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There’s something undeniably nostalgic and exciting about seeking out the best ice cream. Whether it’s on a summer road trip, after a hike through one of the stunning state parks in Wisconsin, or simply as an after-dinner treat, ice cream holds a special place in the hearts of those with a sweet tooth.
The state of Wisconsin, often called “America’s Dairyland,” takes ice cream to another level, with its rich dairy history and abundance of local farms producing the finest ingredients.
From homemade ice cream crafted in small batches to the classic Wisconsin frozen custard, there’s no shortage of sweet treats to discover. So, grab a spoon, and let’s explore the top ice cream shops in Wisconsin!
1. Purple Door Ice Cream
Address: 205 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI
Dog-Friendly: Yes
If you’re in the Milwaukee area, Purple Door Ice Cream is an absolute must-visit. This ice cream shop is renowned for its unique and adventurous flavors, such as dark chocolate, whiskey, and lavender. Made in small batches using locally sourced ingredients, Purple Door’s ice cream is creamy and bursting with flavor.
Whether you prefer something classic like butter pecan or want to explore more unique flavors like goat cheese with caramel, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The shop’s dedication to quality is evident in every scoop, making it one of the best ice cream shops in Wisconsin.
Fun Fact: Purple Door is committed to the community, donating a portion of their profits to local organizations focused on food security.
Must-Try:
Go for the whiskey ice cream—a perfect blend of creaminess with a bold kick—or try the salted caramel for a smooth and rich flavor profile.
2. Kelley Country Creamery – Fond du Lac, WI
Address: W5215 Co Rd B, Fond du Lac, WI
Dog-Friendly: Yes
If you’re craving an authentic dairy farm experience, Kelley Country Creamery in Fond du Lac is a fantastic choice. This family-run ice cream shop is located right on a family farm, where the cows roam just beyond the viewing window of the shop.
Kelley’s creates their ice cream from scratch, churning out a variety of seasonal flavors and classics like banana splits and ice cream cones. They’re known for their rich, creamy texture and farm-fresh taste, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Must-Try: Their homemade ice cream made from fresh dairy products, with flavors like butter pecan and salted caramel, will delight your taste buds.
3. Babcock Hall Dairy Store
Address: 1605 Linden Dr, Madison, WI
Dog-Friendly: No
Nestled within the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Babcock Hall Dairy Store is one of the most iconic stops for ice cream lovers in the state. Known for its rich history in dairy science, Babcock Hall not only offers delicious ice cream but also provides a behind-the-scenes look at how it’s made in their onsite dairy plant.
Flavors such as coconut ice cream, vanilla, and their famous orange custard chocolate chip are favorites that keep people coming back. It’s a great place for families, students, and anyone wanting to experience Wisconsin’s rich dairy tradition.
Fun Fact: Babcock Hall Dairy Store is a hub for dairy research, and their ice cream is made fresh from the university’s own cows!
Must-Try: Their orange custard chocolate chip is legendary. Grab a cone and enjoy it while walking around State Street.
4. Pearl Ice Cream Parlor
Address: 207 Pearl St, La Crosse, WI
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Pearl Ice Cream Parlor in La Crosse is one of the best places in the state for an old-fashioned ice cream experience. Located in the heart of downtown, this charming ice cream shop offers a vintage feel, complete with a soda fountain and ice cream sandwiches.
Their selection includes everything from root beer floats to waffle cones piled high with rich chocolate or butter pecan ice cream. Whether you’re in the mood for a sundae or a banana split, Pearl Ice Cream Parlor promises a delightful trip back in time.
Must-Try: Try their famous marshmallow ice cream or dark chocolate ice cream for a throwback treat that never disappoints.
5. Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream – Madison, WI
Address: 2322 Atwood Ave. | Madison, WI
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream is a Madison institution, beloved for its quirky, indulgent flavors and tongue-in-cheek attitude. Famous for their slogan, “You want nutrition, eat carrots,” this ice cream shop focuses on making delicious ice cream packed with natural ingredients and plenty of richness.
Their ice cream cones are huge, and you can find flavors like zanzibar chocolate and coffee break that pack a punch of flavor with every bite.
Must-Try: Zanzibar chocolate—a rich, dark chocolate flavor so intense it will leave you reaching for another scoop.
6. Georgie Porgie’s
Address: 9555 S Howell Ave, Oak Creek, WI
Dog-Friendly: No
Known for both their custard shop and burgers, Georgie Porgie’s offers a wide variety of frozen custard options in Mount Pleasant and Oak Creek. Their menu includes everything from classic custard to over-the-top concoctions like their custard sandwiches and ice cream cakes.
The provolone cheese and black olives used in some of their savory offerings give this spot a unique edge, but the frozen treats are where they shine.
Must-Try: Try their signature custard sundaes topped with your favorite mix-ins, or indulge in one of their ice cream sandwiches.
7. Kopp’s Frozen Custard
Address: 5373 N Port Washington Rd, Glendale, WI
Dog-Friendly: No
No list of Wisconsin’s best ice cream (and custard) would be complete without mentioning Kopp’s Frozen Custard. This custard spot is famous throughout the state, offering a soft serve that’s smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor. Their rotating seasonal flavors mean that every time you visit, there’s something new to try.
Whether it’s their famous butter pecan or limited-time specials, Kopp’s serves up some of the best scoops in the Milwaukee area.
Must-Try: Try their root beer floats or go for a classic chocolate custard in one of their signature waffle cones.
