Founded in 1934, Washtenaw Dairy has been spreading happiness throughout Ann Arbor for 90 years. It started as a milk factory and has transformed into an ice cream and donut shop today. The inside feels old-school with vintage photos.
Washtenaw Dairy is known for its massive ice cream scoops and fresh donuts. They offer a wide variety of ice cream flavors including the Bear Claw (dark chocolate with cashews and caramel), Irish Mint, Pirate’s Treasures (caramel with Oreo and M&M’s). It’s a popular spot for both visitors and locals. They serve a diverse variety of donuts as well including the glazed, chocolate, maple with peanuts, vanilla with coconut, and cinnamon sugar.
According to Washtenaw Dairy, “We have the biggest and most affordable cones in town.” They’re not joking. A single, small scoop is nearly the size of a standard large scoop!
Washtenaw Dairy doesn’t just sell ice cream and donuts. They even sell fresh milk, eggs, butter, cheese, and dry ice.
Washtenaw Dairy is a frequent winner of The Michigan Daily’s, “Best of Ann Arbor,” award. Recently, they won the Best Ice Cream in 2025 and Best Sweet Treat in 2024.
They are one of the few spots in Ann Arbor to open extremely early, starting at 5.00 AM.
Wasthenaw Dairy even offers weekend donut delivery for those who want their donuts straight to their door.
I would personally recommend the Superman, Michigan Pothole, and the Lemon Custard ice cream. Superman is my favorite as the vanilla, red pop, and blue moon compliment each other well. It’s the perfect treat during the Summer. The Michigan Pothole is amazing because the creamy, rich ice cream is mixed with swirls of fudge and chunks of brownies. Michigan Pothole is supposed to resemble a road trip through Michigan, with delicious pitstops along the way. The Lemon Custard is great because it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It’s refreshing, light, smooth, and creamy. All of Washtenaw Dairy’s ice creams are so good and delicious.
