Best Ice Cream Shops to Visit in Ann Arbor, Michigan

A Guide to Ann Arbor's Tastiest Ice Cream Shops

Ann Arbor, Michigan is home to some of the best ice cream shops in the Midwest. From classic parlors that have been serving scoops since the 1950s to small-batch producers focused on creative flavors, this college town offers no shortage of spots to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Stucchi's Ice Cream

Opening its doors in 1956, Stucchi's is Ann Arbor's oldest scoop shop. They focus on rich, traditional ice cream made from family recipes, offered in classics like chocolate and vanilla alongside monthly specials. Stop by their bright blue cinder block building to taste generations of ice cream making tradition.

Washtenaw Dairy

Beloved by locals, Washtenaw Dairy sits on a working farm just outside Ann Arbor city limits. Their award-winning ice cream is made from the fresh milk of their own cows. They offer standard flavors as well as seasonal options like pumpkin and egg nog.

Blank Slate Creamery

Blank Slate takes an inventive approach to ice cream making. Their ever-changing menu features flavors like honey lavender, cold brew coffee, and brown butter cinnamon roll. They also serve sundaes, milkshakes, andice cream sandwiches if you want a more complete treat.

Classic Parlor Favorites

In addition to old school soda fountains serving up scoops, Ann Arbor also has several modern ice cream parlors continuing the tradition of rich, creative flavors and classic desserts.

Lappert's Ice Cream

Founded in California but now with a location in Ann Arbor, Lappert's handcrafts their ice cream using high quality, wholesome ingredients. They're known for flavors like burnt sugar, cashew praline, and their signature chocolate raspberry truffle.

The Great Commoner

Paying homage to Ann Arbor legend John "The Great Commoner" Burns, this parlor scoops delicious flavors with roots in local history. Try innovations like the Mackinac Divinity concrete made with chocolate, caramel and marshmallow or the Zingerman's Black Truffle ice cream loaded with rich chocolate flavor.

Sullivan's Ice Cream Shop

Sullivan's crafts their small-batch ice cream on-site using milk and cream from Michigan cows. Their creative menu features flavors like lemon poppyseed cake, honey cinnamon oat, and brownie s'mores. Stop by this contemporary soda fountain for a quintessential ice cream parlor experience.

Gelato, Frozen Yogurt, and More

Beyond traditional American-style ice cream, Ann Arbor offers some trendy frozen dessert shops putting unique twists on sweet, cold treats. These shops often use fresh, organic ingredients to craft nourishing as well as delicious options.

The Lunch Room

Known for their vegan comfort food, The Lunch Room serves up non-dairy frozen desserts like cashew-based salted vanilla andrich chocolate peanut butter. Their weekly rotating flavors always include creative options like baklava and matcha turmeric.

Babcock Hall Dairy Store

Part of the University of Michigan's working dairy program, Babcock Hall Dairy Store offers ice cream produced right on campus by students. They dish out Wolverine-spirited flavors alongside classic options in single scoops or sundaes.

Go! Ice Cream

For a lighter way to indulge your sweet tooth, Go! Ice Cream serves yogurt-based soft serve ice cream. Their menu focuses on classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and swirl, as well as over 20 different toppings so you can build your perfect customized cone or bowl.

Ann Arbor Ice Cream Shops - Staples Over the Decades

Several beloved Ann Arbor ice cream institutions have been serving happy customers for years. These shops have stood the test of time, cementing themselves as classic neighborhood go-tos for generations.

Ray's Red Hots

A functional outdoor stand operating since the 1950s, Ray's Red Hots serves some of the most iconic ice cream treats in Ann Arbor. Their skyscraper cones piled high with scoops are a timeless summer treat. They also offer hot dogs, burgers, and fries.

Sweetwaters Donut Mill and Ice Cream Shop

Open since 1971, everyone knows Sweetwaters' iconic sign perched over Washtenaw Avenue. In addition to their wide array of donuts, they serve Ann Arbor classic Sanders hot fudge alongside scoops of Hudsonville ice cream. It's the perfect place to fuel up on sugar, carbs, and caffeine.

Bubble Island

Serving Ann Arbor locals for over 30 years, Bubble Island features vibrant, tropics-inspired decor. They dish out Hawaiian shaved ice and handcrafted ice cream along with smoothies, slushies and specialty drinks for the ultimate island-escape vibe.

Unique Places for One-of-a-Kind Ice Cream Experiences

Beyond the classics, Ann Arbor offers some truly novel and even avant garde ice cream shops for those looking for something totally out of the box. These creative establishments use ice cream as an art form, crafting mind-blowing flavors, presentations, and experiences.

The Ark's Basement

This non-profit volunteer-run shop located in the basement of a former church, The Ark's Basement experiments with the most outside-the-box flavors in Ann Arbor. Alongside rotating everyday options they always offer their signature flavor "Life" which changes day-by-day depending what's on hand.

FestiFools Ice Cream Shoppe

Founded by professional clowns, FestiFools Ice Cream Shoppe offers an utterly joyful ice cream experience. Their parlor is decorated top-to-bottom in bright colors and quirky decor while upbeat music fills the space. And of course, their servers are in full clown costume!

Fairytales Ice Cream

For the ultimate trip back in time, step into Fairytales Ice Cream. Their old-timey parlor is faithfully decorated like an early 20th century soda fountain, with servers dressed as sodal jerks whipping up classic desserts like banana splits and egg cream floats using vintage equipment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.