Originally posted August 2022. Last updated July 2025.
A perfect summer day simply isn’t complete without ice cream. In Duluth, our ice cream scene is as vibrant and refreshing as Lake Superior itself! From classic scoops and rich soft-serve to elaborate malts and unique local flavors, Duluth has something for all ice cream lovers to enjoy. Whether you’re craving a traditional cone or an adventurous new creation, you’ll find the perfect sweet escape. Be sure to add some (or all!) of these fantastic Duluth ice cream shops to the itinerary for your next trip to our Northland city. Get ready to find your favorite frozen delights!
Classic Scoops & Unique Flavors
Your Duluth Ice Cream Tour
Duluth’s ice cream shops offer a delightful array of options, often with a unique local twist. Discover your new favorite treat as you explore our city!
Bridgeman’s: Founded right here in Duluth in 1883, Bridgeman’s ice cream is now served around the Midwest, but the Duluth location is the only full-service restaurant! Want ice cream for dinner? Why not! Overflowing with delightful toppings, the Mega Malts at Bridgeman’s are sure to fill you up. (If you can’t finish it all, no worries, the souvenir mason jar is yours to keep.) If a Mega Malt isn’t in the cards, choose from over 15 classic flavors, including gluten-free and dairy-free options.
Burnett Dairy Duluth Cheese Store: An ice cream shop with a truly unique twist! Burnett Dairy Duluth Cheese Store opened in West Duluth in August 2024, providing a delicious one-stop-shop where you can grab gourmet cheese, hot pizza, crispy fried curds, and of course, lots of amazing ice cream. It’s a savory and sweet adventure!
Camp Creemee: Who doesn’t love a classic soft-serve ice cream cone? Located inside Wild State Cider in the vibrant Lincoln Park Craft District, Camp Creemee offers incredibly rich, Vermont-style soft serve that is sure to satisfy. Make sure to try their flagship Maple Creemee, crafted with locally-sourced Sawtooth Mountain Pure Maple Syrup for an authentic taste of the North Shore.
Crank and Dasher: Indulge in truly artisanal ice cream at Crank & Dasher! Their small batches are made from scratch with delicious pieces of house-made treats blended in. Choose a familiar classic or get adventurous with a new flavor combo. Whether you put it in a dish or a cone, you can’t go wrong! Grab a scoop and explore all that the historic Fitger’s Courtyard has to offer, or visit their new Lakeside location next to Amity Coffee.
Grandma’s Boxcar: Open seasonally in the heart of bustling Canal Park, Grandma’s Boxcar is the perfect spot to grab a refreshing scoop as you watch ships come into the harbor under the aerial lift bridge. Or, take your cone to go as you stroll along the scenic Lakewalk – a truly iconic Duluthy summer moment!
King of Creams: What started as a single, beloved ice cream truck on the streets of Duluth has now expanded to offer so much more! Stop by their Hillside location for an old-fashioned malt, a classic sundae, or a scoop of one of their many flavor offerings. And yes, you can definitely grab a burger while you’re there for a full, satisfying meal!
Love Creamery: At Love Creamery, each unique flavor is hand-crafted in small batches to produce the perfect, creamy scoop. All ingredients are responsibly sourced to ensure their customers get only the best for their palate and the planet. Gluten-free and vegan options are readily available at both their Canal Park and Lincoln Park Craft District locations. Can’t decide on just one flavor? Give their popular “flight” a try for a delicious sampling!
PortLand Malt Shoppe: Built in 1921 as a charming gas station and lovingly converted to a malt shoppe in 1989, The PortLand Malt Shoppe is sure to impress and refresh. Serving deliciously thick malts from its walk-up window, you’ll also enjoy beautiful views of Lake Superior and Canal Park – a perfect blend of history and sweet indulgence.
The Scoop on 47th: A staple of the charming Lakeside neighborhood, The Scoop on 47th offers various beloved flavors of Kemps ice cream, along with classic coney dogs, candy, and other snacks. While you’re there, be sure to check out its truly unique selection of antiques, DVDs, CDs, and books left over from the former business, 8th Street Video & Ice Cream Station on 47th. It’s a delightful blast from the past with your treat!
Beyond the Cone
More Sweet & Savory Experiences in Duluth
While ice cream is a summer must-have, Duluth’s food scene offers a delightful array of treats and unique dining experiences year-round. Extend your culinary adventure!
