--hooray! Unfortunately, the drive-in continued to let customers in 20, 30, and 40 minutes after the movie had started. These people were rude, came in with their lights on, and made it impossible to pay attention to the movies. In addition, some of the late arrivals parked right in front of me, stood in the back of their trucks, and piled things on top of their roof, blocking my view of the screen (I couldn't go back any further, because I was all the way in the back). I yelled loudly for them to sit down about five times with no success. Finally, my boyfriend yelled and they sat down, although this didn't help their pile of junk on the roof of their truck. The concession popcorn and soda was the worst I'd ever had, and I eventually had to leave because of late arrivals distracting me with their lights, people popping open their SUV trunks, people taking pictures, and people obstructing my view. If you come to this drive-in, I recommend you bring the largest vehicle you kind find. Also, I hope you are a person who doesn't mind having kids throw things at your vehicle, people breaking rules, terrible food, and constant distractions from cameras and late arrivals. There were two small good features about this place---the sound was good (only because it came from the radio in my car) and the ticket man was very nice and gave me my money back. Don't expect to have a hassle free time at the drive-in of irresponsible parents and incosiderate teenagers. Absolutely NO respect here.

Went to the Drive in while camping in Maquoketa. Good clean fun, reasonably priced, huge selection at concession stand. People start arriving at 6p and tailgate. Can bring in your own food/beverages they just don't let you grill. Don't forget a radio, lots of blankets and bug spray.

61 Drive In is everything you will remember about drive in theaters and so much more. It is laid out so your kids can run around together right in front of you. Of course, getting the sound over your car stereo is superior to the past. They probably have the very best concession food in the theater business as well.

You can spot this drive in carved out of a cornfield right off US 61 just south of Maquoketa, in Delmar (exit 153). It looks pretty lonely during the day, but the Saturday night we attended, it was packed full with people of all ages.The gates open at 6:30 and you will find that people do arrive right at 6:30 to get the best spots. Some evenings apparently the place fills up so full that you have to park outside and carry your chairs or blankets in to watch the flick.Once you park (you can nose in or back in), you get yourself set up with blankets and snacks and enjoying the weather and amenities. The concession stand is indoors and has a large concession menu (from candy/popcorn/burgers), along with some "necessities"... Frisbies and bug spray!! They didn't sell BLANKETS-- I might have bought one or two. It was a gorgeous summer day when we arrived (80s) but temps dropped into the mid 60s with lots of dew after dark. Bring sweats and a couple blankets to snuggle under.Atmosphere:This drive-in is 100% A+ in old school atmosphere. My son kept saying "we are seeing movies the way they did in the OLD DAYS!" and just couldn't get in his head that we were actually going to see a movie in the CURRENT DAYS... that drive-ins still exist. It was a very existential conversation. Everyone was so chatty and relaxed and our kids played ball with other kids from adjacent cars. Also, the owners have a great old "train" that they drive around the lot for the kids to ride on. There is plenty of great food at the concession stand, or just enjoy a picnic of your own. In town, there is a Subway, and Happy Joe's and other restaurants (in Maquoketa); easy to pick something up. Be sure to remember to pack your cooler! Alcoholic beverages are allowed.The quality of the film is EXCELLENT. Once it is dark (about 9 ish) they start the first movie (kids feature) and you listen to it on your radio (88.5). We were parked about halfway back (close to the concession) and felt engrossed in the event. However, if you bring your chairs or blanket, you can feel free to sit closer up. The setting is wonderful, the atmosphere is casual and wonderful. The kids were propped up on pillows in the back of the SUV and fell asleep on the way home. The bathrooms were clean and well-maintained. Can't recommend this fun experience enough. Great night out for family, college friends, date night, girls night too.