Corral Drive-In
5078 US-59,
Cherokee,
IA
51012
5078 US-59,
Cherokee,
IA
51012
1 person
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The Corral Drive-In was opened July 2, 1949 and had parking spaces for 300 cars.
Located one mile north of Cherokee on Highway 59, it was a popular place to spend a hot summer night for both teenagers and families.
In the 1950’s and early-1960’s traveling entertainers, singers, magicians, etc. would perform their acts on the roof of the concession stand before the shows or during intermission.
Unfortunately, VHS tapes and cable TV proved to much for this theater. In the early-1970’s, it closed it’s gates and was eventually torn down.
Many can still remember the old jeep cruising up and down the rows keeping teens in line, family night, buck night and “Excuse me, would you open the trunk please?”
Contributed by
Terry Gustafson
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Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
The Corral was operated by the Pioneer Circuit throughout the sixties. Capacity was 350 cars, according to the 1970 IMPA.
Would this Drive-in be near Webster City,Iowa?
A more accurate address for this theater is 5078 US-59, Cherokee, IA 51012. This points directly to the drive in itself.
Please update.
An article in the July 16, 1949 issue of BoxOffice places the Corral’s opening date as probably Saturday July 2 that year:
CHEROKEE, IOWA – The opening of the Corral Drive-In theatre here was a Fourth of July weekend attraction. The theatre was packed on all three nights – Saturday, Sunday and Monday – according to Art Downard manager.