Dairy Queen is not only found in Washington, and for that we are thankful — a Blizzard tastes especially delicious on a road trip, after all. The first DQ opened its doors in Joliet, Illinois in 1940, and we’ve been getting addicted to its soft serve ever since. But did you know that the first Dairy Queen in the Evergreen State opened less than a decade later? And thankfully, that location is still around (and better than ever). The Main Street Dairy Queen in Washington is an enduring icon.

Washington's first Dairy Queen opened in Vancouver in 1948, making it the oldest DQ in the PNW.
Deb ZJ / Google Reviews
The location was opened as a drive-in and a walk-up window, and that's how it still operates today.
The DQ is located in Vancouver's Shumway neighborhood, which is considered one of its most walkable.
Paul O / TripAdvisor
Herb Ehle bought the restaurant in 1953, passing it down to his son three decades later. This family legacy has brought the locals a lot of joy.
This Dairy Queen location was in danger of extinction in 2008 when the Columbia River Crossing project announced plans to build a mass-transit line through Main Street and Broadway.
Levi May / Google Reviews
Luckily, the neighborhood came together to create a "Save the Queen" campaign, and the original building remained.

Related Stories

Eastside Big Tom Has Been Serving The Best Burgers In Washington Since 1969

Eastside Big Tom Has Been Serving The Best Burgers In Washington Since 1969

 7 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In Washington

7 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In Washington

 There Are 3 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town of Port Townsend, Washington

There Are 3 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town of Port Townsend, Washington
There's a lot of history here, which is great... but of course, the eats and treats are the best part.
Dairy Queen / Facebook
This DQ has everything the franchise is famous for, from the chicken strip baskets to the irresistible desserts.
We're not suggesting a Blizzard made at such an iconic spot is better than a Blizzard at a shinier and newer DQ, but there does seem to be something magical about the Blizzards sold here.
Dairy Queen / Facebook
Feel free to test that theory anytime.
We've lost quite a few of our older restaurants in recent years, so it's nice to see this spot still going strong.
Marty Campbell / Google Reviews
Support them on your next road trip or, if you're in Clark County, the next time a Peanut Buster Parfait craving hits.

If you are a history buff, you might wonder, “Is the oldest Dairy Queen still open?” Alas, it closed down in the 1950s, however, the original building is being maintained as a city-designated historical landmark.

Thankfully, the Main Street Dairy Queen in Washington is open and serving up its signature soft-serve ice cream, hopefully for generations to come.

Tell us! What’s your go-to order at Dairy Queen? Get to know Vancouver, WA with this fun interactive puzzling adventure while you enjoy a tasty Dairy Queen treat.

Meet The Farm Animal That Inspired An Iconic Restaurant Chain In Illinois

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Washington

Featured Addresses
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, 2707 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98663, USA