Lansing, Michigan, boasts a vibrant ice cream scene that captures the heart of summer. From creamy soft serve to handcrafted scoops, local parlors offer something for every dessert lover. Iconic spots like MSU Dairy Store and Arctic Corner draw crowds with their nostalgic charm and unique flavors.
The city’s ice cream shops are known for Michigan-inspired treats, like the colorful Superman ice cream, alongside vegan and dairy-free options. Customer reviews praise the generous portions, friendly service, and inviting atmospheres. These parlors are community staples, perfect for families, students, and visitors.
This article explores the best ice cream in Lansing, highlighting top shops, their signature offerings, and what makes them special. We’ll dive into recent reviews, menu highlights, and tips for enjoying your visit. Let’s scoop into Lansing’s sweetest destinations.
Lansing’s Ice Cream Heritage
Ice cream is a summer tradition in Lansing, deeply tied to Michigan’s love for frozen treats. Shops like Arctic Corner, open since 1951, bring nostalgia with walk-up windows and soft serve. The city’s parlors offer a mix of retro vibes and modern creativity.
MSU Dairy Store, tied to Michigan State University, crafts ice cream with local dairy, earning awards for quality. Smaller spots like Park Lake Creamery focus on homemade flavors in scenic settings. Reviews highlight Lansing’s blend of tradition and innovation in its ice cream culture.
The variety ranges from classic cones to gourmet sundaes, with flavors like blueberry or cherry celebrating Michigan’s bounty. Seasonal specials and inclusive options keep the scene fresh. Lansing’s ice cream shops are more than dessert stops—they’re community hubs.
Top Ice Cream Parlors in Lansing
Lansing’s ice cream scene shines with diverse offerings. MSU Dairy Store, a 2023 award-winner, serves 13 rotating flavors like Spartan Swirl. Arctic Corner in Old Town is a beloved spot for soft serve and sundaes.
Park Lake Creamery in Bath Township offers gourmet ice cream with lakeside views. Babe’s Corner provides vegan options alongside classic twists, near Foster Community Center. Dairy Dan is famous for its unique turtle sundaes and Grand Slam.
Other notable parlors include Lick-ity Split for hometown charm and Tasty Twist for creative flavors. Reviews praise the quality, generous scoops, and friendly service. Each shop brings a unique flair to Lansing’s dessert landscape.
Best Ice Cream Lansing: What Are the Top Shops?
Based on recent 2023–2025 reviews and local polls, here are Lansing’s top ice cream shops:
- MSU Dairy Store (474 S Shaw Ln, East Lansing): Known for university-made flavors like Honors Coffee Toffee, priced at $4 per scoop. Reviewers love the creamy texture and “Go Green!” vibe. It won Best Ice Cream in 2023 from Lansing Guru.
- Arctic Corner (314 E César E. Chávez Ave, Lansing): A 1951 staple with soft serve and sundaes like Strawberry Shortcake. Customers praise its nostalgia and great prices, averaging 4.7 stars on Tripadvisor.
- Park Lake Creamery (6320 Park Lake Rd, Bath Twp): Offers homemade ice cream and vegan options by a serene lake. Reviews call it “yummy” with “tasty vegan flavors,” earning 4.5 stars on Yelp.
- Babe’s Corner (800 E Michigan Ave, Lansing): Features vegan vanilla and soft serve twists, rated 4.8 stars on Restaurantji. Fans love the fun vibe near community parks.
- Dairy Dan (7035 S Cedar St, Lansing): Famous for turtle sundaes and the unique Grand Slam, averaging 4.4 stars. Customers call it the “best turtle sundae” they’ve had.
These shops consistently rank high in polls like Lansing Foodies’ 2023 survey, with ratings of 4.4–4.8 stars. Customers recommend trying signature sundaes or seasonal flavors for the full experience.
Comparing Top Ice Cream Shops
Here’s a table comparing three top Lansing ice cream shops based on customer feedback:
| Shop | Signature Offering | Customer Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| MSU Dairy Store | Honors Coffee Toffee, $4 single scoop | “Creamy, rich, a must for MSU fans.” |
| Arctic Corner | Strawberry Shortcake sundae, soft serve | “Nostalgic, great value, huge selection.” |
| Park Lake Creamery | Vegan ice cream, lakeside views | “Yummy flavors, peaceful and charming.” |
This table highlights each shop’s strengths. MSU Dairy Store excels in quality, Arctic Corner in nostalgia, and Park Lake Creamery in ambiance. Reviewers suggest pairing visits with local attractions for a full outing.
The Ice Cream Experience
Lansing’s ice cream shops offer more than just dessert—they create lasting memories. MSU Dairy Store’s university vibe draws students and families with its creamy, handcrafted scoops. Arctic Corner’s Old Town location feels like a step back in time with its walk-up window.
Park Lake Creamery’s serene lakeside setting makes it a relaxing escape, perfect for savoring gourmet flavors. Babe’s Corner combines ice cream with park-side fun, ideal for families. Reviews praise the welcoming staff and generous portions across these spots.
Vegan and dairy-free options, like those at Babe’s Corner and Park Lake, cater to diverse diets. Seasonal flavors, such as Michigan cherry, keep menus exciting. The experience is as delightful as the ice cream itself.
