Since I was a kid, I have loved going to Vali-Hi, a drive-in movie theater in Lake Elmo, Minnesota! It’s one of those things that’s just as fun as an adult as I remember it being as a kid (maybe even more fun!)
This family-owned drive-in has been bringing entertainment to the Twin Cities since 1966!
And it’s a perfect “social distance approved” activity for Summer 2020 🙂 Here’s everything you need to know before you go to Vali Hi!
Where is Vali-Hi?
The only drive-in in the Twin Cities is just a 15 minute drive east of St Paul or 25 minute drive east of Minneapolis!
What movies are playing?
You can check which movies will be playing on Vali Hi’s website.
Vali-Hi typically has 2 or 3 showings a night. Once you pay and find a spot, you can stay for as long as you like. You could stay for just half of a movie if you really wanted to or you could stay for them all!
What time does the movie start?
The start time does vary! You can call the theater you’ll get a recording with relevant information including projected start time!
When Mitch and I went this weekend, the movie started right around 9:30pm.
What time should i get to Vali-Hi?
You have to get there early! Especially this year, as due to COVID they are only filling parking spots to 50% capacity. They do usually fill up and once they are at capacity they are not able to let in more vehicles for the show.
We went on a Friday and got there at 8:00pm for the first showing at 9:30. Luckily we got there just in time to get a spot in the back row. They definitely let in a lot more cars after us and they filled in to spots, but I would recommend getting there around 2 hours early if you’re worried about getting a good spot.
How much does Vali-Hi cost?
Vali-Hi is a very affordable activity, especially for a family!
- $10 per person
- $1 for children 6-12
- Free for kids 5 & under!
Be sure to bring cash! As they do not take any debit/credit cards.
Vali Hi also has snacks and beverages for purchase at concessions, but you are free to bring your own food and drinks!
*Usually they also have portable radio speakers available to rent as well, but due to COVID they are not renting these out currently. Make sure to bring a radio if you don’t want to run your car!
What should I bring?
Here are the things you should plan or consider bringing with you to the drive-in! Keep in mind you can choose to watch the movie outside your vehicle (just bring chairs) or you can stay inside your vehicle. We made a little bed in the back of our jeep!
- Cash (they do not accept card)
- Portable radio (if you don’t want to use your car radio). Note- if you have an Apple Iphone you can’t use a radio app to get these radio stations (we tried)!
- Blankets & Pillows
- Chairs (it’s nice to sit outside even while you wait for the movie to start)
- Snacks & beverages (although concessions are available!)
- Bug Spray
I may have went a little overboard and also used a twin size mattress topper and an extra sheet which made the experience very comfortable! Oh and added some twinkly lights 🙂
Have you been to Vali-Hi this summer yet?? If not, you’ll definitely want to add it to your summer bucket list!
Looking for more things to do in Minnesota this summer, be sure to check out more of my Minnesota posts.
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