World’s first Dairy Queen location in Joliet to be revived as historic landmark along Route 66

The world’s first Dairy Queen location in downtown Joliet is being revived as a historic landmark for the 100th anniversary of Route 66.

The two-story brick building at 501 N. Chicago in downtown Joliet opened as the world’s first Dairy Queen in June of 1940. It also happens to be on Historic Route 66, and as part of the Centennial Celebration, the Joliet Area Historical Museum is giving the building a historically accurate facelift.

After the original Dairy Queen location was relocated, the building became home to a nondenominational church, insurance agency, lawn mower shop and even a motorcycle dealership over the years.

The project is being led by the Joliet Area Historical Museum, with support and guidance from International Dairy Queen, which is helping to ensure accurate reproductions of period neon signs, exterior signage and murals, as well as lighting fixtures.