Alright, Detroiters: let’s be honest. There are very few people in the world who don’t love a good scoop of ice cream. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t include it among their favorite desserts! On those hot Detroit summer days, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a smooth, creamy, perfectly cold treat — so we’ve compiled the ideal trail for you and your loved ones to follow as you explore some of the Detroit area’s best ice cream shops.
For an interactive and adjustable map of our route, click here.
1. Calder Brothers Dairy (1020 Southfield Rd, Lincoln Park)
We’ve featured this wonderful family-run dairy before, but it’s too good not to mention again! Stop in at the Calders' charming shop in Lincoln Park to indulge in a chilly treat on a hot summer afternoon. With fresh, direct-from-the-farm ingredients and decades of history, the experience you’ll have at Calder Dairy is sure to impress.
This incredible dessert shop was opened by author Mitch Albom in 2015 as a means of giving back to the Detroit community. When you order from Detroit Water Ice Factory, you can feel good about the fact that one-hundred percent of the shop’s proceeds is given to local charities. What’s water ice, you ask? It’s similar to Italian ice treats you might have enjoyed as a kid. It contains no fat and no dairy, but it’s loaded with delicious flavor!
Venture to this sweet shop when you’re looking for friendly service and all sorts of unique flavors you simply won’t find anywhere else. All of the ice cream at Treat Dreams is homemade, so you can rest assured that you’ll enjoy a high-quality product. From Mexican Chocolate to Hot Jalapeño, there’s a flavor here to satisfy every weird and wonderful craving.
4. Mootown Ice Cream and Desserts Shop (2461 Russell St)
This charming Eastern Market sweet shop has everything you need for a mouthwatering treat. Mootown serves up delicious Hudsonville ice cream, so you’ll be enjoying a Michigan-made product! If you’re not in the mood for a cold treat, you can also select from a variety of cookies, brownies, and other baked goods. Is your mouth watering yet?
This quirky little shop in Hamtramck is a local favorite, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you opt for an "Avalanche" (flurry) or a simple vanilla cone with extra sprinkles, you’ll find that every treat served at Burk’s is made with lots of love. With a big ice cream cone out front and a brightly colored building, Burk’s is almost impossible to miss!
6. Nice Modern Creamery (31055 John R Rd, Madison Heights)
Enjoy a fascinating twist on your typical ice cream experience with a visit to Nice Modern Creamery, which lives up to its name by offering liquid-nitrogen ice cream. This preparation process minimizes the size of ice crystals in each batch, thus creating an extra-creamy finished product! You’ll find Nice Modern Creamery tucked away inside Biggby Coffee.
This Royal Oak fixture is classic ice cream at its very best. Stop in for an old-fashioned cone or delectably smooth milkshake. The portions are generous, the service is second-to-none, and the ice cream always hits the spot. When you’re looking for a treat that’s just plain good, Ray’s should be at the top of your list.
Which of your favorite ice cream shops did we forget to include? We’re always interested in hearing your suggestions! Share your thoughts in the comment section below, and have a blast on your ice cream adventure.
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