In the high desert of eastern Oregon, where sagebrush meets open sky and miles of road stretch between towns, a small diner has quietly become one of the state’s most surprising tourist destinations — all thanks to its milkshakes.
Tucked near the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, the Jackalope Bar & Grill at the Narrows RV Park in Princeton has turned the art of milkshake-making into a regional attraction. Travelers, bird watchers, and locals alike make the trip not only for the wildlife views but for the towering, thick shakes that can stand a spoon upright.
“It’s the kind of place you stumble upon once and never forget,” said one visitor sipping a milkshake near the counter. “You come for the owls and stay for the dessert.”
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From Burrowing Owls to the Bar & Grill
The Narrows area has long been a stopover for wildlife enthusiasts exploring southeastern Oregon. The Narrows Pullout, a short drive up Oregon 205, offers sweeping views of the refuge where burrowing owls perch on fence posts and sagebrush sparrows flit through the reeds.
But just a few miles away, the unassuming building that houses the Jackalope Bar & Grill is now a must-stop for a very different reason — its creative, hand-mixed milkshakes.
Behind the counter is Visalia Rose, a self-described “milkshake mixologist” who treats every blend like a work of art. On a recent afternoon, she proudly described October’s flavor of the month: Pumpkin Pie, made with pumpkin purée, vanilla ice cream, and a dash of pumpkin spice.
“Our milkshakes are a major tourist attraction,” Rose said with a grin. “People plan road trips just to come here.”
The Art of the Shake
The Jackalope’s menu features classic chocolate and vanilla shakes ($10 for 30 ounces), but Rose’s ever-changing specials are what keep visitors coming back. Each month brings a new seasonal twist:
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May: Mexican chocolate, celebrating Cinco de Mayo.
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June: Icy lemonade to welcome summer.
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July: Red, white, and blue layers for Independence Day.
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August: Orange creamsicle inspired by desert sunsets.
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September: Dutch apple pie — with homemade crumble and cinnamon-sugar filling.
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October: Pumpkin pie perfection.
Rose blends each shake with a vintage Hamilton Beach commercial mixer, using generous scoops of Shamrock Farms premium ice cream and just enough milk to achieve that signature thickness.
She doesn’t measure ingredients by the book — or apologize for overflowing cups. “If it didn’t spill over the side, it wouldn’t be authentic,” she said, smiling as she topped a shake with whipped cream and a cherry.
Her enthusiasm is infectious. “I’m so excited for you right now,” she told a pair of first-time visitors as she poured a half cup of homemade raspberry sauce into their chocolate shake.
Locals and Tourists Alike Take Notice
Even those with more modest tastes find themselves drawn into the ritual. “I’m not usually into crazy flavors,” said one traveler, “but that raspberry chocolate shake was unforgettable.”
The diner’s quirky flavor combinations — like ‘The Elvis’ (a peanut butter, bacon, and banana blend) — have earned it a devoted following among locals and travelers alike. For many, the experience feels like a snapshot of small-town Oregon at its best: friendly, unhurried, and full of personality.
If You Go
The Jackalope Bar & Grill at The Narrows RV Park serves hearty fare like hamburgers, buffalo burgers, sweet potato fries, homemade soups, pies, and, of course, its signature milkshakes.
Location: 33468 Sodhouse Lane, Princeton, OR 97721
Contact: Text 503-551-3761 | Call 541-495-2006 or 800-403-3294
Website: narrowsrvpark.com
Whether you’re a birder chasing glimpses of horned larks or a traveler in search of Oregon’s quirkiest roadside treat, the Jackalope’s milkshakes offer a reason to pause — and savor a spoonful of sweetness in the middle of the high desert.
