VERY RARE!... No line!  (near closing time)
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MSU Dairy Store

4.8
·2k reviews·East Lansing, United States

Award-winning ice cream & artisan cheeses made on campus with fresh dairy from MSU cows. A sweet campus tradition!

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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VERY RARE!... No line!  (near closing time)

MSU Dairy Store

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Award-winning ice cream & artisan cheeses made on campus with fresh dairy from MSU cows. A sweet campus tradition!

4.8
(2k reviews)

"This is not your ordinary ice cream. They make all their ice cream on campus from the dairy cows."

Vertical photo
TIP

🍦 Try Unique Flavors

Don't shy away from creative flavors like 'Code Cherry' or 'Izzo's Malted Madness'!

☕ Order in a Cup or Cone

They serve ice cream in both cups and cones. Ask for recommendations if you're unsure!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 2,192 reviews

Type

Food Store

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Homemade Ice Cream

Homemade Ice Cream

Main serving area

Indulge in award-winning, creamy ice cream made on campus with fresh dairy. Unique flavors rotate seasonally!

Observation Deck

Observation Deck

Inside Anthony Hall

Peek behind the scenes! Watch the ice cream and cheese-making process from this unique vantage point.

TikTok
Artisan Cheeses

Artisan Cheeses

Cheese counter

Sample and purchase a variety of delicious, house-made cheeses crafted with care.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Lines for Sweet Treats

The MSU Dairy Store is a beloved spot, so expect lines, especially during peak hours or game days. Consider visiting on weekdays or during off-peak times to enjoy their famous ice cream and cheeses with less waiting. Reddit

Parking Tips for Your Visit

Parking can be tricky near Anthony Hall. While angled parking is available, there's also a lot behind the building and the Food Science Building. Weekends often offer more parking options. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Easier parking, still quiet
Crowd
Medium
When
Before/after MSU events
Why
Game day buzz, unique flavors
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Discover one of MSU’s sweetest Hidden Gems🍦✨ Join us as we explore the MSU Dairy Store and take in the behind-the-scenes view from the Observation Deck! #gogreen 💚
msuorientation
0 likes • 7.3K views

🍦 Try Unique Flavors

Don't shy away from creative flavors like 'Code Cherry' or 'Izzo's Malted Madness'! Instagram+1

☕ Order in a Cup or Cone

They serve ice cream in both cups and cones. Ask for recommendations if you're unsure! Reddit

If you’ve ever dropped by the Dairy Store and found the front angled parking full, don’t worry—there are still a few options close by depending on the day/time you are visiting, especially on the weekends! 🚘There is a parking lot in the courtyard behind Anthony Hall (where we’re located) and the Food Science Building with many spots—you may have noticed the signage saying “Reserved For Vehicles W...
dairystoremsu
0 likes • 32.1K views
Looking for something to do with your roommates this fall? Head over to the MSU Dairy Store for some ice cream and take a walk through the Horticulture Gardens!​ ​ The MSU Dairy store located in at 474 South Shaw Lane (inside Anthony Hall). For more than 80 years, the Michigan State University Dairy Store has been serving Spartan spirit by the scoop. Serving 13 weekly rotating flavors of ice cream...
msuniversityadvising
32 likes • 1.8K views

💰 Mini Cups are a Deal

Mini cups offer generous portions for a great price, perfect for trying multiple flavors. Reddit

🧀 Sample the Cheeses

Ask for a sample before buying cheese; the staff are happy to help you find your favorite. TikTok

Some flavors just aren’t for everyone… unless it’s Code Cherry. Our 75th anniversary flavor hits the MSU Dairy Store tomorrow!!!! #CodeCherry #SpartanNurses #MSUDairyStore
michstnursing
100 likes • 6.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🍦 Try Unique Flavors

Don't shy away from creative flavors like 'Code Cherry' or 'Izzo's Malted Madness'! Instagram+1

☕ Order in a Cup or Cone

They serve ice cream in both cups and cones. Ask for recommendations if you're unsure! Reddit

💰 Mini Cups are a Deal

Mini cups offer generous portions for a great price, perfect for trying multiple flavors. Reddit

🧀 Sample the Cheeses

Ask for a sample before buying cheese; the staff are happy to help you find your favorite. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Combine with Gardens

Pair your ice cream with a stroll through the nearby MSU Horticulture Gardens. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the MSU Dairy Store for its delicious, award-winning ice cream made with fresh, local dairy. Many highlight the generous portions and unique flavors as major draws. While some find certain flavors a bit too sweet or average, the overall experience is highly recommended for its quality and value.

