5 of Our Favorite Ice Cream Shops in the Northwoods

July is National Ice Cream Month! While half of July is behind us, we still have plenty of time to celebrate! As America’s Dairyland, there is certainly no shortage of quality ice cream in Wisconsin. But these 5 locally owned ice cream shops are the crème de la crème—and some of our favorite places to indulge in the Northwoods.

The Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe – Tomahawk

When you go to The Windmill, you will enjoy not only their selection of 28 delicious flavors of Kemps and Cedar Crest ice cream but also the picturesque scene before you! This historic landmark has been owned by the Berg family since 1993, but The Windmill has been around much longer—since 1939, in fact. Savor your ice cream while relaxing at one of the picnic tables or in the gazebo. Or take your cone with you as you stroll behind the shop along the bike path and this trestle that overlooks a channel of Lake Nokomis.

The Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe is located at 1972 Count Highway L in Tomahawk. Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week.

The Butcher’s Wife – Lake Tomahawk

If you’re jonesing for a little pick-me-up to fuel your road trip Up North, this is a must-stop along Highway 47. While you’re waiting to be served by The Butcher’s Wife’s friendly staff, peruse the shop’s shelves for gifts and accessories, such as Oliver Grace Vintage jewelry, made from repurposed vintage goods and antiques. The Butcher’s Wife serves Colectivo Coffee and Cedar Crest ice cream.

The Butcher’s Wife is located at 7263 Bradley Street in Lake Tomahawk. Summer hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m, and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Dari Maid Dairy Bar – Land O’ Lakes

This 1950s-style walk-up ice cream stand will transport you to a different era. This adorable stop in Land O’ Lakes has a surprising number of options for a meal or snack (including even gyros and veggie burgers!) in addition to the ice cream the charming staff will serve you with a smile.

Dari Maid Dairy Bar is located at 4299 County Highway B in Land O’ Lakes. Summer hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Wednesday through Monday. (Dari Maid is closed on Tuesdays.)

Dan’s Minocqua Fudge – Minocqua

Ice cream may not be a part of its name, but it’s certainly a part of its game. This old-fashioned candy shop in the heart of downtown Minocqua now makes its own ice cream, aptly called Dan’s Marvelous Ice Cream, with all-natural ingredients. A stop in this shop is a feast for all of your senses. Watching the confectioners roll homemade waffle cones and top off the chocolate cherries while you wait in the sugar-scented air as your sundae is being prepared will tempt you to buy more than just the ice cream you stopped in for. You’ve been warned!

Dan’s Minocqua Fudge is located at 521 Oneida Street in Minocqua. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week.

Cathy’s Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe – Saint Germain

This shop may look like a complete classic—with its selection of old-fashioned candies and assortment of toys—but it also is very tuned in to the needs and sensibilities of today’s consumers. Cathy’s offers 32 flavors of ice cream, including gluten-free options. The shop now offers Italian Ice, which is free of the top five most common food allergies, and dairy-free sorbet.

Cathy’s is located at 108 State Highway 70 E in Saint Germain. Summer hours are Monday through Wednesday, noon to 9 p.m.; Thursday, noon to 10 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

It’s your turn to share! What is your favorite ice cream shop to go to when you have a hankering for something sweet while you’re in the Northwoods?