MSU Dairy Store
Award-winning ice cream & artisan cheeses made on campus with fresh dairy from MSU cows. A sweet campus tradition!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
MSU Dairy Store
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Award-winning ice cream & artisan cheeses made on campus with fresh dairy from MSU cows. A sweet campus tradition!
"This is not your ordinary ice cream. They make all their ice cream on campus from the dairy cows."
🍦 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Inside Anthony Hall
Peek behind the scenes! Watch the ice cream and cheese-making process from this unique vantage point.
Artisan Cheeses
Cheese counter
Sample and purchase a variety of delicious, house-made cheeses crafted with care.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Lines for Sweet Treats
Parking Tips for Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍦 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!
💰 Mini Cups are a Deal
Mini cups offer generous portions for a great price, perfect for trying multiple flavors.
🧀 Sample the Cheeses
Ask for a sample before buying cheese; the staff are happy to help you find your favorite.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍦 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!
💰 Mini Cups are a Deal
Mini cups offer generous portions for a great price, perfect for trying multiple flavors.
🧀 Sample the Cheeses
Ask for a sample before buying cheese; the staff are happy to help you find your favorite.
🚶♀️ Combine with Gardens
Pair your ice cream with a stroll through the nearby MSU Horticulture Gardens.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need tickets to enter the MSU Dairy Store. It's a retail establishment open to the public.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🍦 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.
They offer a variety of homemade cheeses, including cheddar, Colby, and specialty varieties. You can often sample them before purchasing.
Yes, the MSU Dairy Store also serves soups and sandwiches, making it a good spot for a light lunch or snack.
Portion sizes are generally generous, especially for the price. Even the 'mini' cups are often packed with a good amount of ice cream.
Absolutely! The ice cream is made on campus using dairy from MSU's own cows, ensuring a fresh and high-quality product.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, the observation deck is a great place to take photos of the ice cream and cheese-making process happening below.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other customers and staff.
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.
Definitely! The unique flavors, the colorful ice cream, and the behind-the-scenes view from the observation deck all make for great Instagram content.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great way to bribe them to explore other campus attractions like the nearby Michigan 4-H Children's Garden. Consider getting mini cups so everyone can try a different flavor without overindulging. The friendly staff are usually happy to offer recommendations, making the ordering process smooth even with little ones.
🎓 Students & Budget Travelers
Don't forget to check out the homemade cheeses as well; they can be a more economical and high-quality alternative to store-bought options. Combining an ice cream cone with a visit to the observation deck makes for a fun and inexpensive campus experience.
🍦 Ice Cream Aficionados
+1Pay attention to the texture and quality of ingredients, which are often highlighted in reviews. The fact that it's made from local dairy adds to its authentic appeal, offering a taste that's both nostalgic and distinct.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of MSU Ice Cream
Beyond the classic flavors, the Dairy Store is celebrated for its creative and rotating flavor selection. From seasonal specials to unique creations like 'Code Cherry' or 'Izzo's Malted Madness,' there's always something new to discover. This commitment to innovation keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.
+1For those curious about the process, the observation deck offers a fascinating glimpse into how the magic happens. Watching the ice cream and cheese being made adds an educational and engaging layer to the experience, making it more than just a treat stop.
Beyond Ice Cream: Cheeses and More
The store isn't just about frozen delights and dairy products; it also offers a selection of soups and sandwiches. This makes the MSU Dairy Store a convenient spot for a casual lunch or a light meal, especially when combined with a scoop of their signature ice cream. It’s a versatile destination for a quick bite or a sweet indulgence.
Many visitors appreciate the generous serving sizes and the overall value. Even a 'mini' cup is often packed with ice cream, making it a satisfying treat that doesn't break the bank. This focus on quality ingredients and ample portions contributes to its enduring popularity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit