Our favorite sweet spots to grab a cup, cone, or shake
When it reaches a certain temperature in Door County, there’s only one thing on our minds — ice cream, of course! Summer visits to our peninsula just wouldn’t be the same without the promise of a cone, cup, or shake at the end (or the beginning!) of a long day of exploring.
Lucky for us, some of the best ice cream shops in Door County are just a short drive (or walk!) from Ephraim Shores Resort. Here are eight of our favorite places to grab our favorite sweet treat, whether you’re craving hand-dipped classics, creamy custard, or a scoop of something unexpected.
Our top picks for ice cream shops in Door County
Ephraim: Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor
With a list of “ice cream shops in Door County,” you probably knew we were going to start with the place that’s steps away from Ephraim Shores, right? A local legend since 1906, Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor features marble-topped counters, old-school jukeboxes you can play right at your table, and plenty of old-fashioned soda fountain and ice cream specialties.
Our advice? Grab one of their flame-broiled burgers, a home-brewed root beer, and top it off with an Ephraim Special — a sundae with three scoops of French vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, pecans and cherries. Or, grab a friend and order a Wilson’s Banquet, with five flavors of ice cream and three toppings of your choice!
Ellison Bay: The Vault
The Vault in Ellison Bay is as fun as it is flavorful. This unique stop offers soft-serve ice cream with weekly rotating flavors, pour-your-own root beer floats, and an impressive snack spread that includes handmade pizzas and exotic jerky. Another reason to visit: the large outdoor area complete with plenty of seating and games — perfect for the whole family to hang out.
Sister Bay: Door County Ice Cream Factory
Door County Ice Cream Factory & Sandwich Shoppe delivers homemade, small-batch ice cream made with all-natural ingredients — over 30 flavors, in fact! You can watch the magic happen through the viewing window, then settle in with a cone, shake, or even a sundae after a morning at the beach or a round of shopping.
Bonus: the sandwiches and soups at the Ice Cream Factory are just as satisfying if you’re needing a more well-rounded meal — as is the pizza. And, don’t forget to snap a selfie in front of their outdoor mural!
Sister Bay: Door County Creamery
Craving ice cream but want to try something a little different, might we suggest gelato? Door County Creamery’s smooth and silky gelato is handcrafted daily using fresh goat milk (and it contains half the fat of traditional ice cream, which means you can have twice as much).
With flavors like Stracciatella (sweet cream and chocolate), Salted Caramel, Roasted Almond & Fig, and Olive Oil & Sea Salt, you just might need to get more than one scoop.
Sister Bay: KOKOS Plant-Based Ice Cream
If you’re looking for a dairy-free treat that doesn’t skimp on flavor, head to KOKOS Plant Based Ice Cream in Sister Bay. Just steps from the beach and newly opened as of June, this vibrant shop serves up organic, plant-based ice cream that’s velvety smooth, creatively flavored, and made fresh daily with natural ingredients — no artificial colors in sight. It’s one of the ice cream shops in Door County that’s truly for everyone, including those with dietary sensitivities!
Fish Creek: Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard
Some ice cream shops in Door County are about more than ice cream — it’s about the tradition. Not Licked Yet is one of those places. Sit and enjoy your cone or sundae in their outdoor dining area (complete with a water view and plenty of wildlife sightings!) and after your treats, have fun on their giant playground.
Our Tip: Check Not Licked Yet’s Facebook page daily for the “Flavor of the Day,” and if they have Pineapple or Orange Mango Dole Whip, get it.
Egg Harbor: Grumpy’s Ice Cream
Premium flavors of hand-dipped ice cream cones, sundaes, and floats? Check. Draft root beer and floats served in frozen mugs? Check. Gourmet small-batch popcorn and fudge? Check. Located right on Highway 42 in downtown Egg Harbor, Grumpy’s is open May through October at 11 am for all of your ice cream needs.
Washington Island: Albatross Drive-In
If you find yourself on Washington Island, a burger and ice cream cone at the Albatross is a must-do. This island landmark is located a mile and a half from the ferry dock and has served generations of customers — and even after it was destroyed by fire in 2002, it was rebuilt by popular demand.
Malts and shakes are where the Albatross really shines — not only is each one custom-made, but there are 60+ flavor combinations in addition to special shake flavors like the Green Devil, Mocha Monster, Turtle Time, and Bumpy Beast.
No matter where your Door County adventure takes you, one thing is certain: ice cream shops in Door County are never far away. Whether you’re planning a cone-and-sunset stroll in Ephraim or mapping out a whole peninsula-wide ice cream tour, there’s a flavor (and a view) waiting for you.
And if you’re looking to balance out all that sweetness? You’ll also find some of the best wineries in Door County just minutes from Ephraim Shores — perfect for a little grown-up indulgence after your ice cream fix.
See you this summer — with a scoop in hand, hopefully!
Ephraim Shores Resort — a waterfront Door County resort for the whole family
Located in downtown Ephraim, Ephraim Shores is a family-friendly resort for groups of all sizes. From our private sundeck overlooking Eagle Harbor and our many room types to our beautiful waterfront location, Ephraim Shores has everything your family needs for the perfect vacation. Some of our amenities include an indoor pool and hot tub, an exercise room and game room, and bikes for our guests to use. To make your reservation, contact us at 877-854-2371 or visit our website at ephraimshores.com.
View the original article on ice cream shops in Door County here.