News Article: Michigan Drive-In Opens Tonight - Largest In The Nation - The grand opening of Michigan's newest and most modern drive-in theatre will take place tonight at 6:30, it was announced today by Nicholas George, owner. The new drive-in, which is located on Dix-Toledo highway, is one of the largest of it's type in the nation. The folks who drive out to the new Michigan Drive-In theatre are in for a pleasant surprise, according to George, who is also owner of the Allen Park theatre. They will be amazed to discover that the quality of the picture image on the huge screen is excellent. So sharp is the definition that even those who park their cars on the last ramp, which is a couple of average city blocks away, can see and hear without eye or ear strain and enjoy the show as well as if they were in an indoor theatre. To bring crystal clear "personalized" sound right to each car, Simplex in-a-car speakers have been installed. Each speaker is equipped with an easy to operate volume control which makes it possible to adjust the sound to satisfy your individual taste. Another feature for patrons is the ultra-modern refreshment stand, equipped to sell ice cream, pop corn, candy, soft drinks, hot dogs and hamburgers. Added attraction for the youngsters will be a joyland playground, complete with swings, slides and merry-go-round. In the interest of safety of the children playing, an attendant will be in charge at all times. Modern sanitary rest rooms are also provided. Mr. George has also announced that he has succeeded in securing a highly efficient and courteous staff, who will be ready to serve the public at all times. (Wyandotte News 7-22-48)

Update: I managed the Holiday Drive-In, I also worked at the Fort George, the Jolly Roger, and was the misfortunate person that was given the sad task of putting the final marquee on the Michigan Drive-In stating that it was closed. The location on the site lists it as Wyandotte, but it was actually Southgate. It is now a strip mall and a Chi-Chi's and Best Buy. (Christoper Allen 7/16/00)

Update: The Michigan Drive-In has been replaced for almost 15 years now....on the site that it once stood stands a Chi-Chi's, Best Buy, Lone Star Steakhouse, and a Dollar Store, plus a few other closed stores in a shopping center (like an abandoned Builders Square and Play It Again Sports). (John Percey 4/21/01) Update: Here's two photos of the Michigan Drive-In (we always called it "Drive-In Michigan") downriver in Southgate (corner of Dix and Eureka), circa 1984. One's a pic of the screen and the other's the cartoon (something about "Tom & Jerry at the Beach") The movie that night was "Ghostbusters". I don't know why I didn't get a shot of the marque out front; I sure wish I did. I vaguely remember there may not have been much space out there to pull over and take a picture without blocking traffic. Whatever. Too late now; the drive-in was later replaced by a Best Buy and strip mall. (Rich Kalamas 1/24/04) Update: I noticed that you have this theater as being located in either Southgate or Wyandotte. I believe the correct city is Southgate, as the Wyandotte city limit stopped just short of the Fort George Drive-In on Fort (which you have correctly in Southgate). The Michigan was a few miles west of the George on Dix-Toledo, which puts it squarely into my old hometown of Southgate.(Don Solosan 2/15/05) Update: Here's the second batch of photos that I took last week. I had heard that the Best Buy store on Dix Road in Southgate was going to close soon, so I decided to take some photos of the building before it became history. It wasn't until visiting your website last night, however, that I learned that the location was once home to the Michigan Drive-In Theatre. Some people on the webpage for this drive-in have noted that the theater was located in Southgate, not Wyandotte. They are correct. In fact, the building next to this strip mall is the Southgate Fire Department, and next to that is the Southgate Library. Feel free to use any of the enclosed photos, as long as I get name-credit for them on your website. I'm interested in local Downriver history, especially the Trenton/Riverview/Southgate area, so if you know of any place online to find such photos, let me know. I hope that someday in the future there will be so much info online that there will be websites allowing viewers to take a virtual tour through various decades of a city's past. But right now I can't even find a photo of Trenton's old Mulias and Ellias building on the web, so that day seems a bit far away still. Thanks again for your wonderful website! (Rob Imes 6/21/06)

Update: The Michigan Drive In was demolished in 1985. My parents house was nearby. I remember the day it was torn down. I was about 10 years old at the time. (Butch Hoek 7/9/06)

Update: I see you have the Michigan Drive-In at Dix and Eureka Roads listed as having been in Wyandotte. This was never the case. The Michigan was in Ecorse Township from the time it opened, until that area was incorporated as the City of Southgate in 1958. Below is the official City website. A link to a map is contained in the site. Zip code: 48195. Thanks -- great site. southgate-mi.org/facts/history.htm (Warren Waterman 10/8/06)

Update: I am somewhat sad to report this, but I went by the site of the former Michigan Drive In last week and found that all but one business that sits on the site is shut down. The Best Buy has moved to a local mall, the Builders Square that used to sit there has been vacant for over a decade, there was a Lone Star Steakhouse that has closed and a few other assorted shops (a dollar store, a clothing store) are now for rent. What a sad, sad thing that not only did we lose a theater like the Michigan, but now it''s replacement shops are gone out of business too. (Waterwinterwonderland.com/Jake Nelson 7/2/08)