Michigan Ice Cream: 15+ Best Ice Cream Places in Michigan with MAP
Searching for Michigan’s Best Ice Cream? Well, look no further: I have a treat for you. Or maybe, fifteen of them.
With warmer months approaching fast, I know that I won’t be the only one craving ice cream on a warm summer evening.
That’s why I’m sharing more than 15 of my favorite places to get ice cream in Michigan.
About Michigan Ice Cream
From Munising in the Upper Peninsula to Grand Rapids in West Michigan and beyond, Michigan is home to some amazing ice cream. In fact, ice cream giants like Hudsonville Ice Cream and United Dairy Farmers even have their headquarters located here.
Michigan is said to be responsible for bringing Superman ice cream, that unmistakeable red, yellow and blue concoction, to the world.
Michigan’s amazing ice cream shops have even made the news: Moomers in Traverse City was a favorite stop of President Joe Biden on the 2020 campaign trail, and Captain Sundaes in Holland played host to former President George W. Bush a few years ago.
Read on to discover my favorite ice cream shops in Michigan. You can scroll to the bottom for an interactive map to help you find your way.
Best Michigan Ice Cream in West and Southwest Michigan
Curley Cone – Wayland, MI
12850 W M 179 Hwy, Wayland, MI 49348
Minutes away from the beautiful Gun Lake, Curley Cone in Wayland, Michigan is a must-visit for ice cream-lovers.
Disclaimer: I may be a little biased as I sincerely love this place and have seen it grow over the years. Nonetheless, I would encourage anyone I meet to go to this place. Not only do they have delicious soft serve, sundaes, shaved ice, and flurries, but they also make homemade fudge.
Curley Cone also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a variety of fresh, homemade baked goods. In short, they have everything to ensure that everyone in the group is happy, even coffee. Or if you’re like me, an espresso sundae or salted caramel cone is perfect.
After choosing which delicious treat or meal to go with, take a quick drive around the lake or to the nearby parks in this pretty spot just north of Kalamazoo.
Love’s Ice Cream – Grand Rapids, MI
435 Ionia Ave SW stall 106, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Going to a concert at Van Andel Arena? Walking around downtown Grand Rapids for Art Prize? Just in the mood for some delicious ice cream?
Head over to Love’s Ice Cream and get some amazing homemade ice cream!
This cute ice cream shop is friendly for those looking for vegan, nut-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. With ingredients that are organic and intentionally sourced, they truly care what goes into their food.
Made on-site, you can be sure that your dessert is fresh. If you’re like me, you’ll want to join their birthday club to receive a free ice cream treat on your birthday (up to a week before/after).
MOO-ville Creamery – Nashville, MI
5875 S, M-66, Nashville, MI 49073
If you are craving a small-town experience in southwest Michigan, MOO-ville Creamery in Nashville, Michigan will not disappoint.
Situated in the heart of Barry County, everyone from the area rushes to MOO-ville during the summer months. With delicious ice cream flavors like Blue Moon and a cinnamon Sticky Bun, it’s easy to see why.
Other treats like chocolate milk, and strawberry milk, too, draw visitors to this special ice cream parlor.
MOO-ville offers a petting farm experience, too. You can either walk around outside and visually appreciate how cute the animals are, or you can purchase feed to give to them. Either way, you will enjoy seeing the baby cows, pigs, rabbits, and much more while eating your one-of-a-kind, MOO-ville ice cream.
PRO-TIP: MOO-ville has four locations throughout west Michigan, in the greater Grand Rapids area. Why not make a weekend exploring Grand Rapids and hit all four locations?
Plainwell Ice Cream – Plainwell, MI
621 E Bridge St, Plainwell, MI 49080
At age fourteen, was making ice cream a favorite hobby?
For Art Gaylord it was. Plainwell Ice Cream in Plainwell, Michigan was opened by Art and his wife, Judy in 1978.
Many unique flavors are homed here, including 7 Layer Bar, which includes vanilla ice cream with coconut/butterscotch/chocolate chips, pecans, and graham cracker. If that doesn’t sound delicious, I don’t know what does!
Amongst the fun flavors are the traditional flavors as well. So don’t worry, your favorite flavor will be available.
Not near Plainwell but want to try out this delicious ice cream? Multiple stores in the West Michigan area carry their ice cream, including my favorite small-town gem, the Banfield General Store.
Sherman’s Dairy Bar – South Haven, MI
1601 Phoenix St, South Haven, MI 49090
We all know that South Haven’s Lake Michigan beaches are great, but at one point during the day we all need a break.
And what better way to take a break than an ice cream break? Especially at Sherman’s Dairy Bar, where the ice cream is made the old-fashioned way, chunks of the good stuff in every batch, including chocolate.
Sherman’s has a rich history in South Haven, dating back to 1918 when Grandpa Sherman started delivering milk door-to-door. Fast forward to the 1950’s, and the milk business turns into an ice cream business. The rest is history.
Currently, the business is busy making people happy with high-quality ice cream, affordable pricing, and unique flavors. If you’ve ever visited South Haven, you’ll recognize Sherman’s iconic blue cows, Blue Moo and Baby Blue, that hang out on the Phoenix Street building’s rooftop.
