Ice cream lovers, this one’s for you! As someone who has spent countless summer afternoons (and the occasional winter evening) in Ann Arbor tracking down the perfect scoop, I’m excited to share some of the city’s best-kept secrets for unforgettable ice cream. I’ve tried every flavor at these spots—yes, every single one—so your taste buds are in for a treat!
The Sweetest Scoop: Ann Arbor’s Must-Try Ice Cream Shops
1. Blank Slate Creamery
If you haven’t tried Blank Slate yet, it’s time to change that! This Liberty Street gem has set the bar high for quality, small-batch ice cream, and it’s hard to find anything that compares. Their Madagascar Vanilla is unlike any other—made with real vanilla beans, you can see tiny black flecks in every scoop. If you’re a fan of mint, their Fresh Mint Chip is made with real mint leaves, giving it an unmatched, natural flavor.
Blank Slate is always experimenting with exciting new flavors, too. They recently launched a Breakfast Series, featuring unique creations like Maple Pancake and Coffee & Donuts, drawing lines around the block. The owner, often found behind the counter, sources ingredients from local farms, so every scoop truly tastes like Michigan.
2. Washtenaw Dairy
Washtenaw Dairy is an Ann Arbor institution, dishing up ice cream since 1934. Walking in feels like stepping back in time, with massive scoops of butter pecan and other classic flavors waiting to greet you. And don’t miss their prices—they’re refreshingly affordable!
Insider tip: visit early on Saturday mornings to grab a dozen of their famous fresh-made donuts. Pair them with a pint of ice cream, and you’re in for a true Ann Arbor experience. Their chocolate milk is also a local legend, loved by families and athletes alike.
3. Michigan Creamery
Right in the heart of campus, Michigan Creamery is all about celebrating Michigan pride, especially with its Maize and blueberry flavor. Perfect for U-M fans, it’s almost a requirement to try at least once. Their fresh-made waffle cones give the ice cream a perfect crispy touch, and you can often catch the scent of them baking from a block away.
Game days here are electric, and they’ve even created special flavors for rivalry weeks. “Beat Ohio” Buckeye Blitz (a delicious mix of chocolate and peanut butter) always sells out. The team here is talented at crafting beautiful sundaes, each one an edible masterpiece.
4. Kilwin’s
Yes, Kilwin’s is a chain, but Ann Arbor’s Liberty Street location has a unique, local charm. Their fudge is made fresh in-store, drawing crowds to watch through the window. The Toasted Coconut ice cream is unforgettable—creamy and rich, it’s the perfect tropical treat.
During the Ann Arbor Art Fair, Kilwin’s serves up the “Artist’s Palette” sundae, featuring scoops in every color of the rainbow. Their winter hot chocolate floats (hot chocolate topped with ice cream) are an indulgent way to fight off the cold Michigan weather.
5. Go! Ice Cream
Though technically located in nearby Ypsilanti, Go! Ice Cream is worth the short drive. Known for adventurous flavors and handmade toppings, this shop is a local favorite. One summer, they had a Sweet Corn ice cream that was surprisingly delicious! And their homemade hot fudge sauce is dangerously good.
Sustainability is key for Go! Ice Cream. All their packaging is compostable, and they work with local farmers to source fresh ingredients. Their “Community Scoop” program donates proceeds from certain flavors to local nonprofits, supporting the community in sweet ways.
6. Rod’s Diner
Rod’s Diner might not be flashy, but it’s beloved by locals for its classic soft serve. Their twist cones are enormous, and they always have creative monthly flavors. If you’re around in the fall, the Pumpkin-Vanilla twist is a must-try.
The charm of Rod’s goes beyond the ice cream. They’ve been using the same soft serve machine for over 30 years, and owner Rod still runs the counter most days, recognizing many customers and remembering their usual orders.
7. The Cultivate Creamery Stand
When summer arrives, the Cultivate Creamery Stand pops up at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, bringing a fresh new twist to ice cream. Their small-batch, locally sourced flavors showcase the best of the season. The Lavender Honey flavor, made with honey from local bees, is particularly magical.
Cultivate’s “Ice Cream CSA” share lets members enjoy exclusive flavors each month—a delicious way to get involved in the local food scene. Their seasonal berry flavors use fruits picked only hours before they’re churned, making every scoop a fresh, vibrant experience.
More Than Just Ice Cream: What Makes These Spots Special
What makes Ann Arbor’s ice cream scene unique isn’t just the incredible flavors; it’s the stories and traditions behind each shop. It’s the students getting their first job at these parlors, the families making memories on warm summer nights, and the partnerships with local farmers bringing fresh ingredients to every cone.
Each shop has its own personality. Blank Slate’s cozy atmosphere and quirky flavors contrast with the nostalgic, timeless vibe of Washtenaw Dairy. Michigan Creamery’s campus energy complements Kilwin’s old-fashioned charm. And then there’s Go! Ice Cream, is a perfect example of innovation meeting community spirit. Visiting these spots is about more than just getting dessert; it’s about creating memories, celebrating local connections, and enjoying the small moments.
This community is close-knit, too. During last summer’s heat wave, several shops joined together for the “Stay Cool A2” campaign, offering special discounts and collaborating on unique flavors. It’s that kind of community spirit that sets Ann Arbor apart and makes every visit feel special
Planning Your Ice Cream Adventure
Ready to start your Ann Arbor ice cream journey? Here’s some advice to make it the best experience possible:
- Cash Is King: A few of the older spots, like Washtenaw Dairy, may still be cash-only, so plan accordingly.
- Prepare for Lines: Blank Slate, especially in the evenings, often has a line, but the wait is worth it. A good rule of thumb? Use the wait time to pick out your flavor!
- Try Something Unique: Some of the best flavors sound a little odd at first. Whether it’s Sweet Corn at Go! Ice Cream or Lavender Honey at Cultivate, go for it. These unexpected flavors may just become your favorites.
Final Scoop: Your Ice Cream Adventure Awaits
If you love discovering local treasures, these ice cream shops will not disappoint. Go ahead, take an afternoon or evening to treat yourself, explore, and taste the creativity that Ann Arbor has to offer. And remember, ice cream tastes even sweeter when enjoyed as an adult dessert-for-dinner indulgence!
