By Zoey Zupin, 2024 Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT Ambassador
Nothing beats cooling down on a hot summer day with a trip down to the local ice cream parlor for a sweet treat! Michigan has plenty of ice cream shops to visit with friends and family, and will definitely win over the family from out-of-town or become your go-to. Here are ten Michigan ice cream shops you need to visit this summer!
1. Jones’ Homemade Ice Cream Shoppe – Baldwin, Michigan
This old fashioned ice cream shop is located in downtown Baldwin and has been operating since 1942! Take a stroll down memory lane at this shop with oldies music, information about local history and thick and creamy malts and shakes.
2. Jilbert Dairy – Marquette, Michigan
While you are vacationing in the Upper Peninsula this summer, you will want to make sure you make a pit stop to Jilbert Dairy! In 1937, the Jilbert family started dairy farming and supplying northern Michigan with dairy products. Since then, their business has only grown. Learn more about their history while enjoying some ice cream, especially their famous Mackinac Island Fudge! Make sure to snap a picture with their cow statue too!
3. Moomers Homemade Ice Cream – Traverse City, Michigan
Get a little taste of the country about 5 miles from downtown Traverse City at Moomers Homemade Ice Cream! The Plummer Family Dairy Farm decided to open its doors in 1998 and processes their milk right on the farm in their creamery. With over 150 flavors of premium ice cream, they for sure have something for everyone!
4. Michigan Cream & Sugar Ice Cream Company – Bay City, Michigan
Support Michigan farmers while enjoying high-quality ice cream made from locally-sourced ingredients right in Bay City! Michigan Cream & Sugar is very intentional about sourcing their milk from Michigan dairy farmers and their sugar from Michigan Sugar Company, a farming cooperative of Michigan grower-owners and sourcing cream from dairies associated with the Michigan Milk Producers Association. Whether it’s one of their signature flavors or a taste of their seasonal lineup, you will for sure be wanting to come back for more!
5. MOO-ville Creamery – Nashville, Michigan
Make sure to add this family fun and agritourism destination to your summer bucket list! While visiting, you can do a self-guided tour of their dairy farm and see their cows being milked by robots! They also have a petting zoo full of barnyard animals and a large playset for the kids to run around. While in line for your ice cream, make sure to check out their gift shop full of goodies! Locations in Eaton Rapids, Ionia, and Zeeland are there for a quick creamy fix too!
6. MSU Dairy Store – East Lansing, Michigan
Spartans are not the only ones who can enjoy ice cream from the MSU Dairy Store! Enjoy ice cream made from milk produced by Michigan State University dairy cows and processed at the MSU Dairy Plant. With a rotating selection of flavors, there is plenty to enjoy! While visiting, make sure to swing by the MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center to visit the MSU cows!
7. Plainwell Ice Cream Company – Plainwell, Michigan
Starting in 1978, Plainwell Ice Cream Company has been scooping up delicious ice cream in Southwest Michigan for years! With over dozens of original and amazing flavors to choose from, it will be well worth the trip to Plainwell!
8. House of Flavors – Ludington, Michigan
How often can you say that your local ice cream shop is literally “record-breaking”?! The House of Flavors broke the Guinness Record for the world’s longest ice cream dessert by constructing a dessert of Blue Moon, mint, and vanilla ice cream over a half mile long. This ice cream shop has a long history starting back in 1936. Today, their processing plant produces over 3,000 different ice cream flavors for customers worldwide. While the original shop is located in Ludington, there are locations in Pentwater and Zeeland!
9. Country Dairy – New Era, Michigan
Enjoy farm fresh and Michigan-made ice cream in west Michigan at Country Dairy! This fourth-generation dairy farm produces and processes its milk right on the farm. While stopping by, enjoy a family-friendly tour of the farm and see the farm-to-table process take place. Make sure to check out the market place and the delicious food menu as well including pizza!
10. Captain Sundae – Holland, Michigan
After spending a long day at the beach, you’ll want to stop at Captain Sundae to cool down! With two locations in Holland and one in Zeeland, you will be able to try West Michigan’s Favorite Place for Ice Cream. While you’re there, make sure to try their delicious sundae options, especially their famous Tommy Turtle sundae. At the Holland North location, you and the family can enjoy a round of mini golf too!
Zoey Zupin is a senior at Michigan State University majoring in Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources Education. Zoey is returning as a 2024 Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT Ambassador after serving as one during 2022 and 2023. Zoey is from Kentwood, Michigan.