With its wholesome background and homemade flavors, how can you resist trying Sherman’s Dairy Bar?
The Pump House – Grand Haven, MI
20 N Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Sweet memories come back to me when I think about The Pump House in Grand Haven, Michigan. Memories of laying out under the sun on the beach all day, and walking the pier at night with the cool lake breeze blowing against my sunburn skin.
Each is accompanied by the sweet taste of frozen yogurt. While it may not exactly be ice cream, it’s pretty close.
And at The Pump House, it’s pretty yummy.
There are twelve different base flavors to choose from, and what feels like an endless amount of toppings to choose from.
Want chocolate overload? Add a hot chocolate lava cake to your frozen yogurt. Feeling like something fruity? Add from your choice of all the fruit you could want: strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and more.
This place has it all for any kind of mood you’re in, and to top it off you can overlook part of Grand Haven while swaying on the swings inside. Whether you take your kids or your significant other, you will enjoy the food and its close proximity to downtown and the pier.
True North Ice Cream – Marshall, MI
403 S Kalamazoo Ave, Marshall, MI 49068
For the 21+ crowd with children, are you craving a drink while your kids are craving ice cream? Look no further than True North Ice Cream in Marshall, Michigan.
They offer adult ice cream (with alcohol mixed in), waffle cone chips, homemade ice cream, dairy-free options, hot chocolate, coffee, smoothies, and floats.
Many have traveled just to Marshall to try out their ice cream, some even on charter buses or even by horse! With flavors like Malted Milk Balls and Limoncello on the menu, it’s not surprising.
True North regularly posts new flavors, making it even harder to not go more than once. Additionally, if you sign up and complete your customer rewards card, you get a chance to spin the wheel of prizes. You can win anything from a free malt to free ice cream for a year. Imagine that! What are you waiting for? Start your journey for a chance at free ice cream for a year!
More Top Ice Cream Shops in West and Southwest Michigan
- Captain Sundaes in Holland
- House of Flavors in Ludington
- Furniture City Creamery in Grand Rapids
- Jersey Junction in East Grand Rapids
Best Ice Cream in Northern Michigan
Milk and Honey – Traverse City, MI
240 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
You may have heard about Milk and Honey, one of Traverse City’s most popular ice cream spots, that takes natural ice cream to the next level.
This family-owned shop sells organic ice cream, free of GMOs and 100% handmade, too. You’ll also find vegan and sugar-free options available, making this shop friendly to all.
Customer service is a focus here and they’ve created their own house flavors. Choose from unique flavors like Matcharoon, a toasted coconut ice cream with house-made fudge sauce and roasted salted almonds. Or try the Mumbai Curry, a vegan Mumbai spice ice cream with peanut butter and Michigan maple syrup.
However, if none of them strike your fancy, they will make you a custom dish of your choosing.
Still not striking your fancy? Choose from a variety of options from deli sandwiches to cake, and even to coffee. They’ve got it all.
MOOmers Homemade Ice Cream – Traverse City, MI
7263 N Long Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685
Looking for that small-town feel closer to Northern/Mid Michigan? MOOmers Homemade Ice Cream in Traverse City, Michigan has you covered. From traditional ice cream flavors to ice cream cakes, and to my personal favorite, turtle sundaes, MOOmers has a great menu.
Need another tip? Moomer’s Peanut Butter Oreo is the stuff of ice cream treat dreams!
While enjoying your choice of homemade ice cream (160 flavors available), you can also feel at home while overlooking their family-owned dairy farm. However, they are also only five miles from downtown Traverse City. So, grab a cone, admire the land, and head over to the many attractions and shops that downtown offers for a fun-filled day or afternoon.
More Northern Michigan Ice Cream Shops
- Alpine Chocolat Haus in Gaylord
- Charlevoix Dairy Grille
- Corner Scoops in Petoskey
- Downtown Scoops in Alpena
- Parkside Dairy in Oscoda
Best Ice Cream in Mid-Michigan
Great Lakes Ice Cream Company – Midland, MI
901 E Ashman St, Midland, MI 48642
Great Lakes Ice Cream in Midland is known for their mouth-wateringly delicious (and often locally-sourced) homemade ice cream.
Many of their ingredients are from local families and farms, such as The Indigo Lavender Farm (lavender flavoring) and St. Laurent Brother’s (nuts). Choose from flavors like Roasted Montmorency Cherry, Maple Carrot, Lemon Bar and others.
If you happen to fall in love with a flavor but can’t make the trip over as often as you want, you can order ahead. Try your favorite flavor in pre-packaged, eight-ounce cups to-go, or buy the Party Pack that includes ice cream with sprinkles and crushed cookies.
More Mid-Michigan Ice Cream Spots
- Arctic Corner in Lansing
- Jaami’s Ice Cream and Treats
- MSU Dairy Store in East Lansing
Best Ice Cream in the Upper Peninsula
Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore – Munising, MI
104 E Munising Ave, Munising, MI 49862
If you’re looking for a spot that could truly entertain for an entire day, look no further than Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore in Munising, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Begin your morning with a coffee, but not just any kind, an original, custom blend that will satisfy any type of coffee drinker.
