A Trip To These 15 Delightful Ice Cream Shops In Wisconsin Will Make Your Summer Fantastic
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.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Address: w5215 Co Rd B, Fond du Lac, WI 54937, USA
Address: 2140 Division St, Stevens Point, WI 54481, USA
Address: 1972 Co Hwy L, Tomahawk, WI 54487, USA
Address: 508 Greene Ave, Green Bay, WI 54301, USA
Address: 3718 Riverside Dr, De Pere, WI 54115, USA
Address: 2639 Lineville Rd, Green Bay, WI 54313, USA
Address: 131 E Chestnut St, Chilton, WI 53014, USA
Address: 1622 Jefferson St, Two Rivers, WI 54241, USA
Address: N370 Military Rd, Sherwood, WI 54169, USA
Address: 1276 Capitol Dr, Pewaukee, WI 53072, USA
Address: 2000 S 10th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220, USA
Address: 207 Pearl St, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
Address: 9990 Water St S, Ephraim, WI 54211, USA
Address: 10115 English Lake Rd, Manitowoc, WI 54220, USA
Address: 212 W Main St, Watertown, WI 53094, USA
Address: 3826 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53714, USA
Address: 5602 Schroeder Rd, Madison, WI 53711, USA
Address: 2531 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711, USA
Address: 14040 W Greenfield Ave, Brookfield, WI 53005, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best ice cream shops in Wisconsin
June 06, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best things to do during summer in Wisconsin?
When the weather warms up and the sun shines its bright rays, it’s time to embark on an adventure! And there are so many amazing day trips to take in Wisconsin. Visit one of our breathtaking beaches, wander through a sunflower garden, or rush down a natural water slide. The possibilities are nearly endless in Wisconsin.
What are the best ice cream parlors in Wisconsin?
Purple Door Ice Cream, located in Milwaukee, is one of the best ice cream parlors in Wisconsin. They have a wide variety of unique flavors here. Ever had a scoop of whisky ice cream? If not, you’ve got to try it. For more scrumptious eats, visit Adrian’s Frozen Custard in Burlington. You’ll love savoring a wonderful ice cream cone while meandering through the nearby Echo Park. It’s one of the best ways to spend summer in Wisconsin! For more fun and tasty adventures, take this ice cream road trip through Wisconsin.
What are the best nostalgic restaurants in Wisconsin?
It’s always fun to take a trip down memory lane. Pete’s Hamburger Stand, located in Prairie du Chien, is one of the best nostalgic restaurants in Wisconsin. They’ve served scrumptious hamburgers for over 100 years, and they show no signs of slowing down. If you’ve never visited this Wisconsin institution, you’re missing out. Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty is another old school restaurant you should visit. With locations in Wisconsin Dells and Minocqua, it’s never been easier to take a trip back in time. This eatery is known for their wonderful breakfast dishes. Eating here is definitely the best way to start your day.
