We previously wrote about an awesome ice cream trail that takes you to 10 frozen treat locations within 92 miles. But a lot of readers were disappointed that we'd left off what they consider to be the best ice cream shops in Wisconsin. That trail was never meant to be a definitive list, but something you could do in just a couple of hours.
There's no way to include every awesome ice cream and frozen custard shop in the state, but we took readers' suggestions from those comments and added a few of our own to give you a list of some of the best places to appease your sweet tooth and beat the heat this summer.
This list doesn't include any shop that's part of a national chain, nor does it have any place that doesn't make their own frozen treats. We also left off any of the places on that list from last week - though there are plenty of awesome options there. Based on reader suggestions and in no particular order, here are the 15 best ice cream shops in Wisconsin.
1. Kelley Creamery - Eden
Prepare yourself of a long list of unusual and interesting flavors made right here on this dairy farmstead. It doesn't get fresher than this family-owned creamery. Kelley Creamery is open March - December. You'll find them at W5215 Co Rd B, Fond du Lac, WI 54937. To learn more, visit their website here.
2. Belt's Soft Serve - Stevens Point
Nothing's as refreshing as a soft serve ice cream cone on a hot summer day. Belt's Soft Serve makes some of the best.
This summer seasonal place is open from 11 am to 10 pm daily. They are located at 2140 Division St, Stevens Point, WI 54481. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
3. The Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe - Tomahawk
For many, it doesn't feel like summer until they've had a treat from The Windmill. Visit by car, foot or boat and enjoy a wide array of treats. They even have non-dairy options. These folks make their own maple syrup, so you know it's exceptional. This delightful destination is open during the summer only. You'll find them at 1972 Co Hwy L, Tomahawk, WI 54487. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
4. Zesty's Frozen Custard - Green Bay
With three Green Bay area locations, Zesty's is an institution. You'll be dazzled by their inventive flavors and vibrant atmosphere. Plus, every treat is served with a smile. To learn more about each location's hours, visit their website here.
5 .Scoops Ice Cream House - Chilton
Whether you're in need of a quick pick-me-up or a celebratory treat, Scoops will certainly make you smile. These folks really know how to craft a mouthwatering dessert. This beloved ice cream shop is located at 131 E Chestnut St, Chilton, WI 53014. To learn more, visit their website here.
6. Historic Washington House - Two Rivers
A few places claim to be home to the ice cream sundae, but Two Rivers is the only one endorsed by the National Historic Register. This museum houses a recreated soda shop where you can enjoy your own ice cream sundae. Visit them at 1622 Jefferson St., Two Rivers, WI 54241. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
7. Froggs Ice Cream - Sherwood
People love Froggs Ice Cream's giant servings and tiny prices, as well as the friendly staff. It's definitely the perfect summer treat. You'll find them at 370 Military Rd.,
Sherwood, WI 54169. To learn more, visit their website here.
8. Bubba's Frozen Custard - Pewaukee
A little taste of sweet goodness out in lake country, Bubba's serves up creamy custard that can sometimes result in long lines, but it's worth the wait.
Visit Bubba's Frozen Custard at 1276 Capitol Dr., Pewaukee, WI 53072. To learn more, visit their website here.
9. Cedar Crest Ice Cream Parlour - Manitowoc
Sure, you can find Cedar Crest ice cream throughout Wisconsin, but nothing beats getting it from the source. Visiting this Manitowoc destination is pure bliss. Check them out at 2000 S 10th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220. To learn more, visit their website here.
10. The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor and Confectionery - La Crosse
This 1930s style soda fountain is about as charming as it gets. Almost all the ice cream and chocolate is made right on site. It's a nostalgic and delicious step back in time. Visit The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor and Confectionary at 207 Pearl St., La Crosse, WI 54601. To learn more, visit their website here.
11. Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor - Ephraim
This seasonal place on Door County has been there since 1906! Normally we'd suggest ice cream in its simplest form, but these folks brew their own root beer, so a float is a must-try.
Here's an insider tip - there's a little park behind Wilson's Ice Cream with great views of the bay, and it's rarely crowded. Enjoy your ice cream treat in the scenic beauty and relax a while. Nothing beats it.
You'll find Wilson's Ice Cream at 9990 Water St., Ephraim, WI 54211. To learn more, visit their website here.
12. Pine River Dairy - Manitowoc
Pine River Dairy is home to the 25 cent ice cream cone - but you should totally splurge and get the 50 cent double scoop! Bring cash and plan to stock up on fresh cheese while you're there. You'll find them at 10115 English Lake Rd., Manitowoc, WI 54220. To learn more, visit their website here.
13. Mullen's Dairy Bar - Watertown
This iconic shop has been a Wisconsin staple since 1932 and has served tons of happy customers. Come see why people can't get enough of their magnificent ice cream flavors. Mullen's Dairy Bar is located at 212 W Main St.
Watertown, WI 53094. To learn more, visit their website here.
14. Michael's Frozen Custard - Madison
With three Madison-area locations, you're never far from tasty custard when you're in our capital city. It's definitely a part of Madison nostalgia. Visit them at 2531 Monroe Street, 5602 Schroeder Road, or 3826 Atwood Avenue. To learn more, visit their website here.
15. Lee's Dairy Treat - Brookfield
This place feels like a blast from the past in the best possible way. Tucked in a less frequently traveled part of Brookfield, Lee's Dairy Treat is worth searching for. The soft serve is smooth and creamy and hits the spot. Visit them at 14040 W Greenfield Ave., Brookfield, WI 53005. To learn more, visit their website here.
Have you been to any of the best ice cream shops in Wisconsin? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! If you know more amazing places to visit during summer in Wisconsin, nominate them for a chance to be featured.
If you still haven't satisfied your sweet tooth, embark on this chocolate shop road trip through Wisconsin.
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