Continue your day, browse through the thousands of books that are homed here, and even grab a whitefish or grilled cheese sandwich. In the late afternoon when you’re ready to cool off and put the book down, pick up a spoon, dip into some ice cream (vegan options available), and if you’re lucky you may be around for live music.
This locally owned shop appears to be a jack of many trades, from books to blends, live music to local art exhibits, and ice cream to whitefish sandwiches. If you’re planning a trip to the U.P., add Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore to your Michigan travel bucket list.
Molly Moo’s – St. Ignace, Michigan
576 N State St, St Ignace, MI 49781
Sitting right by one of Michigan’s Great Lakes, and a short ferry ride away from the beautiful Mackinac Island, this St. Ignace ice cream shop is one of a kind.
Molly Moo’s offers delicious ice cream, along with edible cookie dough. You can sit right by the lake and enjoy the views or inside to escape the sun. If you happen to be around during the right time, check out their double-decker bus and eat your ice cream inside!
Open until 8:00 p.m., you can get your sweet tooth fix after dinner. If you’re heading to the Upper Peninsula or just checking out the Northern Lower Peninsula, make sure to stop in and relax at Molly Moo’s.
More Top Ice Cream Shops in the U.P.
- Island Ice Cream Store in Marquette
- Dairy Kream in Manistique
- Jim’s Dari Kreme in Escanaba
- Yoop-Phoria in Marquette
Best Ice Cream in Southeast Michigan
Blank Slate Creamery – Ann Arbor, MI
300 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
If you’re headed back from The Big House or just hanging out around Ann Arbor, Michigan, make sure to stop by Blank Slate Creamery for a sweet treat. If you’re feeling creative, try a new flavor or draw a mural on the chalk boards, or even do both! Amongst a variety of ice cream options, vegan and dairy-free sorbets/ice creams are available, too.
You’ll find no mere butter pecan or hot fudge here. The flavors here take ice cream to new heights.
Included in their unique flavors are Fresh Basil, Bourbon Turtle, Balsamic Strawberry, and many more. These flavors may sound strange but due to popularity in their first three opening days they sold out of ice cream.
In order to reopen, they had to close the shop for a few days and catch up on their supply. Since then, this family-owned business has expanded to a second location in Brighton. If you’re headed near either location, make sure to stop in and try a Blank Slate Creamery unique flavor.
-320 Coffee and Creamery – Detroit, MI
474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201
The secret at -320 Coffee and Creamery is out and it lives in Detroit!
Traditional ice cream is made through a relaxed process, allowing for the ice cream to cool over time. However, at -320 Coffee and Creamery, the organic ice cream is frozen instantly, using liquid nitrogen to achieve the unimaginable -320°F.
This speedy process does not allow the ice cream to form larger ice crystals, meaning that the texture produced is smooth and the taste is creamy. As if that wasn’t a tempting experience in itself, their flavors include some pretty unique.
Most tempting is the Chai Tea ice cream, inspired by the Chai Tea latte. Some of their other mouth-watering flavors include Fall Fig, Raspberry White Chocolate, and Double Stuffed Chocolate Oreo. Too early for ice cream? Stop by for their coffee and make sure to check out their special latte flavor of the month.
Detroit Water Ice Factory – Detroit, MI
1014 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Let’s say ice cream isn’t always your fav, or maybe you’re just in the mood to mix it up.
If that’s the case, Detroit Water Ice Factory is the place for you. A byproduct of Italian ice, water ice is friendly for all with no dairy, gluten, fat, or cholesterol (with some exceptions). They also offer a Motown Twist, with your choice of water ice on the bottom and soft serve on the top.
Not in the mood for water ice or soft serve? Try a Philly Pretzel or their handcrafted, gourmet popcorn. Not only does water ice, with or without soft serve on top, sound delicious, but you can feel good when you eat it too!
All profits from Detroit Water Ice Factory go to the charity, SAY Detroit, which provides resources to a variety of people from teens, to people without homes, to senior citizens, and many more.
More Southeast Michigan Ice Cream Spots
- Calder Brothers Dairy in Lincoln Park
- Rays Ice Cream in Royal Oak
- Washtenaw Dairy in Ann Abor
- Guernsey Farms Dairy in Northville
Map of Top Ice Cream Shops in Michigan
Are you still looking for your favorite ice cream or tasty treat? If you’re looking to explore more ice cream shops in Michigan or just try a local favorite or two, use our Map of the Best Ice Cream in Michigan!
Best Ice Cream in Michigan F.A.Q.
National Ice Day is July 18.
July is national ice cream month, the perfect time to try a pure Michigan ice cream treat.
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About the Author-
Allie Horning is a current undergraduate Senior studying Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science at Michigan State University. She has had a passion for writing since elementary school and hopes to continue writing throughout her life, whether it be for fun or for work. Or, if the two overlap that would be even better! Currently she is figuring out her post-graduation plans and enjoying her last true summer.