Things to Do in Sturgis

When John and Mary Magocs opened the Capri Drive-In in August 1964, they had no idea the theater they ran with their two young sons would one day be highlighted as one of the most charming in the country. The New York Times once named it among 10 Drive-Ins Worth a Detour, noting its family ownership and stellar concessions. Capri boasts that its original 150'x75' screen is one of the largest in the country; in 1986, it expanded its viewing space by adding a second 80'x40' screen. Short-range FM radio stations broadcast audio from the drive-in's current showings to the spacious lot, which holds more than 900 cars. Viewers can swing by the snack bar to pick up barbecue-pork sandwiches, nachos, ice cream, and even mosquito coils, which repel bugs more easily than hurling a personalized insult at each one that flies by.

Eby’s Family Fun Skate-Laser Tag has gone through many changes in the last century. Harry Eby began planting the land with trees during the dust bowl in the ‘30s. With the soil protected and cool beneath the broad branches, the park eventually served as a Christmas-tree farm, and later, a campsite. In 1953, he converted it to a family-fun center. Now, the buildings on the edge of the pine forest entertain visitors with arcades, laser tag, and skating.

Future conscripts in battles against extraterrestrial invaders suit up and crouch amid the Day-Glo obstacles in Eby's laser-tag arena, firing practice shots at one another or at alien foes in the 4,800-square-foot center. The sound of music drifts from the skating rink, punctuated by happy shrieks and the sound of wheels kissing the gleaming floor. Visitors can also commandeer the area for private skating or laser-tag parties or attempts to cheer up a tipped-over turtle.

Strikes & Spares Entertainment Center regales visitors of all sizes with a venue chiming with clattering pins, zooming go-karts, and flashy arcade games. The dazzling array of attractions lures visitors to the emerald alleyways of nine-hole black-light mini golf, a stable of cosmic and bumper bowling, and a new stock-car-racing simulator replete with a variety of virtual tracks and a digital milk-chugging station for the victor. Kids safely navigate the twisting labyrinth of the indoor go-kart tracks on eco-friendly electric steeds, and adults decompress with billiards, darts, and frosty brews on tap at Keglers Sports Bar. After enjoying outings at the prize-laden arcade or at the slick bowling lanes, groups can settle down with pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream at the diner.