"We got the mini for $3 each, the portion sizes were good. Service was fast and staff were friendly. However, the flavors were very mid/average. We got their two signatures. one was a vanilla with caramel and nuts , the other was vanilla with chocolate chunks and malt. We had high hopes as visitors to MSU, waiting in line for 30 minutes and for a place so famous. The first flavor I couldn’t taste what nuts there were because the pieces were so tiny, and the second flavor tasted like overwhelmingly fake chocolate. Both were also sickeningly sweet, neither of us could finish more than half of the mini size without feeling nauseous. Not good at all for us."

Rachel

"This is not your ordinary ice cream. They have won ice cream awards including this year for number one college ice cream shop. They make all their ice cream on campus from the dairy cows. It's personally One of the past if not the past ice creams in Michigan. If you stop by when they're busy, lines can be out the door. If you have a craving for some really Amazing ice cream It will be worth it!"

Amy Kilgren

"The ice cream is delicious! I tried a mini cup of Izzo Malted Madness and it was 10/10. The mini cup was definitely packed with more ice cream than they could fit and I enjoyed it, especially for that price!!! A must stop!! Service was great!"

omar gutierrez

What People Like

Delicious homemade ice cream
Generous portion sizes
Unique and rotating flavors

What People Dislike

Some flavors too sweet
Occasional average flavors

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The MSU Dairy Store is located at 474 South Shaw Lane, inside Anthony Hall on the Michigan State University campus. Instagram It's easily accessible by car, and campus buses also serve the area.

Parking can be limited. There's angled parking in front, but a more reliable option is the parking lot behind Anthony Hall and the Food Science Building. Weekends often have more availability. Instagram

Yes, various MSU campus bus routes stop near Anthony Hall, making it accessible via public transportation for students and visitors. Check the MSU Campus Services website for current routes and schedules.

Absolutely! The MSU campus is very bike-friendly, with many bike racks available. Walking is also a great way to explore the campus and reach the Dairy Store, especially if you're visiting other campus attractions.

The Dairy Store is located within Anthony Hall. Look for signs directing you to the MSU Dairy Store once you enter the building. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, you do not need tickets to enter the MSU Dairy Store. It's a retail establishment open to the public. TikTok

Operating hours can vary, especially around holidays and academic breaks. It's best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Instagram

The observation deck, which offers a view of the ice cream and cheese-making process, is typically free to access with your visit to the Dairy Store. TikTok

The MSU Dairy Store does not typically take reservations, as it's a casual spot for ice cream and cheese. Be prepared for potential lines during busy times. Reddit

Yes, they often have special seasonal flavors, anniversary specials (like 'Code Cherry'), and collaborations. Following their social media is the best way to stay informed. Instagram+1

🎫 🍦 Onsite Experience

Popular flavors often include 'Izzo's Malted Madness,' 'Totally Green Choco Chip,' and seasonal specials. Many visitors rave about the rich, creamy texture and unique taste. InstagramReddit

They offer a variety of homemade cheeses, including cheddar, Colby, and specialty varieties. You can often sample them before purchasing. TikTok

Yes, the MSU Dairy Store also serves soups and sandwiches, making it a good spot for a light lunch or snack. TikTok

Portion sizes are generally generous, especially for the price. Even the 'mini' cups are often packed with a good amount of ice cream. Reddit

Absolutely! The ice cream is made on campus using dairy from MSU's own cows, ensuring a fresh and high-quality product. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant ice cream scoops, the cheese displays, and the view from the observation deck. The exterior of Anthony Hall also offers nice photo opportunities. TikTok

Yes, the observation deck is a great place to take photos of the ice cream and cheese-making process happening below. TikTok

Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other customers and staff. TikTok

Focus on close-ups of the ice cream textures, colorful toppings, and the variety of cheeses. Shots of people enjoying their treats are also great. Instagram

Definitely! The unique flavors, the colorful ice cream, and the behind-the-scenes view from the observation deck all make for great Instagram content. TikTokInstagram

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