On sweltering summer days, sometimes a scoop (or two) can really hit the spot. So, if you and your kids are in need of a tasty treat — or something to just cool you off — head to one of these awesome independent ice cream shops nearby.
With numerous ice cream parlors scattered around metro Detroit, there’s bound to be a perfect flavor for you that’s not too far from home.
From old-fashioned ice cream and custard to liquid nitrogen ice cream and gelato, you’ll find a few of our favorites below! So have a scoop, a shake or a freeze at one of these local ice cream shops in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
Ice cream near me
Looking for more things to do with kids? Check out our summer fun family guide!
This article was recently updated on May 9, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. The update included her creating an interactive map to make it easier to find the best ice cream shops you. Questions? Please reach out to katina@metroparent.com.
Ice cream shops in Macomb County
Erma’s Original Frozen Custard
- Addresses: 6451 Auburn Road, Shelby Township
In 1942, it was a roadside stand. Now, Erma’s has two yummy ice cream shops. Beyond its traditional vanilla and chocolate, it offers unique flavors every week — such as Cherry Cheesecake, Monkey Business, Carmel Clusters and more. They also have a location in Warren.
Miller Bros Creamery
- Address: 149 Dickinson St., Mount Clemens
Choose from 50+ flavors including chocolate covered strawberry, salted caramel pretzel, outrageous oatmeal cookie crave and more at this local spot.
Scoop and Twist of Macomb
- Address: 21912 23 Mile Road, Macomb
This ice cream place offers waffle nachos, frozen custard, milkshakes, floats, sundaes and more.
Screamers
- Address: 44666 Mound Road, Sterling Heights
Founded in 2010, this establishment has tons of sweet treats on the menu, plus rotating ice cream and yogurt of the week flavors.
World’s Finest Frozen Custard
- Address: 33538 23 Mile Road, New Baltimore
This iconic small town ice cream shop offers two weekly rotating flavors of soft-serve alongside the classic chocolate and vanilla options, plus hand-dipped cones. Stop by with the whole family for a rousing game of putt-putt (featuring larger-than-life animal statues) and a playground for the little ones. Note: it’s cash only at this spot!
Ice cream shops in Oakland County
Browndog Creamery
- Address: 12930 Capital St, Oak Park
Enjoy delectable frozen desserts with Michigan-made dairy, including small batches of ice cream with flavors that regularly change, handcrafted cookies, cheesecake, ice cream cakes, pints to-go and Michigan-made beverages.
Cook’s Farm Dairy
- Address: 2950 Seymour Lake Road, Ortonville
Visit the last remaining dairy in Oakland County, where creamy choices like Cow Pie, Raspberry Chocolate Torte and Coconut Almond Fudge await you.
Guernsey Farms Dairy
- Address: 21300 Novi Road, Northville
Try this family-run ice cream shop’s one-of-a-kind, Michigan-made treats. (It’s tradition to enjoy your snack on the “famous rock under the tree” outside.) Pick from cones, shakes, banana splits, hot fudge sundaes, brownie fudge treats, hot fudge cream puffs and more.
Ray’s Ice Cream
- Address: 4233 Coolidge Highway, Royal Oak
Family owned since 1958, Ray’s offers award-winning ice cream in over 50 different flavors, including Mackinac Island Fudge, Butter Pecan and its famous Fat Elvis flavor.
Treat Dreams Dessert Emporium
- Addresses: 22965 Woodward Ave., Ferndale
Indulge in offbeat ice cream flavors like Hot Jalapeno, Avocado Chocolate Chip and Kooky Monster. It also serves up vegan ice cream and sorbet.
Ice cream shops in Washtenaw County
Blank Slate Creamery
- Addresses: 300 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
This place has handmade, all-natural flavors of ice cream — including raspberry sorbet, coffee and blueberry pancake. Check their website for a full list of flavors at each location.
Michigan Creamery
- Address: 302 S. State St., Ann Arbor
Not only is it located on U of M’s campus, but it also supports the state by proudly serving Michigan products in shop — including candy, coffee and hand-dipped ice cream.
Washtenaw Dairy
- Address: 602 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor
Washtenaw Dairy has been serving the Ann Arbor area since 1934, so it’s not surprising that they tout an extensive list of delicious flavors. Some of the flavors include blueberry waffle cone, peanut butter brownie crunch and raspberry chip cheesecake, just to name a few.
Zingerman’s Creamery
- Address: 3723 Plaza Drive, Suite 2, Ann Arbor
Find at least 10 single-serve gelatoflavors — more by the pint. Faves include Stone-Ground Sea Salt, Dark Chocolate, Lemon Sorbet and Coconut Macaroon — but they’re always whipping up something new. Get your cheese here, too.
Ice cream shops in Wayne County
Bob-Jo’s Frozen Custard
- Address: 4071 Quarry Road, Wyandotte
Bring your cash only to this downriver institution that draws fans from all over the region. Order up a swirl of its delicious custard and dust it to perfection with the toppings of your choice.
Calder’s Dairy Store & Ice Cream Parlor
- Address: 1020 Southfield Road, Lincoln Park
Try a real, fresh-from-the-farm experience. Made with milk from on-site cows, each batch is crafted by hand at Calder’s farm in Carleton and served here. Bloo Moo and Fudge Swirl are just two of its 34 flavors. Seasonal flavors, too.
Custard Hut
This local custard and ice cream shop has been a Dearborn Heights staple for years. Today, they are known for their famous hot waffle sandwich.
Frosty Boy
- Address: 67 Main St., Belleville
Try mouthwatering toppings like toasted coconut, Oreo and Nutter Butter to specialize your cone exactly to your liking. New additions include The Cookie Monster, The Taco Tuesday (ice cream taco) and homemade Monster Cookies that are made fresh daily.
Stroh’s Ice Cream Parlor
- Address: 3162 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte
Family owned and operated since 1992. Offers flavor of the moment and 34 of the 44 flavors are made in-house. Also, has sundaes, shakes, sodas, malt and floats on the menu. They also have a location in Bloomfield Hills.
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Independent Dairy. Monroe Mi.