Entry No. 80 — the Des Moines file — filed under: after-dark
Valle Drive-In
Iowa's oldest drive-in, running since 1949, sits about 30 miles east of Des Moines and still throws double features under the open sky from spring through October. A March 2025 tornado tore up the screen, and the crew famously reopened by showing 'Twister' once it was rebuilt. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. so you can settle in before the picture starts at dusk, with sound piped through your car radio on FM 88.7.
The story
Running continuously along Highway F48 outside Newton since 1949, Valle Drive-In holds the title of Iowa’s oldest operating outdoor theater. While thousands of mid-century drive-in screens across the Midwest were flattened for industrial parks and suburban sprawl, Valle stayed anchored in the Jasper County gravel, projecting double features thirty miles east of Des Moines. It isn't a retro-themed revival; it's an authentic survivor that still pipes movie audio straight into your car stereo over a low-power broadcast on FM 88.7.
The venue proved its sheer stubbornness after a March 2025 tornado swept through Newton and demolished the original screen tower. Rather than taking an insurance exit, the crew rebuilt the structure and reopened the grounds with dark Midwestern humor—choosing the disaster flick 'Twister' as their very first feature back on the screen.
What it's like
Aim to arrive right when gates open at 6:30 p.m. so you can back into your row, pop the liftgate, and pile blankets in the back before twilight hits. Double features start right at dusk under the open sky. Make sure to lock in your vehicle spot online by 6:00 p.m. the day of the show. Bring a portable FM radio tuned to 88.7 if you don't want to run your car battery down during two back-to-back movies. Outside snacks are fine, but leave the tailgate grill at home—open flames are strictly prohibited on site, and there are no rainchecks if a storm rolls through.
The move: Reserve a spot, back into a parking row with the trunk popped and blankets piled in, and watch a double feature start under the stars with the audio on your car speakers.
📍 Before you go Seasonal (roughly April-October); online vehicle reservations must be made by 6:00 p.m. day-of. Cash or credit, no rainchecks, no grilling on site. Adults $8, ages 5-11 $5.
- 📍 Newton
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 4074 Hwy F48, Newton, IA 50208
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Big Aluminum Bugs — Stop two miles down the road before dusk to admire towering insect sculptures welded from scrap metal and old hog feeders.
- Jasper County Historical Museum — Pair Iowa's oldest outdoor movie screen with a tour of Newton's collection of over 70 antique Maytag washing machines earlier in the afternoon.
- Joy the Movie Theater Pig (Capitol II Theatre) — If rain cancels your outdoor drive-in plans, head two miles into town for an indoor show hosted by a Guinness World Record mini pig.
- Ashton Observatory (Des Moines Astronomical Society) — Trade Hollywood films for deep space by driving twelve miles north to look through research-grade telescopes under dark Jasper County skies.
Good to know
How much does entry cost and how do reservations work?
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 through 11. Vehicle reservations must be booked online by 6:00 p.m. on the day of the show.
How do I listen to the movie audio?
Audio is broadcast over your vehicle's radio at FM 88.7. A portable battery-operated FM radio works just as well.
Can I grill out or bring outside food?
Outside snacks are allowed, but grilling or open flames of any kind are strictly forbidden on the property.
What happens if it rains during the show?
Valle operates outdoors under the open sky and enforces a strict no-raincheck policy once you have entered.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · weareiowa.com · traveliowa.com · who13.com
last checked: 2026-06-23