North West Michigan
1. Milk & Honey Cafe and Ice Creamery – Traverse City
Located in downtown Traverse City, this establishment offers locally-made, non-GMO organic ice cream. You can choose from a variety of unique house flavors, including Mint Mistro, Birthday Cake Re-Master, and Oreo Double-Shot. Alternatively, you can create your own perfect flavor, mixed on the spot over frozen granite.
2. Whirly’s Coffee & Cream – Kingsley
Whirly’s Coffee & Cream, a local favorite situated in downtown Kingsley, is known for its unique ‘Bubble Cone’ – a sweet waffle-style wrap that holds hand-dipped ice cream, delectable toppings, and more. In addition to their ice cream, this fun cafe offers homemade cookies, pies, and a fantastic selection of gourmet coffee.
3. The Arcadia Ice House – Arcadia
Tucked away in the quiet village of Arcadia, The Arcadia Ice House is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Constructed with recycled lumber from the early 1900s, this charming shop features a beautifully hand-crafted soda counter, antiques, and, of course, delicious ice cream.
4. House of Flavors – Ludington
Situated on the breathtaking shores of Lake Michigan in Ludington, House of Flavors is a third-generation ice cream shop and manufacturer. They serve up some of the finest, Midwest-made ice cream. In fact, in 2016, House of Flavors Ludington broke the Guinness World Record for the Longest Ice Cream Dessert, measuring a whopping 2,970 feet and 8.95 inches!
North East Michigan
5. Marion’s Dairy Bar – East Tawas
Marion’s Dairy Bar, scooping ice cream since 1945, opens its doors exclusively during the summer months. It offers a variety of delicious cones, including the popular Superman flavor.
6. Downtown Scoops – Alpena
After a day of enjoying the water or exploring old shipwrecks, head over to Downtown Scoops for a sweet treat. This ice cream shop offers a selection of fan-favorite flavors and even has outdoor seating.
7. Country Cone & Fudge Shop – Harrisville
Country Cone & Fudge Shop is a haven for sweet tooth enthusiasts. Enjoy their hand-dipped or soft-serve ice cream, available in a staggering 32 flavors. Don’t forget to try their delicious fudge too!
South West Michigan
8. Jersey Junction Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor – Grand Rapids
Located in East Grand Rapids, Jersey Junction is a gem that boasts 28 hand-dipped flavors, unique candy selections, and a display of fascinating historical memorabilia.
9. Plainwell Ice Cream – Plainwell
Plainwell Ice Cream, a family-owned and operated shop in Plainwell, offers an impressive selection of 59 ice cream and sherbet flavors. With such an array of options, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Central Michigan
10. Moo-ville Quality Ice Cream – Nashville
Prepare to indulge in the ultimate ice cream lover’s treat at Moo-ville Quality Ice Cream. The famous MOO-ville Pig Trough features a jaw-dropping combination of 15 ice cream scoops, five toppings, whipped cream, and cherries. If you manage to finish it within an hour, you’ll receive a free t-shirt! Visit their Nashville or Ionia locations to conquer this challenge. Besides ice cream, they also have a free petting farm and play area.
11. Village Ice Cream and Cafe – Dimondale
Located in Dimondale, Village Ice Cream and Cafe is a delightful little shop that offers a range of hand-dipped and soft-serve cones, shakes, malts, smoothies, and endless sundae options.
12. Turtle Tom’s Ice Cream Shoppe – Eaton Rapids
Turtle Tom’s Ice Cream Shoppe, located in Eaton Rapids, serves up award-winning flavors. Treat yourself to their fresh house-made waffle cones, sundaes, floats, and more. Additionally, they cater to those with dietary restrictions by offering dairy-free, soy, gluten-free, no-sugar, low-fat, and coconut milk ice cream.
13. The Blue Moon Ice Cream Shop – Ovid
Have you ever tried Blue Moon ice cream? Discover this unique flavor and more at The Blue Moon Ice Cream Shop in Ovid. While you’re there, indulge in savory snacks like fried pickles.
South East Michigan
14. Guernsey Farms Dairy – Northville
Visit one of the oldest family-owned dairy processors in southeast Michigan, Guernsey Farms Dairy. At their Scoop Shop and Specialty Store in Northville, you can sample from a selection of 75 different ice cream flavors or enjoy their world-renowned chocolate milk. Additionally, their restaurant features homestyle broasted chicken, burgers, and more.
15. Treat Dreams – Ferndale
Treat Dreams Bakehouse and Microcreamery in Ferndale is a local favorite. They take pride in their unique and original homemade flavors, which change weekly. Fan favorites include Sunday Breakfast (maple, bacon, and waffles), Balsamic Strawberry, Salted Caramel Coffee, and even Vegan ice cream.
16. Cook’s Farm Dairy, Inc. – Ortonville
Established in 1933, Cook’s Dairy Farm is a beloved ice cream stop for Michiganders. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a triple scoop of their favorite flavors, including butter pecan, strawberry, cowpuccino, chocolate raspberry torte, and eggnog.
Upper Peninsula
17. Falling Rock Cafe – Munising
Falling Rock Cafe in Munising is not just an excellent place for ice cream; it’s also a cozy coffee shop. Located in the heart of downtown Munising, this cafe offers a delicious dining menu, live music events, a bookstore and gift shop, flavored coffees, and free internet. It’s the perfect spot to spend a quiet afternoon or evening.
18. Rapid River Dairy Flo – Rapid River
Open only during the warmer months, Rapid River Dairy Flo is a local ice cream shop that delights customers with delicious treats and cones.
19. The Frozen Flamingo – Munising
When you’re in Munising, make sure to stop by The Frozen Flamingo. Sample their ice cream cones and bars, and don’t forget to stock up on souvenirs while you’re there!
About the Author:
Christine Snow, a Michigan native, is an enthusiastic ice cream aficionado. As an experienced freelance writer and travel blogger based in northwestern Michigan, she loves to explore and share all the wonderful places her home state has to offer. In her free time, she enjoys camping, snowshoeing, hiking, traveling, and discovering new hidden gems. To learn more about Ice Cream, visit their website here.