8. Bubba’s Frozen Custard – Pewaukee, WI
Address: 1276 Capitol Dr, Pewaukee, WI
Dog-Friendly: No
Tucked away in Pewaukee, Bubba’s Frozen Custard is a hidden gem that offers old-fashioned premium ice cream and custard with a modern twist. The frozen custard here is made fresh daily, and their extensive menu includes everything from hot dogs to frozen custard sandwiches. The shop itself is small and charming, with seating both indoors and outside, where you can enjoy a cone while taking in the summer air.
Must-Try: Go for their vanilla custard with a side of dark chocolate topping or dive into one of their legendary ice cream cakes.
9. Lee’s Dairy Treat – Stevens Point, WI
Address: 14040 W Greenfield Ave, Brookfield, WI
Dog-Friendly: Yes
A true Wisconsin classic, Lee’s Dairy Treat in Stevens Point offers that classic American ice cream experience, complete with ice cream cones, sundaes, and soft serve. The family-run ice cream stand has been serving the community for decades and is known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious ice cream options.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick cone or indulging in a more elaborate sundae, Lee’s Dairy Treat is the place to go for an authentic Wisconsin summer experience.
Must-Try: Try their butter pecan or black raspberry for a smooth, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with a waffle cone.
10. La Michoacana
Address: 1719 University Ave, Green Bay, WI
Dog-Friendly: Yes
If you’re in the mood for something different, head to La Michoacana in Green Bay for some of the best frozen treats with a Mexican twist. Offering a wide range of flavors, from coconut milk ice cream to tropical fruit paletas, this spot is perfect for trying new and exciting flavors that aren’t typically found in your average Wisconsin ice cream parlor.
Their selection includes vegan options, making it a great place for everyone to enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions. La Michoacana brings the taste of Mexico to Wisconsin with its vibrant atmosphere and fun insta-grammable spots perfect for capturing your frozen treat moments.
Must-Try: Try their coconut milk ice cream or go for a mango paleta for a refreshing and exotic twist on the classic ice cream experience.
11. Babe’s Ice Cream – Milwaukee, WI
Address: 2264 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Babe’s Ice Cream is a true Milwaukee gem, offering a wide variety of vegan options, frozen custard, and traditional ice creams. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly service, Babe’s Ice Cream serves delicious, creamy ice creams that hit the spot on a hot day.
From root beer floats to ice cream sandwiches, this ice cream shop caters to everyone, including those with dietary preferences. Their selection of vegan ice creams is particularly popular, making Babe’s a hit for both dairy lovers and those avoiding it.
Must-Try: Their vegan salted caramel or dark chocolate ice cream are fan favorites, offering the perfect blend of rich and indulgent flavors.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to finding the best ice cream in Wisconsin, the options are as varied as the state’s natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for an artisanal scoop in a waffle cone, a classic sundae piled high with toppings, or a frozen custard made the traditional way, there’s an ice cream shop for every taste and preference.
From the big cities like Milwaukee and Madison to the small towns that dot the landscape, Wisconsin’s dedication to high-quality dairy shines through in every cone, cup, and scoop.
So, the next time you’re out enjoying the great outdoors, taking a road trip, or simply craving a cold treat on a sunny day, make sure to stop by one of these top ice cream shops.
Whether you’re enjoying seasonal flavors at a family farm or indulging in a banana split at an old-fashioned parlor, you’re in for a delicious experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Ice Cream in Wisconsin
What makes Wisconsin ice cream special?
Wisconsin is often called “America’s Dairyland” due to its rich dairy industry, which produces high-quality milk and cream. Many of the ice creams in Wisconsin are made with locally sourced ingredients and small batches, ensuring a fresh and creamy product that’s hard to beat.
Where can I find vegan ice cream options in Wisconsin?
Several ice cream shops in Wisconsin offer vegan options, including Babe’s Ice Cream in Milwaukee and La Michoacana in Green Bay. These shops often use coconut milk or other plant-based alternatives to create delicious frozen treats for those who avoid dairy.
What is the difference between ice cream and frozen custard?
The main difference lies in the ingredients. Frozen custard contains a higher percentage of egg yolk, which gives it a creamier texture compared to traditional ice cream. Wisconsin is particularly famous for its frozen custard, with places like Kopp’s Frozen Custard serving up some of the best in the state.
Are any of these ice cream shops dog-friendly?
Yes! Several of the ice cream shops listed are dog-friendly, including Purple Door Ice Cream, Kelley Country Creamery, Lee’s Dairy Treat, and Babe’s Ice Cream. Many offer outdoor seating where you can enjoy your ice cream with your furry friend.
What is the best time to visit these ice cream shops?
While most ice cream shops are open year-round, the summer months are the best time to visit, as many shops offer seasonal flavors and outdoor seating. Ice cream tastes best when enjoyed on a warm day, especially after outdoor activities like hiking or exploring Wisconsin’s state parks.
What are some unique flavors to try in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin ice cream shops are known for their unique flavors. Some standouts include whiskey and lavender at Purple Door Ice Cream, orange custard chocolate chip at Babcock Hall Dairy Store, and salted caramel at Kelley Country Creamery.
Can I buy ice cream online from any of these shops?
Some Wisconsin ice cream shops offer gift cards or shipping options for their ice cream. Be sure to check the shop’s website for details, as availability may vary.
Wisconsin’s ice cream scene offers a sweet escape for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re after an adventurous new flavor or a nostalgic classic, Wisconsin’s best ice cream shops have something for everyone!
