The 9 Best Historic Theaters in North Dakota!
Opera, vaudeville, musicals—theater is deeply embedded in the fabric of our history. If you’re looking to recapture the feeling of centuries’ past, North Dakota’s historic theaters are something to experience. Here are our favorites in the state.
Fargo Theatre, Fargo, ND
Fargo Theatre, located in downtown Fargo, was built back in 1926 and restored to its former historic appearance in 1999. This beautiful space is now a community gathering place hosting not only blockbuster movie showing but also live events, concerts, and movie showings for foreign and independent films. The theatre is even on the National Register of Historical Places, as determined by the United States Department of the Interior.
Grand Theatre, Williston, ND
Located in a historic and restored building, Williston’s Grand Theatre screens more than enough blockbusters to keep the surrounding area entertained! The whole theatre is cash only, with an ATM on site. The cozy theatre is staffed with warm and welcoming employees who can help customers with any issue.
Mayer Theater, Hebron, ND
Hebron may be a small town, but with Mayer Theater, it has big city entertainment! This historic cinema is unique in that it is completely community volunteer operated. It was built in 1949 and later restored with neon marquee, a new projector, and state-of-the-art sound equipment before being donated back to the community to run and patronize. Check out their website for movie times as well as volunteer opportunities!
Harvey Central Cinema, Harvey, ND
For over 50 years, the historic Harvey Central Cinema has been entertaining the citizens around the small town of Harvey. The theater is both high-quality and affordable, making it the perfect date night or family outing. The hometown theater has caring and attentive staff who do everything to make customers theater experience a great one. Head to Harvey Central Cinema for an unbeatable night on the town!
Lyric Theatre, Park River, ND
For decades, Park River’s Lyric Theatre was a favorite entertainment spot in the small town before closing down. Not too long afterwards, the beloved theatre was reopened and restored. Now it’s back and better than ever with the original vintage ceiling style, handicap accessible bathrooms and doors, new seats, updated paint and floor, and restored roof. These monumental changes to the historic theatre gave it new life and it is once again a community gathering place. The Lyric Theatre is now a town favorite for a night of entertainment!
Kota Theater, Garrison, ND
Near the shores of scenic Lake Sakakawea, Garrison’s Kota Theater is the only theater is town and is a community treasure! Due to being run by community volunteers, concessions and tickets are extraordinarily cheap. Popcorn, for instance, is only 50 cents per bag. The Kota Theater is truly a part of the community, through and through.
Scenic Theater, Lisbon, ND
Another of North Dakota’s iconic small town vintage theaters, Lisbon’s Scenic Theater was established in 1911 making it one of the oldest movie theaters in the state! It has been remodeled with modern amenities, high end equipment, and comfortable seating. You won’t want to miss this charming hometown theater!
Kenmare Theatre, Kenmare, ND
This small community theatre shows movies only on the weekends, but they’re always packed when open. There is also a Monday night showing during the summer months. The vintage theatre was refurbished by a dedicated group of community members who reopened it for the people of Kenmare to enjoy. It even has a digital projector with 3D capabilities. It’s the local hotspot!
Rockford Theatre, New Rockford, ND
Updated with more modern equipment in 2012, the Rockford Theatre is a high-tech movie theatre in a small town! Admission is affordable, at only $6 for adults 13 and over and $4 for kids 12 and under. The theatre is also available for private parties!
