Hillcrest Drive-In

30324 Il-78,
Farmington, IL 61531

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50sSNIPES
50sSNIPES on January 30, 2026 at 6:57 am

Closed on September 7, 1981 with “Tarzan The Ape Man” and “Clash Of The Titans”.

Kenmore
Kenmore on January 20, 2026 at 3:38 pm

The screen was gone by 1983. And what appears from the overhead to be the foundation of the screen is really just a row of shrubs.

The remnants of the projector booth/concession stand are still there, although in terrible condition surrounded by trees.

However, apart from the entrance/exit roads, the ticket booth is still there and reasonably intact.

dallasmovietheaters
dallasmovietheaters on January 19, 2026 at 8:39 am

The Hillcrest Drive-In opened in tiny Norris, Illinois near Canton and Farmington, Illinois. It opened on March 13, 1950 and was equipped for widescreen projection during the 1956 season to play CinemaScope titles.

The Hillcrest was operated by Kerasotes Theatre Circuit from 1977 to 1980. It fulfilled its 30-year leasing agreement with Karasotes moving on. It then closed after the 1981 season under independent operation.

Status: Demolished.

50sSNIPES
50sSNIPES on December 21, 2025 at 8:25 am

The actual address is 30324 IL-78, Farmington, IL 61531.

MichaelKilgore
MichaelKilgore on June 1, 2019 at 2:57 pm

The following week, BoxOffice magazine reported that the Hillcrest’s opening night featured the films Keep ‘Em Flying and Panhandle.

jwmovies
jwmovies on October 11, 2012 at 8:12 pm

Approx. location for this drive-in was Hwy 78 just NE of East Division St. in Norris, IL 61553. The screen foundation is still there.

rivest266
rivest266 on May 26, 2012 at 4:35 pm

1973 photo added here.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on September 4, 2010 at 7:42 am

THE HILLCREST DRIVE-IN in NORRIS,Illinois. parked 500 cars and in 1956 it was owned by E.Tukey and A.F. Stockberger.

Ret. AKC (NAC) CCC Bob Jensen, Manteno, Illinois
Ret. AKC (NAC) CCC Bob Jensen, Manteno, Illinois on September 4, 2010 at 7:31 am

Sometimes listed as being in Norris which is only five miles North of Canton on Route 78.

Open for only a short time around ~1985 aproximate? Your welcome to research the exact dates.

Owned by Keasotes Theatres.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on August 29, 2010 at 7:58 pm

Must have closed before 1956.Not the Motion Picture 1956 Almanac.