Lake Shore Drive-In Theatre

Lake Shore Drive-In Theatre is a drive-in movie theater located in Monticello, Indiana, United States. It is part of Monticello Movies, a local movie exhibition business that also operates The Peacock Theatre, an indoor first-run cinema. The drive-in features twin screens, each showing double features every night it is open, and its lot accommodates up to 570 cars. Amenities include a full-service concession stand, restrooms, and a lawn area beneath the main screen where guests can play before the films begin. The theater is known for its nostalgic charm, classic drive-in fun, and fresh concession favorites. The drive-in was originally built in 1948 as the single-screen Monticello Drive-In and opened for the first time in 1949 by A.E. Campbell. Ownership changed several times over the decades: to Al Taylor and Clifford Rickey in 1952, to Marc Brazee in May 1961, and later to John Eubanks. In 2000, Phyllis and Earle McLachlan purchased the drive-in. In 2003, the name was changed to Lake Shore Drive-In Theatre, a second screen was added, and a new sound system with FM broadcast was installed. In 2014, screen one was replaced and digital projectors were installed. In August 2024, Ryan Harrison, Ryan Crawford, and their son Franklin Crawford purchased the theater from Phyllis and the late Earle McLachlan. Phyllis continued operating it for the remainder of the 2024 season, and the new owners reopened the theater in spring 2025. As of October 2024, the United Drive-In Theater Owners Association reported that 282 drive-ins (485 screens) remained in the U.S. In May 2024, Lake Shore Drive-In Theatre was one of only 18 operating drive-ins in Indiana. The theater operates seasonally, typically from spring through fall, and is a local landmark in the Monticello community. It is a private, family-owned business and does not trade on any stock exchange.

The Lake Shore Drive-In Theatre traces its origins to 1948, when the Monticello Drive-In was built as a single-screen theater in Monticello, Indiana. It opened for the first time in 1949 under the ownership of A.E. Campbell. In 1952, ownership transferred to Al Taylor and Clifford Rickey. In May 1961, Marc Brazee took over the drive-in. At an unknown later date, John Eubanks acquired it. In 2000, Phyllis and Earle McLachlan purchased the drive-in. In 2003, the name was changed to Lake Shore Drive-In Theatre; a second screen was added, and a new sound system with FM broadcast was installed. In 2014, screen one was replaced, and digital projectors were installed. In August 2024, Ryan Harrison, Ryan Crawford, and their son Franklin Crawford purchased the theater from Phyllis and the late Earle McLachlan. Phyllis continued operating it for the remainder of the 2024 season, and the new owners reopened the theater in spring 2025. As of October 2024, the United Drive-In Theater Owners Association reported that 282 drive-ins (485 screens) remained in the U.S. In May 2024, Lake Shore Drive-In Theatre was one of only 18 operating drive-ins in Indiana. The theater is part of Monticello Movies, which also operates The Peacock Theatre, an indoor first-run cinema in Monticello.

• 2025

  Theater reopened in spring under new ownership.

• 2024

  Ryan Harrison, Ryan Crawford, and Franklin Crawford purchased the theater in August.

• 2014

  Screen one replaced and digital projectors installed.

• 2003

  Name changed to Lake Shore Drive-In Theatre; second screen and new FM sound system added.

• 2000

  Phyllis and Earle McLachlan purchased the drive-in.

• 1961

  Ownership transferred to Marc Brazee in May.

• 1952

  Ownership transferred to Al Taylor and Clifford Rickey.

• 1949

  A.E. Campbell opened The Monticello Drive-In for the first time.

• 1948

  Monticello Drive-In built as a single-screen theater.

Nostalgic, family-friendly outdoor cinema offering classic drive-in fun and affordable entertainment in a small-town setting.

• Drive-in movie screenings

• Double features

• Concessions

1. 1Monticello Movies | Lake Shore Drive-In and The Peacock Theatremonticellomovies.com
2. 2Lake Shore Drive-In Theatre History | Monticello Moviesmonticellomovies.com
3. 3The Peacock Theatre | Monticello Moviesmonticellomovies.com
4. 4Lake Shore Drive-Inwikidata.org