State Theatre

This old movie palace is located in downtown Rhinelander on Brown Street at Rives Street, was built in 1921. Once a large single screen that has been converted to a four screens. It still has its original marquee with tons of neon and flashing bulbs. Large letters in neon spell out “State” on the front of the marquee.

It has a small lobby and concession stand. A dropped ceiling covers over all the original decor of the lobby. In the auditoriums all the old decor has also been covered over in the conversion to the four screens. It featured first run features and has assistive listening devices and is handicap accessible. It was closed by early-2016.

Recent comments (view all 5 comments)

mistertom on July 15, 2005 at 11:19 pm

After my car had a massive electrical failure up in the north woods, I was towed to Rhinelander and had to wait a week for parts to arrive at the dealer. Each night, I went to the State and watched the most amazing movie: Blade Runner. I was alone and scared and running out of money – but that theater and that movie kept me sane.

Broan on October 9, 2007 at 12:39 am

Recent photos of this theatre are HERE

RoadsideArchitecture.com on January 10, 2012 at 7:42 pm

This postcard image (1920s?) shows a different marquee.

Joe Vogel on May 7, 2014 at 3:31 pm

Here is an item from the April 23, 1921, issue of The American Contractor which must be about the State Theatre:

“Theatre (M. P.) $60,000. 2 sty. 83 X 120. Brown & River sts., Rhinelander, Wis. Archt. Oppenhamer & Obel, Wausau. Owner Peter Rouman, Rhinelander. Brk. Archt. & owner taking bids to close April 30th.”

The cross street is Rives, not River, of course. William Oppenhamer and Irving A. Obel also designed the Grand Theatre in Wausau.

Trolleyguy on April 8, 2016 at 10:38 am

Seems to be closed. No movie listings anywhere and phone disconnected.