Black River Drive-In: An Adirondack Classic

DoTheaterMoviesDrive-InWestern Foothills

Apr 1

Since 1950, this drive-in has been entertaining ADKers with Hollywood’s finest cinematic efforts.

Way up in the northwestern Adirondack Park, just outside of Watertown and near Fort Drum, is the Black River Drive-In, a go-to spot for movie lovers for over 70 years.

A bit of historical perspective, Black River Drive-In Theatre was built in 1950 and opened by Sylvan Leff. Sylvan operated the Theatre into the early 70s when he leased the Black River Drive-In to Panther Theatres. After that, the theater changed hands multiple times and closed for several years.

In August 2005, John Nagelschmidt and Loren Knapp formed Black River Drive-In, Inc. From that point on, they worked diligently, seeking various Board approvals and rebuilding the Theatre practically from the ground up. On August 18, 2006, the Black River Drive-in Theatre reopened its “doors” to the public.

Residents and visitors to this corner of the Adirondacks appreciate the drive-in’s state-of-the-art movie projection in beautiful Barco Digital and its Optimod-FM system for superior sound.

Dogs are permitted, provided they will remain leashed and manageable when not in your car (a designated area is available for walking them along the tree line). The Black River Drive-in also accepts credit cards at the box office and concession stand.

Visit their website for the current schedule and showtimes.

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