There’s something perfectly nostalgic and wonderful about visiting a drive-in. Whether you walk up to grab your food or it’s delivered to you on roller skates, drive-ins are a symbol of a time gone by. A lot of places try to recreate the feeling these places evoke, but the ones operating here in Wisconsin have been doing so for decades. Many are seasonal, but you’ll still find quite a few ready to serve you the very best burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and shakes before the cold weather sets in. Check out these 13 amazing spots (but make sure to check their websites for the latest opening and closing information).
Please note, many of these drive-ins are seasonal. Verify hours before heading out to dine.
Well known as a Northwoods spot for soft serve, they also make great burgers and sandwiches. The perfect little spot Up North. Hours vary by season, but in September are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. They are closed Tuesdays. Located at 6527 Pine St., Land O' Lakes, WI 54540.
Gus’s Drive In is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day from March through October. Saturdays you'll find the coolest party in town with their Cruisin' nights featuring Elvis impersonators and all the classic cars you can stand. It can be found at 3131 Main St. in East Troy.
Established around 1948, this place is an institution in Lake Country. Open seasonally, they'll shut down as fall creeps in. Located at N48W36154 E Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc, WI 53066.
Open through the end of September 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, this place is as classic as it gets, with tons of neon. Located at 2413 S Main St., Oshkosh, WI 54902.
This historic spot has been in this location since 1845. It's cash only, though they have an ATM. Open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day.
Located at 2117 75th St., Kenosha, WI 53143.
Classic cars gather here on Tuesdays, carhops abound and it feels straight out of the 50's. Open through the end of September. Located at 806 W Main St,. Hortonville, WI 54944.
Celebrating their 20th year, Wayne's stays open into November 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. This spot is on the iconic five corners and a popular North Shore spot. Located at 1331 Covered Bridge Rd., Cedarburg, WI 53012.
With roots going back to the 1930's, this place is a spectacular blast from the past. Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in LaCrosse and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Sparta. Located at 1004 La Crosse St., La Crosse, WI 54601 and 514 S. Water St., Sparta, Wisconsin 54656.
Located just off the Crawfish River and open mid-May to Labor Day, this place is the perfect spot for a summer pick-me-up. Located at 641 N Ludington St., Columbus, WI 53925.
Open Memorial Day to Columbus Day, this is an iconic spot on Washington Island rebuilt after a fire a few years ago and continues to add to the vacation atmosphere in Door County. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Located at 777 Main Rd., Washington, WI 54246.
Great food and ice cream since 1955, this spot is season, but thankfully their season is a long one, March 1st - November 30th from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Located at 1718 Crooks Ave., Kaukauna, WI 54130.
Open late February to early September, this place has all the nostalgic ice cream treats you remember from your childhood. Located at 238 Ripon Rd., Berlin, WI 54923.
What’s your favorite drive-in spot? Let us know in the comments!
