A weekly column written by the staff of Discover Wisconsin highlights things to do and see throughout the State of Wisconsin, and is made available for publication to members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. The column is accompanied by photos for use in print and online. The Discover Wisconsin logo can be downloaded here.
There’s nothing quite like a Wisconsin summer! July is National Ice Cream Month, and across the state, local creameries and parlors are serving up some of the sweetest stops you’ll find anywhere. Wherever you’re headed, here’s your guide to some of the best ice cream spots in Wisconsin.
Northwoods Scoops
Up North, ice cream is a true post-lake-day tradition. If you’re in the Eagle River area, Peanut’s Ice Cream & Cookie Dough is a must-stop! They serve all the classic flavors (cookie dough, rich chocolate, creamy strawberry) along with rotating flavors and guest stars.
Any cookie dough lovers? Try favorites like chocolate chip, birthday cake, or brownie batter. Looking for something extra refreshing? Their popsicles hit the spot, with fun options like Fruity Pebbles, peaches and cream, and dreamsicle.
Just down the road in St. Germain, Cathy’s Ice Cream n’ Candy Shoppe is a small-town staple that’s been serving up sweet treats since 1985. With a wide variety of flavors, it’s nearly impossible to choose just one. Trust us—a quick stop has a way of turning into a new tradition!
Central Wisconsin Favorites
In Stevens Point, you’ve got Belt’s Soft Serve—home of the famous large cone—the perfect summer stop. From cones and flurries to shakes and sundaes, there’s something for everyone. Plus fresh-baked brownies, homemade cookie dough, and peanut butter cups, along with fresh strawberries when they’re in season. It’s easy to see why it’s a Stevens Point favorite!
For a true farm-to-cone experience, head to Feltz’s Dairy Store. Serving up 16 flavors of locally made King Cone ice cream, it doesn’t get much fresher—and you can absolutely taste the difference. See this farm in action here.
Southern Wisconsin Staples
Southern Wisconsin is packed with some of the state’s most iconic names in ice cream and custard! Head to Sassy Cow Creamery’s store in Columbus, where you can see how their ice cream is made using milk from their own herd. While you’re there, treat yourself to cones, dishes, milkshakes, or even an ice cream cake.
No Wisconsin ice cream list would be complete without Kopp’s Frozen Custard, with locations in Greenfield, Brookfield, and Glendale. Known for its rich custard and famous flavors of the day, plus rotating shakes and sundaes, it’s a spot you can visit again and again. Make a pit stop at the Ice Cream Bowl in nearby Princeton for ice cream and tubing along the Fox River. Get a sneak peek here.
Another favorite is Mullen’s Dairy Bar, with locations in Watertown, Oconomowoc, and Delafield. Known for its creamy, small-batch, super-premium ice cream, nothing beats a scoop fresh from one of their counters!
Eastern Wisconsin Creameries
This side of the state serves up scenic views and fresh, local flavors! At LaClare Creamery in Malone, enjoy a unique twist with goat milk ice cream and a full creamery experience. It’s the perfect mix of educational and delicious.
In Fond du Lac, Kelly Country Creamery—the best ice cream in the middle of nowhere—pairs farm-fresh scoops with countryside views. Made with Wisconsin dairy pride, their rotating flavors keep visitors coming back all season long.
And in Manitowoc, Cedar Crest Ice Cream Parlor serves one of Wisconsin’s most recognizable brands right where it’s made. With a huge variety of flavors and a fun, classic parlor atmosphere, it’s a can’t-miss stop for any ice cream lover.
Western Wisconsin Stops
Over in La Crosse, The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor is acclaimed for its old-school charm and handcrafted treats. Their ice cream is made fresh daily in small batches using Wisconsin milk and cream, plus hand-dipped chocolates like turtles and sea salt caramels! Learn more here.
This National Ice Cream Month, try a new spot—or plan your own ice cream road trip across Wisconsin. Get the inside scoop by tuning into this episode of The Cabin Podcast.
Hailey Marien, third-generation and granddaughter of Dick Rose, writes for the nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin. Watch the show online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Discover Wisconsin on Facebook (facebook.com/discoverwisconsin), Instagram (instagram.com/discoverwisconsin), and TikTok (tiktok.com/discoverwisconsin).
