Cherry Bowl Drive-In Movie Theater in Honor, MI
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Visit the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre

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The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre in Honor, MI, offers fun family entertainment at dusk. Since the drive-in opened in 1953, it has been providing a memorable experience — rain or shine — transporting couples and families into the fabulous ’50s.

About the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre

Every showing at the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is a double feature! The films are always family-friendly — mainly G and PG-rated but sometimes PG-13. The digital projection booth is 100 yards away from the picture throw, which is the largest movie screen in Northern Michigan. The speaker system utilizes the original vacuum tube motiograph amplifiers for you to hear everything that happens on the screen. Or, you can use your FM Radio to tune into the sound system and listen through your own car speakers.

However, there’s more to the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre than movies. As you would expect, there’s a concession stand with fresh, hot buttered popcorn, candy, and cold drinks. What you wouldn’t expect to find is more than that. The diner uses quality ingredients to prepare all kinds of treats — hot dogs, homemade caramel corn, and ice cream.

In addition to food, the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre has a ’50s-style mini-golf course with interesting obstacles — a barn, bowling pins, a castle, a clock, dice, and a windmill. Right behind the huge movie screen is a fenced-in playground area with bouncers, a concrete tube, a playhouse, a sandbox, and slides. Families can play Frisbee, hula hoop, and volleyball too. Throughout the year, the theatre hosts special events where families can meet various movie characters. Some of these events feature classic car cruises, clowns, DJs, hula hoop contests, pony rides, and more.

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Concession Stand
photo via @dixie.cup

More Things to Do Near Honor Michigan

Since the double feature doesn’t start until dusk at the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre, you can explore other attractions near Honor, MI. For instance, the Platte River Fish Hatchery & Weir is just 10 minutes to the east. Or, you could visit “Big” Platte Lake and Little Platte Lake less than 10 minutes to the west. If you’re a golf enthusiast, you could spend the day golfing at Crystal Lake Golf or Pinecroft Golf Course before showtime. About 30 minutes north, you can explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Crystal River.

Moreover, there are plenty of things to do in Traverse City, which is just a 35-minute drive away. The parks, beaches, museums, wineries and breweries, boat tours, and shopping opportunities will keep you busy for hours. You’ll find tons of things to do in other nearby areas as well — Empire, Manistee, and the Leelanau Peninsula.

If you want a substantial meal before the movies start, there are many great restaurants in Traverse City and neighboring towns. On the other hand, you could have a meal closer to the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre. Consider eating at Upriver Wood Fired Pizza (a seasonal food truck) or Jim’s Joint BBQ, both of which are just a couple minutes away.

old-fashioned drive-in theater
photo via @shanti_reflections

Camping & Lodging Near Honor

If you’re looking for a place to stay near the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre, here are a few campgrounds to consider:

No RV? No Problem!

We've included local campgrounds in most of the #MIAwesomeList posts to help you get the most out of your Michigan summer bucket list adventures!


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Additional Nearby Lodging Options:

Photos of the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre in Honor, MI

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