Did you know that the original Dairy Queen was founded in Illinois?
According to WGN, the Dairy Queen that holds the title of the world’s first location is set to be revitalized and transformed into a cherished landmark along Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois.
The world’s first Dairy Queen is being revived in Joliet
The original Dairy Queen opened on June 22, 1940, in the heart of downtown Joliet, founded by J.C. McCullough and Sherb Noble. It quickly became a must-visit destination for ice cream lovers.
Now, this historic site is poised to be a stop along Route 66. The restoration project is being led by the Joliet Area Historical Museum in collaboration with the City of Joliet.
The goal is to complete the revitalization in time for the 2026 Centennial celebration of Route 66, positioning the Dairy Queen as both a nostalgic tribute to the past and a stop for tourists exploring the highway.
