Richland’s infamous ‘Lake Dairy Queen’ inspires talk of fishing, kayaking and hydroplaning

A winter storm that pelted the Tri-Cities with rain this week revived a celebrated feature of central Richland: “Lake Dairy Queen.”

The infamous pond, complete with it’s own “No Fishing” sign, forms in a depression in the parking lot between Dollar Tree and the drive-thru for the Dairy Queen at 1313 Jadwin Ave.

A manager said it doesn’t cause many problems, but fun-seekers do spray water by speeding through its shallow depths.

The “lake” is on the west side of Jadwin Avenue, opposite the Uptown Shopping Center recycling bins.

The occasional lake has spawned a social media presence, with comments pledging to conduct a ducky contest whenever it overflows or to venture down with kayaks and paddleboards.

Scott Butner, a Richland photographer, has monitored the lake for years. He quips he’s not a serious student of the lake, but he has tracked its comings and goings.

“Rumors that WDFW has stocked it as a kid’s fishing pond are, unfortunately, unfounded,” he told the Tri-City Herald.

Butner created a “Scenic Lake Dairy Queen” refrigerator magnet two years ago. It is the most popular of the 20 or so tourism-focused magnets he’s created.

“Tri-Citians hungry for the sight of rooster tails from the hydros need not wait until July,” he said. “After any appreciable rainfall, local drivers delight in kicking up their own.”

The city of Richland confirmed the lake is not on city property and that the flooding isn’t associated with the municipal water system. It tends to dry up quickly and does not discharge into the city’s system.

It referred questions to the property owner. Benton County property records indicate that is 1307 Jadwin Richland Co. LLC, based in New York City. Contact information was not available.

With the National Weather Service predicting rain likely on Saturday and Sunday, Lake Dairy Queen might be fully flooded for some time.

This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 2:26 PM.