Theaters on the Great River Road

Looking for a unique cinema experience? These Great River Road theaters offer classic entertainment and cool, historic vibes.

  ~Minnesota~

Trylon Cinema (Minneapolis, MN)

Catch a classic film six nights a week at this recently remodeled neighborhood favorite. The Trylon is known for showing everything from silent and foreign films to cult hits.

The Historic Masonic Theatre (Winona, MN)

Home of the Theatre du Mississippi, this theatre shows plays and events throughout the year.  Built in 1908, the original hand-painted stage scenery is still in use today!

 ~Wisconsin~

Rivoli La Crosse (La Crosse, WI)

Grab a table within the main theater and order up a pizza—it’s dinner and a movie at the Rivoli. Great eats and a solid beer selection pair nicely with the discount prices. During football season you can even watch the Packers on the big screen.

Big River Theatre (Alma, WI)

This historic, small town gem has drawn countless music and comedy acts to its stage over the years. It also hosts the Big River Radio Wave, a live variety show broadcast on Wisconsin Public Radio.

~Iowa~

DeWitt Operahouse (DeWitt, IA)

This charming, one-screen movie theater offers an intimate setting and excellent acoustics. The DeWitt also hosts events for children, live performances, and large gatherings.

Burlington Capitol Theater (Burlington, IA)

A 1937 Art Deco theater in the heart of Burlington, this cool spot offers movies, concerts and more. It also hosts the Old Couch Music Fest on its 1,500-square foot stage, as well as the Snake Alley Festival of Film.

~Illinois~

Sterling Theater (Sterling, IL)

Once used for vaudeville acts, this 1924 theater now offers “Brew ‘n’ View,” where you can order beer, wine, and food to enjoy during your movie. Need help locating this spot? Make a quick detour and look for its iconic lighted tower.

Blue Moonlight Drive-In Theater (Galesburg, IL)

What could be better than classic cars, a pre-show cartoon, and a concession stand that features food like a delicious giant tenderloin? The Blue Moonlight Drive-In, just a short drive to Galesburg, is a great nostalgic night out for the whole family.

 ~Missouri~

Star Theatre (Hannibal, MO)

Attend a concert or comedy event at the Star Theatre in Hannibal. Originally built as a playhouse in 1906, it has a specially engineered ceiling and sliding windows to keep the theater cool in the days before A/C.

Moolah Theatre & Lounge (St. Louis, MO)

Formerly a Shriners Temple, the Moolah is now a one-of-a-kind hub of entertainment. With a giant, single-screen, complete with a balcony and a lobby bar, the fun doesn’t stop with just movies. Head downstairs to the vibrant 8-lane bowling alley to keep the night rolling.

~Kentucky~

Maiden Alley Cinema (Paducah, KY)

With an emphasis on fine arts, Maiden Alley programming revolves around “Movies that Matter,” offering up culturally relevant films to a wider audience. There’s also a live music series and programs for young film fans.

~Tennessee~

Malco Summer Drive-In (Memphis, TN)

An old-fashioned drive-in experience is always worth a stop. At this Memphis venue, you can see a variety of genres in the magic of the great outdoors.

~ARKANSAS~

Arkansas (Jonesboro & Forrest City, AR)

There may not be any classic theater options along the Arkansas stretch of the River Road, but you could definitely catch a blockbuster flick with a short detour to Malco Towne Cinema in Jonesboro or Broadway Cinema in Forrest City. 

~Mississippi~

Strand Theatre (Vicksburg, MS)

An affordable, old-fashioned art house theater, The Strand is a fun step back in time. You can also watch well-loved live musicals in addition to movies.

~Louisiana~

The Broad Theater  (New Orleans, LA)

Don’t be deceived, the outside doesn’t look much like a theater, but inside you’ll find all the creature comforts that make movie-watching awesome. There’s a full bar, highly-rated concessions, and leather theater seats.

Chalmette Movies (Chalmette, LA)

If you’re on the lookout for obscure independent or foreign films, chances are you’ll be able to see them at Chalmette Movies. Prefer big-time Hollywood hits instead? They’ve got those, too!