Have you ever treated yourself to a donut sundae? How about a waffle ice cream sandwich, or a towering, overstuffed milkshake? Well, it’s time to add these delicious treats to your foodie bucket list!
We have rounded up all of the best ice cream experiences in + around Detroit, and we are pretty sure you’ll have a hard time deciding which to try first. Scroll down to discover some of the area’s best and most unique ice cream experiences that you just have to have!
Brown Dog Creamery + Dessert Bar | Farmington + Northville
Brown Dog Creamery + Dessert Bar is a foodie’s dream come true. Not only do they offer 16 staple flavors, but they have boozy milkshakes, ice cream martinis, and sorbet mimosas. If you’re looking for different, and quite possibly adventurous, dessert, this is the place to be. Hello Margarita Sorbet! Looking for vegan options? They have you covered. 33314 Grand River Ave, Farmington and 120 East Main Street, Northville
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The Creamery on Main | Armada
Head on over to their social media sites and you are going to be drooling after looking at their loaded milkshakes! I mean, who doesn’t want a cupcake on top of a milkshake?! The Creamery on Main sure does put the phrase “have your cake and eat it too” to work with all their creative concoctions! 23090 E Main St, Armada
The Custard Hut | Dearborn Heights
So, The Custard Hut had me at ice cream wedged between waffles. Hot waffles. Choose your ice cream and your waffles; does it get any better?! Not feeling a hot waffle sandwich? The Hut also has a variety of slushies, sundaes, and shakes. 25947 W Warren St, Dearborn Heights
Detroit Water Ice Factory | Detroit
Detroit Water Ice Factory serves up a uniquely delicious icy treat that is fat free, dairy free, and cholesterol free. Most of it is also vegan! Make it a Motown Twist by adding soft serve to the top and bottom of water ice flavors like Banana Peanut Butter, Cobo Coconut, and Honolulu Blue Raspberry. Other menu items include soft pretzels and 14+ unique gourmet popcorn flavors from sister store Brown Bag Popcorn.
What we especially love about Detroit Water Ice Factory is that 100% of profits go directly to SAY Detroit charities. Thanks to Detroit’s beloved columnist and author Mitch Albom for bringing this gem to the city! 1014 Woodward Ave, Campus Martius
Donut Bar + Coffee | Livonia + Southfield
Okay, so most of you know about Donut Bar + Coffee having AH-MAZING donuts. But, did you know that you can get a donut cone with ice cream inside of it?! You get to choose from chocolate, vanilla, or swirl ice cream. Don’t forget to get one of these on your morning donut run. Don’t worry–it’s never too early for ice cream! 29039 Southfield Rd, Southfield and 19734 Haggerty Rd, Livonia
Guernsey Farms Dairy | Northville
Guernsey Farms is a family favorite. They now have an Ice Cream Scoop Shop and Soda Bar. You can choose from 48 flavors–if you ask me, it’s nearly impossible to choose just one! Sit down and enjoy a sundae or shake at the old school soda fountain bar. And, if you’re hungry, stop in to the dining room for some food. 21300 Novi Rd, Northville
Huddle Soft Serve | Detroit
The walk-up window for this cute little shop will make you instantly fall in love. Not to mention, their custard is delish! They keep it simple with chocolate and vanilla, or you can have the best of both worlds with a twist. Then, finish it off with toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, salt, or get it dipped in cherry or chocolate. Not feeling ice cream? Grab a float. Our favorite part is walking up to grab our treats and then continuing on throughout the city. It’s an absolute must when you visit the city! 2 John R. St, Detroit
Mangonadas Del Barrio | Detroit
Here’s a southwest Detroit favorite! It’s the home of the Mangonada, a frozen spicy Mexican fruit drink. But don’t you worry, they also offer snacks, sweet drinks, and ice cream. I’m adding the chocobanana split to my list! 1210 Lawndale St, Detroit
Modern Cone | St. Clair Shores
Can you say ice cream nachos?! This is one item that we’ve added to our foodie bucket list; it’s known as a fan favorite at Modern Cone. Oh, and if you can’t choose one flavor, why not choose six with an ice cream flight?! No shame in that ice cream game. Not feeling ice cream? Grab an Italian Ice Slush. These are only a few of the items offered here. Check out the menu to see what else they have! 28616 Harper Ave, St. Clair Shores
Ray’s Ice Cream | Royal Oak
Whenever I hear someone talk about a nostalgic ice cream place, Ray’s is always one that comes up. Here you’ll find a classic ice cream parlor with over 50 flavors to choose from such as White Russian, Cookie Monster, or Coffee and Heath. If you’re looking to relive those summer memories, this is the place to be. 4233 Coolidge Hwy, Royal Oak
Treat Dreams Dessert Emporium | Ferndale
This is one of our favorite stops in Ferndale. Their ice cream and cookie flavors change weekly. Every Sunday you can expect new flavors to debut featuring a variety of hard ice creams, sorbet, and vegan ice cream. Did we mention they have D’VINE Cookies there?Hello, ice cream sandwiches! 22965 Woodward Ave, Ferndale
Wally’s Frozen Custard | St. Clair Shores
Have a fire truck lover in the family? Head on over to Wally’s Frozen Custard to check out their fire station-inspired shop which houses two converted fire engines that can be rented for on-site custard catering. Wally’s also offers birthday party rentals in their large indoor bay area. They are open early and offer amazing coffee and breakfast options, too! 22501 Harper, St. Clair Shores
Click on the image below to open it in a large window, save it, and print it off. Add your favorite shops, then check them off as you enjoy ice cream all summer long!
After grabbing your ice cream, head on over to your local zoo for some more fun. Lindsay shares nine simple ways to bring even more excitement to your zoo experience!
This post was originally written by Elizabeth Lewis and updated in 2024 by Lauren Dalton.
