It's springtime and that means the shutters are being lifted from the many delicious ice cream shops across the Mitten State. While it's impossible to name them all, we put together a list of spots that have been pleasing Michigan families for generations. Whether you're on the search for a scoop of Superman or Blue Moon, looking for old-fashioned charm or want to know which local dairy is behind the magic, these places have you covered.
12) Guernsey Farms Dairy, Northville
This establishment founded in 1940 is famous for its rich and chunky butter pecan ice cream. In fact, People magazine once named it one of the best in the country.
11) Burk's Igloo, Hamtramck
A tradition in the small city of Hamtramck since the 1960s, this spot is known for its variety of soft serve treats.
10) Treat Dreams, Ferndale
Treat Dreams, not your grandfather's ice cream shop, this nearly five-year-old institution is wildly popular for its unique, ever-changing selection. Just a few favorites, Lemon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sunday Breakfast with maple, bacon and waffles and jalapeno. Pictured here, is the GoTigers flavor made with popcorn ice cream, caramel and dry roasted peanuts... Just in time for Opening Day.
9) Ray's Ice Cream, Royal Oak
With 60 flavors to choose from, including coconut, cotton candy and black cherry, and a 1950s vintage parlor feel, this old-fashioned classic is a favorite among Metro Detroiters.
8) Sherman's Dairy Bar, South Haven
Sherman's is one of those places that shuns modern machinery in the making of its slow-churned ice cream, instead making its many flavors one batch at a time. This time-honored approach seems to be working as there are always lines down the street.
7) MSU Dairy Store, East Lansing
Football fans will like this. The on-campus, student-run dairy store has a flavor for every team in the Big 10 conference, including Maize and Berry Pie, Buckeye Blitz with peanut butter ice cream, fudge and peanut butter chocolate pieces.
6) Moomers, Traverse City
Moomers reached legendary status in 2008 when "Good Morning America" voted its Cherries-Moo-bilee America's Best Scoop. This place makes more than 120 different flavors throughout the year.
5) Jones Homemade Ice Cream, Baldwin
For that old-fashioned ice cream shop nostalgia, Jones Homemade Ice Cream in downtown Baldwin, opened in 1942, is where it's at.
4) House of Flavors, Ludington, Manistee
Another west Michigan classic that opened in 1948, fans line up for a cone of their signature Blue Moon, a quintessential Michigan flavor.
3) Captain Sundae
A trip to Lake Michigan wouldn't be complete without a stop at Captain Sundae in Holland or Zeeland. Go for the famous Tommy Turtle Sundae, made with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, caramel, butter pecan, whipped cream and a cherry on top.
2) Calder Dairy, Lincoln Park
Made straight from the dairy's cows in Carleton, the ice cream here is a Downriver favorite, with flavors like egg nog, horchata and pumpkin.
1) Superman ice cream
Of course, no Michigan ice cream experience would be complete without a scoop of Superman, a truly, only-in-Michigan experience. Pictured here, a bowl from Oink's Dutch Treat Ice Cream & Yogurt Shop in New Buffalo.
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This diverse sampling of delectable scoops should hold you over through the summer, but if you think of other favorite parlors, by all means let us know in the comments below. Better yet, tell us your favorite place for Superman or Blue Moon!
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