Best Ice Cream in Saugatuck, Michigan

In Saugatuck, ice cream isn’t just a treat. It’s a tradition, and there’s no better way to cool off during a summer in Michigan than with a scoop (or two) of local ice cream. From charming soda fountains to handcrafted waffle cones and locally sourced favorites, these shops in Saugatuck serve up some of the best ice cream in Michigan, one creamy bite at a time.

Sweet Spot Saugatuck

133 Butler St

Step inside to the warm aroma of freshly made waffle cones, especially tempting when they’re rolling out seasonal flavors like strawberry or pumpkin spice. Sweet Spot Saugatuck is known for their creamy, oversized scoops and a wide variety of toppings. Vegan guests will also have plenty of options, including chocolate, vanilla, birthday cake, and fruit-forward sorbets. Want something truly over-the-top? Try the new Dubai Chocolate Cup, layered with fresh strawberries, warm Belgian chocolate, crispy kanafeh, and rich pistachio cream. It’s just as decadent as it sounds.

Their Michigan Pothole ice cream is another standout, with a rich chocolate base packed with thick fudge, chocolate chunks, and chewy brownies. It's wildly beloved, with a name that pays playful homage to the bumpy roads of Michigan winters. Beyond ice cream, the shop is lined with rows of nostalgic and novelty candies, plus shelves of colorful bottled sodas in flavors you didn’t know existed.

Charlie’s Round the Corner

132 Mason St

An area staple since 1965, Charlie’s is a true local favorite. Choose from over 40 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream from beloved Michigan dairies like Sherman’s and Moo-Ville, or go for their creamy soft-serve, fruit-packed gelato, or an old-fashioned float. They’ve also added dairy-free oat-based ice creams and rotating flavors of pineapple and strawberry Dole Whip, perfect for plant-based or dairy-sensitive guests. There's even coffee and tea if you need a break from sugar (but why would you?). Grab a seat on the sidewalk at one of the tables or settle onto the bench beneath the shady tree out front. It's the perfect spot to savor your treat and watch the world go by.

Dairy Dayz

6471 Washington Ave / Blue Star Hwy

Just a short drive from downtown, Dairy Dayz is worth the detour. This retro roadside stand features Country Dairy hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, vegan oat-based vanilla, and ever-changing flavors of Dole Whip. Can’t decide? Try a flurry, slushie, or one of their iconic cherry, chocolate, or butterscotch-dipped cones. It's a laid-back spot that brings a little bit of everything to the table.

Kilwins Saugatuck

152 Butler St

You’ll smell the Kilwins magic before you see it: handmade fudge, perfect caramel apples, and chocolate-dipped everything. This beloved Michigan brand is also known for its velvety ice cream, ideal for wandering Butler Street on a sunny afternoon. Their homemade cones, piled high with flavors like Mackinac Island Fudge or toasted coconut, are the perfect pairing for a lakeside stroll or a cozy bench break under the trees.

Saugatuck Drugstore & Soda Fountain

201 Butler St

For a true step back in time, stop by the Saugatuck Drugstore & Soda Fountain. This historic spot has been serving root beer floats, creamy malts, and summer memories for over 100 years. It’s a charming slice of small-town history, and a fun way to savor a more old-fashioned kind of indulgence.

The Best Ice Cream in Michigan and a Luxury Stay

What’s better than an ice cream cone on a warm summer afternoon? Knowing there’s more dessert waiting for you when you return.

At our Saugatuck Hotel, we believe every summer day deserves a sweet moment or two. Whether you’re sampling the bold richness of Michigan Pothole ice cream or enjoying a classic soft-serve by the water, Saugatuck’s ice cream scene is every bit as memorable as the experience back at our inn.

Book your summer escape and explore the best ice cream in Michigan, just be sure to save room for our signature evening dessert, delivered right to your door.