Unique or Classic, Try These Ice Cream Shops
There is a lot to love about summer in Michigan, and one of them is the abundant supply and need for ice cream. Ice cream is a social event. It cools you down. It offers a diverse range of flavors. And it can be nostalgic. I probably don’t need to convince you to love ice cream or any other cold sweet treat, but with summer in full swing, now is the best time to try a new ice cream shop. With each shop being unique, find a new spot to enjoy this beloved summer treat.
Jersey Junction, East Grand Rapids
Nestled right off the Gaslight Village strip of East Grand Rapids, Jersey Junction offers ice cream and candy. Originally opened in 1963, Jersey Junction has a classic feel. Enjoy your ice cream on the outdoor patio or find a spot indoors. While there, check out the old photos of Ramona Park, the amusement park once located in the area. When I visit this shop, I enjoy grabbing an ice cream cone and (carefully) walking over to Waterfront Park on Reeds Lake.
Tippy Cow, Grandville
Seasonal flavors and specialty combinations are two characteristics to describe this Grandville ice cream shop. I love their fresh menu of homemade ice cream flavors, such as “Strawberry Shortcake” or “Mint Cookie Crunch.” Most recently, for the 4th of July, Tippy Cow had red, white, and blue creamsicles. Tippy Cow also has dairy-free ice cream options and gluten free cones, making it an inclusive option.
Furniture City Creamery, Grand Rapids
With a large, daily changing menu of flavors, the Furniture City Creamery also offers lots of vegan options. Try sundaes, shakes, cakes, and ice cream sandwiches. A recent favorite is the “Putting on the Ritz,” which combines Ritz crackers and Nutella into one delicious flavor. Open year round, Furniture City Creamery’s ice is always made in-house, can be ordered online, and is steps away from shops and restaurants.
Ice Cream Caboose, Alto
When I first visited the Ice Cream Caboose, I loved the rural sentiment of this small-town ice cream shop. This ice cream shop sits near a corn field, in a red caboose. Try the soft serve and hand-dipped ice cream classics. The Ice Cream Caboose also offers food to supplement the ice cream flavors.
Love’s Ice Cream, Grand Rapids
Made for everyone, Love’s Ice Cream menu offers inclusive options and sustainably sourced ingredients. Visit the Downtown Market in Grand Rapids to find the Love’s Ice Cream location. Taste their dairy-free gelato, vegan ice cream and chocolate confections. There are also nut-free and gluten-free sweet treat options.
Jones Homemade Ice Cream, Baldwin
Located in Baldwin, Jones Homemade Ice Cream offers classic ice cream cones and sundaes. Occasionally, they offer specialty ice cream flavors, such as “Cotton Candy” and “Jolly Rancher.”
House of Flavors, Ludington
Ice cream shop and restaurant wrapped into one, the House of Flavors has broken a Guinness World Record and has been serving Ludington locals and visitors for decades. Try an assortment of ice cream flavors, such as “Orange Pineapple,” “Bear Claw,” “Tennessee Toffee,” and “Milky Way.”
Captain Sundae, Holland & Zeeland
There are three Captain Sundae locations across West Michigan: Two in Holland and one in Zeeland. The Douglas Avenue Captain Sundae is located a few miles from the Holland State Park, which makes for a fantastic treat when leaving the beach. Living up to its name, this beloved shop has nearly 50 sundae creations to choose from. Pro tip: Make sure to beat the rush as this can be a busy spot in the summertime.
Ottawa Beach General Store, Holland
Ottawa Beach General Store is a tradition for many summer beachgoers. Grab a cone at the window or get other treats at the store side. They serve donuts and coffee too, providing the perfect morning wake-up for campers down the street at the Holland State Park. “Peach” and “Blueberry Crunch” are two new flavors.
Charlie’s Round the Corner Ice Cream, Saugatuck
Waffle cones are made in the window of this Saugatuck ice cream shop, so this place smells amazing as soon as you walk in the door. Try fun flavors like “Cotton Candy Confetti” and “Lavender.”
Norm’s Ice Cream, Grand Haven
Try flights, shakes, slushes, and malts at this ice cream shop. They feature weekly flights, such as the “Michigan Road Trip” with “Traverse City Cherry Fudge,” “Michigan Pot Hole,” “Mackinac Island Fudge,” and “Sleeping Bear Dunes Bear Hug.”
Explore these local gems and discover why West Michigan’s ice cream culture is as rich as its flavors, beckoning both locals and visitors alike to savor the sweetness of summer.
