Illinois’ oldest operating Dairy Queen is a direct descendant of the world’s first DQ store, and it’s still serving up delicious soft-serve and other cool treats to this very day.
Sherb’s Ice Cream Store in Kankakee was the first establishment to sell soft-serve ice cream when it introduced the product in 1938.
Sherwood "Sherb" Noble’s invention was first sold as "all you can eat" for 10¢. Unsurprisingly, it was a smashing success as customers clamored for a cup or cone of the creamy concoction.
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Two years later, in 1940, Noble and his business partners opened the world’s first Dairy Queen in Joliet, Illinois.
Noble opened this location in 1947. A direct descendant of the original Joliet Dairy Queen, the Kankakee store was among the first handful of DQs in the world.
The Noble family still owns and operates nine Dairy Queen locations in Kankakee and the neighboring area.
They offered customers "all you can eat" soft-serve for 10¢ at each of their Dairy Queen locations. Like the original, it was a smashing success, with folks lining up to take part in the celebration.
The history of Dairy Queen is inextricably intertwined with that of Illinois. Do you have a go-to DQ? Have you visited one of the oldest operating DQs in the Land of Lincoln?
Another of the state's oldest operating Dairy Queens is located in nearby Bourbonnais, and it's a great place to grab a treat after exploring the caves at Perry Farm Park.
There’s nothing like being on a road trip with the people you love and stopping by an out-of-the-way country store, picking up a bit of fudge, and simply melting from the deliciousness of it. You can experience this for yourself at this little roadside country store in Illinois with some of the most amazing fudge you’ll ever try called Chocolate Factory, Inc.
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The tiny town of Golconda, Illinois, right next to Dixon Springs State Park, is just a wee blip on the map, but the flavor is massive at this wonderful country store that sells some of the most delectable confections in the state.
When you step inside, you’ll know you’re at the right place for some sweet treats of many varieties. This little place gets quite creative with its designs and flavors.
Well, now we’ve done it. We went and brought you to the salivation station. A case of several delightful flavors of luscious fudge just waiting for you to adopt them.
Do you like Almond Joy or Mounds candy bars? If so, then you’ll utterly love Coconut Joy! Chocolate and coconut-flavored fudge topped with freshly roasted almonds. Yum!
When it’s pumpkin spice season, you’ll have to pick up some Pumpkin Latte fudge. Now you just have to decide if you’ll buy just a bite, or if you’ll be taking home the entire tray.
Chocolate Factory, Inc offers trays of multiple sizes comprised of its wonderful fudge varieties and several other scrumptious treats like peanut clusters and chocolate-covered pretzels. Various seasonal trays are on offer for every holiday.
Be honest with yourself, will any of this even make it home? Will you pick at it as you drive, trying not to get it all over the steering wheel? Will you just pull over and gorge yourself? We wouldn’t blame you one bit.
Chocolate Factory, Inc makes everything by hand and is just a short drive from Garden of the Gods, Trail of Tears, and the Lake Glendale Recreation Area. While you’re in the area, make sure to take some time to explore Dixon Springs State Park. Do you have a favorite spot in Illinois? Let us know about it in the comments!
Autumn and apples go hand-in-hand. Particularly autumn and apple cider -- and, by extension, apple cider donuts. Fall in Illinois is the time of year for apple cider, and its amazingly delicious spawn - apple cider donuts. We've got seven different cider mills that are also milling out donuts just about every day this fall. If you're wondering where to find the best apple cider donuts in Illinois, read on! These popular treats make apple orchards and fall festivals worth the trip. Scroll on to learn where in Illinois you can find the absolute best apple cider donuts farm this year.
A seasonal favorite, All Seasons Apple Orchard in Woodstock, Illinois, makes some of the best fall treats in the state. Cider is pressed fresh weekly and is made completely from apples. Donuts are made fresh all day long and can be bought by the dozen and half dozen. Find these apple cider donuts nearby at 14510 IL Route 176, Woodstock, IL, 60098.
The apple cider donuts at this lovely cider mill, apple orchard, and pumpkin patch in Illinois come glazed or coated in cinnamon sugar. The fresh cider is so good it's sold at nearby grocery stores. In addition to enjoying tasty treats, guests who visit here will also find a wealth of fun fall activities to enjoy like a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, rope maze, obstacle course, pony rides, and more. Open seasonally, this farm is located at 3902 S Duncan Rd., Champaign, IL, 61822, and is a must-visit especially for Illinois families!
In business since 1947, Tanners Orchard is a lovely orchard that makes hot, fresh apple cider donuts daily, and you can smell them as soon as you walk inside. In fact, this orchard might just make *the* best apple cider donuts in Illinois! In addition to cider, there is also homemade fudge, pies, and caramel apples to be found. A wealth of fun activities are available on this 40-acre farm. Find it all at 740 IL-40, Speer, IL, 61479.
Spanning 230 acres, this gigantic farm is full of wonderful things to explore and enjoy. Made with the fresh apple cider that comes from the apples grown on these acres, the donuts at this farm are second to none. Many people stock up on them each fall and freeze them to enjoy throughout the year. Get yours at 1N318 Watson Rd., Maple Park, IL, 60151.
This Shawnee Hills orchard has been around since 1873 -- and for good reason. Rendleman Orchards is known far and wide for growing some of the best produce in Illinois all year round! The farm's market is open July through December, and this is the perfect time of year for its delicious apple cider and apple cider donuts. Stop in and pick up a dozen... or two. No judgment. Rendleman Orchards is located at 9680 IL-127, Alto Pass, IL, 62905.
This 35-acre Illinois orchard is home to 25 different types of apples and 5,000 trees. The farm grows fresh fruit all year long and has been in business since 1977. In addition to cider, donuts, and fresh-picked apples, guests also enjoy homemade pies, fudge, cinnamon bread, and much more. The place is open seasonally, and it's best to call before you visit to ensure your favorite treats are in stock - they sell out fast! Valley Orchard is located in the charming town of Cherry Valley at 811 E State St.
Each fall, Illinoisans flock to Okaw Valley Orchard, a beautiful Illinois orchard in Sullivan, IL that makes some of the best apple-infused treats in the state! Apple cider and apple cider slushies are most popular here next to the amazing donuts. Guests also look forward to apple cinnamon rolls, pies, streusel cake, dumplings, and much more as well. Find these fabulous treats at 724 Cr 1750n, Sullivan, IL, 61951.
There are a few cider mills near me that I like to go to each autumn. Where else in Illinois can you get amazing cider and apple cider donuts? Share your favorite apple cider donut farm with us in the comments.
For more fall fun in the Land of Lincoln, check out these 11 photos that prove Illinois is the most beautiful place and absolutely the best place to be in the fall.
If you are planning a road trip and need some fall vacation ideas (you'll probably need to grab some of these road trip snacks), check out more of America's best fall foliage destinations in this quick video:
