Michigan’s Recent Storms Destroyed Last Remaining Part of Portage’s West Lake Drive-In

The people of Portage, Michigan, are devastated after the last remaining part of the West Lake Drive-In was destroyed recently in the storms that tore through Southwest Michigan.

When the city of Portage originally purchased the property, they tore down the building but kept the covered parking structure. However, last week, the storm absolutely destroyed the last remaining parts of the West Lake Drive-In, tearing the entire canopy.

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Now, literally, all that’s left of the drive-in is a memory, as many people shared their feelings on the Vanished Kalamazoo Facebook page:

This is a place people grew up with...

The isthmus of Portage will never be the same again to those of us who grew up in Southeast Portage. We all have fond memories of this drive-in. Thankfully, we have photography to keep those memories alive. -Nancy P.

But sadly, it has changed a lot:

It was sad to see it purchased and torn down. Used to be a great spot to just sit and contemplate life while having a bite to eat. Now... it's a building and parking lot ... which we can't seem to get enough of. - Kathy K.

This place holds a special spot in people's hearts:

Still miss the West Lake Drive-In. Many mornings, I stop and have coffee while out for a motorcycle ride. The car hop and boss would come out to the picnic table and we would chat for a short. Good old days, etched forever in my memory! - Terry F