The Best Ice Cream in Michigan: Parkside Dairy Shoppe

When summer arrives in northern Michigan, few pleasures are as timeless (or as satisfying) as a scoop of locally made ice cream. If you ask locals and visitors alike, they’ll tell you Parkside Dairy serves up some of the best ice cream in Michigan.

If you’re searching for things to do in Oscoda, MI, a stop at Parkside Dairy should be high on your list. With its convenient downtown location, it’s the perfect add-on to a day of exploring the Au Sable River by kayak or paddleboard, hiking at Iargo Springs, or relaxing at one of the best Michigan beaches.

Why Parkside Dairy Is the Best Ice Cream in Michigan

106 E Dwight St, Oscoda, MI 48750

Open Daily | 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Hours may vary seasonally)

Let’s start with the flavor lineup. Parkside Dairy offers over 40 different hand-dipped varieties from Hudsonville Ice Cream, the iconic Michigan brand that’s been crafting small-batch treats with locally sourced cream and milk since 1926. From strawberry cheesecake to coconut almond fudge and blueberry waffle cone, the options are rich, flavorful, and endlessly creative. Prefer something classic? You’ll still find timeless picks like chocolate, vanilla, and chocolate peanut butter done just right, and the choices don’t stop there. In addition to the rotating hand-dipped flavors, Parkside also offers creamy soft serve, sundaes, flurries, shakes, malts, and all the toppings your sweet tooth could ask for. Choose a sugar cone or waffle bowl, or go big with a loaded sundae piled high.

Dietary restrictions? Not a problem. Parkside Dairy has you covered with lactose-free, sugar-free, vegan, and dairy-free Dole Whip options (like refreshing watermelon and lime) so everyone in your crew can join in on the fun.

Owned and Operated with Heart

Since 2022, Parkside has been under the care of a new local owner who has kept the spirit of the place alive while introducing thoughtful new additions. Miranda and her team are known for their friendly service and passion for making each visit feel like a treat (literally and figuratively). If you’re lucky enough to meet her, you’ll see why this little ice cream stand is beloved by so many.

A Perfect Summer Date Night in Oscoda: Dwight Street Delights

Looking to turn your ice cream stop into a full romantic evening? Downtown Oscoda’s charming Dwight Street offers the perfect backdrop for a summer date that feels effortless and unforgettable.

Start with a little shopping stroll through downtown. Explore locally owned boutiques, browse antiques, or pop into Oscoda’s gift shops for a keepsake to remember your trip. Afterward, enjoy an early dinner at Tait’s Bill of Fare, a local favorite known for its cozy atmosphere, hearty entrées, and fresh daily specials.

From there, make your way to Parkside Dairy. Order your favorites and head next door to Oscoda Rotary Pocket Park, where picnic tables and garden-lined pathways invite you to linger a little longer.

If it’s a Wednesday night, don’t miss Dwight Street Live, a summer concert series running from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Just a short walk away, this community event features live music in an open-air setting, creating the perfect soundtrack for your date. Grab your ice cream, find a seat, and enjoy the show.

Not a Wednesday? End your night with a golden-hour walk down to Oscoda Beach Park, just two blocks away. Watch the waves roll in, share a bench on the boardwalk, or walk the fishing pier as the sun sets over Lake Huron.

Sweeten Your Stay at Huron House

In Oscoda, summer isn’t just a season; it’s a state of mind, and the best ice cream in Michigan is just the cherry on top. If you’re staying at our romantic Michigan bed and breakfast, Parkside Dairy is less than a 5-minute drive away, making it an easy (and irresistible) post-adventure outing. Just don’t forget, there’s more dessert waiting for you back in your suite!

Book your stay and let Huron House be your home base for sun-soaked days, lakeside memories, and evenings made sweeter by every scoop.