You Scream. I Scream. We All Scream for Ice Cream!
Published
When summer rolls around, your mind turns to adventures across Door County and the end-all, be-all of ice-cold treats — ice cream. Sweeten your summer vacation with a few stops at our incredible ice cream shops. From classic soda fountains and creamy custards to whimsical gelato stands and unique soft-serve experiences, we’ve got 12 of the best ice cream spots you won’t want to miss in Door County.
Albatross Drive-in and Tiki Bar
While burgers might be their business, Albatross Drive-in and Tiki Bar was voted Best Burger in Door County in 2023, they also serve some tempting ice-cold treats to go. From 60 flavors of custom-made shakes and malts made by hand with your choice of ingredients and soft serve cones to root beer floats, banana splits, and more, this is where you go to satisfy your summer sweet tooth. Outdoor seating is available, too.
The Candy Bar Door County
Have your soft serve with a side of homemade chocolates, caramel, fudge, brittles and toffee at The Candy Bar Door County. You can order swirled soft serve in rainbow colors for a summer treat. Get some candies to go that are made fresh at their Suamico store and delivered to the Baileys Harbor location weekly.
Door County Candy
If you’re searching for some old-fashioned fun with your ice cream, you’ll find it at Door County Candy. Not only does this small shop have candy and flavored popcorn, but they also serve Wisconsin-made Cedar Crest Ice Cream. Since 1976, this family business has made ice cream the old-fashioned way—from scratch and in small batches—and you can get a taste of their sweetest combinations right in Door County.
Door County Ice Cream Factory and Sandwich Shop
Discover super-premium, homemade ice cream crafted with the finest all-natural ingredients right in the store at Door County Ice Cream Factory and Sandwich Shoppe. With over 30 mouth-watering flavors available in cones, cups, shakes, malts, ice cream sodas, sundaes, and other specialty desserts, there's a treat for every ice cream lover. You can even watch the ice cream being made during production hours. Beyond its delectable ice cream, the shop offers more than 15 made-to-order sandwiches, as well as homemade pizzas, soups, and salads, ensuring there's something to satisfy every craving.
Grandma Tommy’s Country Store
Find hand-dipped ice cream treats and root beer and cherry floats just like Grandma used to make at Grandma Tommy’s Country Store. This Door County staple began as a roadside market in the 1940s and today offers an assortment of homemade goodies, including fresh-baked pies, fudge, butters, dips, jams, jellies, juices, and much more.
Island Fever Rum Bar & Grill
Awaken your inner beach bum at Island Fever Rum Bar & Grill’s Pelican Cove Tiki Bar & Ice Cream Shack. The whole family can choose from ice cream cones, sundaes, shakes, and floats, while those 21 and older can indulge in cocktails and beer served at the full bar. Plenty of outside seating and games, including cornhole, Jenga, giant Connect-4, and volleyball, will keep everyone entertained.
Not Licked Yet
With a name like Not Licked Yet, you’d expect a fun, casual spot. And that’s just what you’ll find when you stop in for a frozen custard made of locally sourced ingredients. Freshly picked berries and fruits are transformed into daily flavors and sundaes. The custard stand itself is a whimsical delight, adorned with hand-carved gnomes and giant trees that tell Norse tales, thanks to local artists. If you find yourself here on a Friday, stop by for their farmers market, showcasing the freshest local produce you can use in your own meals.
PC Junction
Get your hand-dipped ice cream desserts to go or delivered by a train car at PC Junction. This fun, friendly, train-themed restaurant was voted the #1 kids spot in Door County. The young ones can frolic in the outdoor play area while you wait for a coveted seat at the counter made up of old doors. This is where the train delivers your food and drinks, and it is the most popular place in the restaurant, where a train bell signals your food is about to be delivered on the track.
Renard’s Cheese & Melt Bistro
Celebrate all things dairy at Renard’s Cheese & Melt Bistro. Not only can you savor the flavors of artisan cheeses in all shapes and forms, but this charming eatery features the renowned Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, a super-premium brand that began in Madison, WI, in 1962. Famous for its award-winning flavors and made with all Wisconsin cream, you can pick up Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream in various sizes, including single servings, double servings, or pints served in a wafer or waffle cone or a dish. If you can’t pick just one flavor, that’s not a problem at the Melt Bistro — the Chocolate Shoppe Flight features four scoops of any flavor.
Sara’s Artisan Gelato
Every scoop of gelato is a love letter to traditional Italian techniques and the finest local Wisconsin milk and cream at Sara’s Artisan Gelato. This woman-owned small business is based in Green Bay, where they whisk up unforgettable gelato from scratch. Once in Fish Creek, you can get your favorite flavors served in their fan-favorite waffle cones or cups. Because they make their own sweet treats fresh every day, the flavors come and go, so you’ll have to stop by more than once to see what’s in store!
The Vault
The Vault Door County is Ellison Bay’s ultimate stop for ice cream lovers and food enthusiasts alike. This whimsical, one-of-a-kind shop has everything you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. Choose from chocolate, vanilla, or the flavor of the week soft-serve ice cream with all the fixings served in a waffle cone or dish. Pour your own root beer right out of the keg to enjoy by itself or in a root beer float. If that wasn’t enough, you can grab a locally sourced handmade pizza and exotic jerky or create your custom candy mix at their Jelly Belly station before heading outside with seating and games; pups are welcome.
Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor
Transport back in time to Wilson's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor, a cherished Door County landmark since 1906. This nostalgic spot delights young and old with its old-fashioned soda fountain, ice cream specialties, home-brewed draft root beer, flame-broiled burgers, and jukeboxes playing classic tunes. Wilson's has been a beloved destination for over a century, drawing generations of visitors who return year after year. It’s time you stop by to grab an ice cream cone before taking in a stunning Ephraim sunset.
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