World's 1st Dairy Queen In Joliet Claims Spot As Landmark For Iconic Route 66 Centennial

JOLIET, IL — A treasured — and soon to be restored — piece of Joliet history will soon claim its spot among the historic landmarks along the legendary Route 66.

The unassuming two-story brick building on Historic Route 66 in Joliet’s Downtown has quietly maintained a hidden history as the first home of an internationally iconic brand. The world’s first Dairy Queen location at 501 N. Chicago in Joliet — now under management of the Joliet Area Historical Museum — will undergo a "historically accurate facelift" in time for the 2026 Centennial of Route 66, the museum announced Monday.

The centennial celebration includes different tours, fests, and trips to take in the roadway and all its throwbacks to a nostalgic era of American culture — one of vintage neon signs, quirky roadside attractions, and classic diners.

The museum acquired the "humble little building" in 2023, with aims of restoring it back to its original 1940s luster — the same neon signs and vintage feel that will make it fit right in as a Centennial stop.

“Joliet’s distinction as the home of the world’s first Dairy Queen location, one of the most beloved brands in the world, is one of its greatest hidden historic gems," Peerbolte said. "It seems appropriate that International Dairy Queen (IDQ) also shares its story with another American icon — the original alignment of Route 66, one of the most recognizable roads in the world.”

While the development of Dairy Queen soft serve dates back to the late 1930s, the first Dairy Queen location was opened in Joliet by J.F. “Grandpa” McCullough and his family and
Sherb Noble on June 22, 1940.

Originally constructed in the 1890s, the building was characterized as a storefront for DQ cones, sundaes, and to-go pints and quarts of soft serve — a revolutionary offering at the time.

Situated in a working-class neighborhood known as “Slovenian Row” on the original 1926 alignment of Route 66, the business was so well received there that Noble bought out the McCulloughs after the first season. In the 1950s, Dairy Queen locations grew from 1,400 to 3,000, and by 1955 the original Joliet Dairy Queen shop relocated.

Over the years, the building went on to become home to a nondenominational church, insurance agency, lawn mower shop and even a motorcycle dealership.

Soon it will enter its next era, revamped with respect paid to its roots. The project, a shared economic development initiative between the Museum and the City of Joliet, has been supported with regional and statewide grant funding facilitated by Heritage Corridor Destinations Route 66 Grant Program and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.

Perhaps most importantly, the museum said, the restoration effort also has been supported by International Dairy Queen, which has advised the project by supplying museum staff with historical and archival documentation.

“While we have modernized and grown to more than 7,900 DQ restaurants in over 20 countries serving hot food and treats, it’s important to remember the legacy of the Dairy Queen brand," said Troy Bader, president and CEO at International Dairy Queen. "We’re humbled that Joliet Area Historical Museum and the City of Joliet are recognizing the Dairy Queen brand in this way."

Historical support from IDQ has enabled the museum’s curatorial staff to ensure accurate reproductions of period neon signs, exterior signage and murals, as well as lighting fixtures. The museum already has embarked on Phase Two of the project, which will include a full architectural and engineering assessment of the building to determine its potential future uses.

In the meantime, the building façade is anticipated to function as a highly popular “selfie stop” among Route 66 visitors from around the world traversing the Joliet region for the 2026 Centennial.

In addition to celebrating the history of this world’s first Dairy Queen location, the building will provide information about JAHM’s popular portfolio of visitor attractions, including the Old Joliet Prison, First 100 Miles Visitor’s Center and the Gemini Giant & Landing Pad Souvenir Shop.