Looking for the best ice cream in Metro Detroit? We’ve got you covered! This family-friendly guide highlights local ice cream shops that offer more than just great flavors . . . they’re the perfect spots for memory-making!
Whether you’re chasing down a creamy classic or something wildly unique, these picks are sure to satisfy. Read on to discover where to cool off, indulge, and make the most of summer in the D!
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!
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The Creamery on Main | Armada
Head on over to their social media accounts 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!
Custard & Co. | Royal Oak
Located on iconic Woodward Avenue, you’ve likely noticed this spot while cruisin’ around in the summer. Custard & Co. serves customers solely though a walk-up window (no indoor service or seating) and it’s worth standing in line for. Their chocolate frozen custard on a waffle cone is a great place to start (personal testimonial here) but you can also venture out with rotating flavors, shakes, sundaes, frozen yogurt, and other creations.
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.
Custard Spot | Utica
Quite possibly “the cutest little building on Van Dyke,” this place packs a punch for both the classic custard fan and the flavor-risk-taker alike. Custard Spot offers classic flavors in frozen custard and ice cream in addition to some fancier parfait options such as the “Dubai Chocolate” and “Strawberry Colada.” Their creations are not only delicious but also pretty “Instagram-worthy” as well!
Dairy Dream | Clarkston
Around since 1953, Dairy Dream is a local fave. Known for their unique creations (such as “Tornado” blends of ice cream) and classic options alike (think soft serve and hand-scooped Guernsey Farms Dairy), there is something for everyone’s palate here. Dairy Dream’s current location (directly across the street from the old spot) is a converted flower shoppe/greenhouse so you’ll find plenty of seating options to accommodate an array of tasty memories.
Dairy Twist Cafe | Wolverine Lake
Consistently touted as “Oakland County’s Largest Ice Cream Store,” Dairy Twist has the portion sizes to match! Seriously though, their menu states, “Our small is their medium!” and they’re not lying. With an extensive offering of hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve (ice cream, yogurt, and frozen custard), and premium concoctions, there is something for everyone. If you can dream it, they can make it. Nestled on the edge of Walled Lake and near multiple parks and recreational areas, this place is usually hoppin’. But don’t let the drive-thru line intimidate you; these people know their ice cream AND how to direct their traffic. Outdoor seating available.
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!
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!
Guernsey Farms Dairy | Northville
Guernsey Farms is a family favorite. While many flavors of their ice cream are now available in the freezer section of your local grocery store, a trip to the “source” is definitely worth it! Their Northville location includes an Ice Cream Scoop Shop and Soda Bar as well as a casual sit-down restaurant. The Scoop Shop includes 48 flavors, featuring some classic flavors as well as some seasonal flavors.
If a meal at Guernsey Restaurant is more your thing, there’s good news: their menu also includes ice cream, milkshakes, and malts!
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 Detroit. It’s an absolute must when you visit the city!
M Street Baking Company | Howell
If you haven’t been to M Street yet think that their name sounds familiar, it might be because their shakes (which are more like works of art) are all over social media. While a large chunk of their offerings are decked-out baked goods (think macaron Rice Krispy Treats, Fruity Pebble pie, and chocolate-covered bacon), it’s worth a trip to check out the milkshake offerings.
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!
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!
Mr. C’s Custom Cone Company | White Lake
This local favorite has over forty flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, large portions, and a drive-thru to boot. They’re known for creating off-the-wall combinations which then become menu staples. Try their Dole Whip, dirt cups, slushes, or flurries. They offer a variety of specialty sundaes, such as “The Nolan” (Moose Tracks ice cream, hot fudge, and peanut butter cups) … but keep in mind that portions are huge!
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.
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!
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!
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 some ice cream, head on out for some fun with the family. Faten shares a great bucket list in our Metro Detroit Summer Activities from A to Z Guide!
This post was originally written by Elizabeth Lewis and updated in 2025 by Kristen Meisnitzer.
