On March 15, 1956, The Rocket Drive-In opened in Durango, CO. Local business man Leonard H. Scales built the movie theatre with the intention of giving local families an affordable option of entertainment. A double feature movie night would cost an adult .50 cents and children under 12 are free. Year after year the Rocket Drive-In would serve up cheeseburgers, popcorn and candy for the families of this small mountain town.
The Rocket was managed by three generations of the Scales family along with countless members of the Durango community for 48 years. Sadly, the giant screen went dark after final movie ran in 2004. The Rocket Drive-In movie memories will live forever in our hearts as brightly as the Rocket Neon Sign that illuminates this Fort Lewis College campus restaurant.
See this historic sign for yourself while you enjoy a burger, salad or sandwich at The Rocket, located on the top floor of the Student Union.