Unique Flavors and Offerings
Lansing’s parlors shine with creative and local flavors. MSU Dairy Store rotates flavors like Butter Pecan and Spartan Swirl, a green-white mix. Arctic Corner’s Lemon Dipped Cone is a refreshing summer favorite, per Hey Michigan.
Dairy Dan’s Turtle Sundae and Grand Slam are unique to the area, earning 4.4 stars on Restaurantji. Park Lake Creamery’s small-batch flavors, like vegan chocolate, use wholesome ingredients. Lick-ity Split’s Superman, a Michigan classic, blends vibrant colors and fruity tastes.
Sundaes, flurries, and shakes add variety, with toppings like hot fudge or sprinkles. Shops like Corner Cone offer Dole Whip for a tropical twist. These offerings keep customers returning for more.
Atmosphere and Service
Lansing’s ice cream shops boast inviting, nostalgic atmospheres. Arctic Corner’s outdoor seating near the Brenke Fish Ladder adds charm to Old Town visits. MSU Dairy Store’s bustling energy reflects its university pride, per Lansing Guru reviews.
Park Lake Creamery’s lakeside location offers a peaceful escape, with Yelp reviews noting its “charming” setting. Babe’s Corner, near community parks, feels lively and family-friendly. Customers appreciate clean spaces and attentive service.
Staff at Dairy Dan and MSU Dairy Store earn praise for their warmth, even during busy hours. Some shops, like Arctic Corner, can see lines during events, but service remains quick. The welcoming vibe enhances every visit.
Tips for Enjoying Lansing’s Ice Cream
Visit during weekday mornings to avoid crowds, especially at MSU Dairy Store during student rushes. Arctic Corner is busiest during Old Town festivals, so plan early visits. Weekday afternoons often mean shorter lines and fresher flavors.
Bring cash for small orders, as some shops like Dairy Dan prefer it. Check menus online or on social media for seasonal specials before heading out. Parking is generally ample but can fill up during peak summer hours.
Try a sundae or flurry to sample multiple flavors, like Dairy Dan’s Turtle Sundae. Pair visits with nearby attractions, such as the Brenke Fish Ladder near Arctic Corner. Sharing large portions lets you try more treats.
Social Media and Online Buzz
Lansing’s ice cream shops thrive on social media, with Instagram showcasing vibrant cones and sundaes. MSU Dairy Store’s Spartan Swirl photos spark excitement, earning “Go Green!” comments. Arctic Corner’s soft serve posts on X evoke nostalgia, per 2025 reviews.
Yelp and Restaurantji reviews average 4.4–4.8 stars, with Babe’s Corner lauded for vegan options. A 2025 Tripadvisor review called Arctic Corner a “soft serve oasis,” rating it 4.7 stars. Dairy Dan’s Grand Slam garners praise on TikTok for its uniqueness.
YouTube videos highlight Park Lake Creamery’s lakeside charm and MSU Dairy Store’s creamy scoops. The online buzz reflects Lansing’s passion for its ice cream scene. Fans share tips for the best flavors and times to visit.
Why Lansing’s Ice Cream Scene Excels
Lansing’s ice cream shops combine quality, variety, and community spirit. From MSU Dairy Store’s award-winning flavors to Arctic Corner’s nostalgic soft serve, each offers something unique. High ratings, like 4.8 stars for Babe’s Corner, confirm their excellence.
The mix of Michigan-inspired flavors, like Superman, and inclusive options, like vegan scoops, sets them apart. Nostalgic atmospheres and friendly service create memorable experiences. These parlors are beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re craving a classic cone or a gourmet sundae, Lansing delivers. Its ice cream shops are perfect for family outings or quick treats. Reviews encourage dessert lovers to explore this vibrant scene.
Summary
Lansing, Michigan, is home to a thriving ice cream scene, with top shops like MSU Dairy Store, Arctic Corner, Park Lake Creamery, Babe’s Corner, and Dairy Dan earning 4.4–4.8-star reviews in 2023–2025. These parlors offer creamy scoops, soft serve, and vegan options, with standouts like Honors Coffee Toffee and Turtle Sundae. Nostalgic vibes, Michigan-inspired flavors like Superman, and friendly service make them community favorites. From lakeside creameries to Old Town walk-ups, Lansing’s ice cream shops deliver joy and quality. Whether for sundaes or shakes, these spots are a must-visit for dessert enthusiasts.
FAQ
What are the best ice cream shops in Lansing?
MSU Dairy Store, Arctic Corner, Park Lake Creamery, Babe’s Corner, and Dairy Dan top the list. They offer creamy flavors, vegan options, and sundaes, with ratings of 4.4–4.8 stars. Try signature items like the Turtle Sundae.
Where can I find vegan ice cream in Lansing?
Babe’s Corner and Park Lake Creamery offer vegan vanilla and other plant-based flavors. Customers praise their creamy textures, averaging 4.8 stars. Check menus for seasonal vegan specials.
What makes Lansing’s ice cream shops stand out?
They blend nostalgia with quality, featuring Michigan flavors like Superman and retro vibes. Friendly service and unique offerings, like Grand Slam sundaes, earn high praise. Ratings reflect their community appeal.
Are Lansing’s ice cream shops family-friendly?
Yes, shops like Babe’s Corner and MSU Dairy Store welcome families with kid-friendly flavors and fun atmospheres. Outdoor seating and nearby parks enhance the experience. Reviews highlight their warm, inviting settings.