- Attraction: Cedar Crest Ice Cream Plant & Parlor
- Location: 2000 South 10th Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220
- Industry: Ice Cream Factory
- Website: https://cedarcresticecream.com/our-parlor/
That’s Bernice, the iconic Big Cow, and she’s your gateway to one of Wisconsin’s most beloved ice cream destinations.
Cedar Crest Ice Cream Plant & Parlor has been crafting premium, small-batch ice cream since 1976, and their factory-fresh scoops have become legendary across the Midwest.
This family-owned operation by the four Kohlwey brothers produces three million gallons of ice cream annually, but what makes it special isn’t the scale – it’s the old-fashioned approach.
Every batch is made from scratch using slow pasteurization techniques that take longer but create incredibly rich, creamy textures that rival gelato. With over 100 flavors rotating through their seasonal lineup, you’ll discover why visitors plan entire Wisconsin trips around this sweet stop.
Flavor Adventures That’ll Blow Your Mind
The Signature Creations: You’ll encounter unique combinations you won’t find anywhere else, like their famous Zanzibar Dark Chocolate that delivers intense cocoa richness, or the playful Big Muddy that swirls together unexpected flavors into pure magic.
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Keep Exploring →The creativity extends to seasonal offerings developed through partnerships with local 4-H clubs, resulting in adventurous flavors like Deep Space – a cosmic blend of Zanzibar Dark Chocolate and Blue Moon with chocolate chunks and marshmallow swirls.
Classic Comfort Meets Innovation: While you can always count on perfect versions of vanilla and chocolate, Cedar Crest excels at elevated takes on traditional favorites.
Their Maple Nut delivers authentic Wisconsin maple flavor, while Snowflake combines white pistachio ice cream with white chocolate-covered toasted almonds and chunks. Each scoop showcases the intense flavor profiles that come from their meticulous small-batch process.
The Overwhelming Choice Challenge: With over 80 regular flavors plus rotating specials, you’ll face the delightful dilemma of too many tempting options.
The menu boards display catchy flavor names, but you’ll want to read the detailed descriptions in the display cases to fully appreciate gems like Superman or discover what makes each creation special. Don’t worry about choosing wrong – the generous scoop sizes mean you’ll get plenty to savor.
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Discover MoreBeyond Just Ice Cream: The parlor menu extends to classic sundaes, thick shakes, and malts that showcase their premium ice cream at its finest. You can also grab quarts to take home, making it easy to extend your Cedar Crest experience beyond your visit. The factory-fresh quality means every treat tastes like it was just made moments before you arrived.
The Bernice Experience & Cozy Parlor Vibes
Meet Your Giant Hostess: Bernice the Big Cow isn’t just a roadside attraction – she’s become a beloved photo opportunity that marks your arrival at something special. Positioned strategically on the front lawn, this massive fiberglass cow has welcomed countless families and serves as the perfect backdrop for social media memories that’ll make your friends jealous.
Small-Town Charm With Big Flavor: The parlor itself maintains an intimate, unpretentious atmosphere that feels genuinely Wisconsin. You’ll find both indoor and outdoor seating options, though the cozy interior can get busy during peak times. The space feels authentically local rather than touristy, creating an environment where you can truly focus on the exceptional ice cream.
Factory-Fresh Connection: While you can’t tour the production facility for safety reasons, knowing your ice cream is literally being made steps away adds excitement to every bite. The connection between factory and parlor means maximum freshness – you’re tasting ice cream at its absolute peak quality, often within hours of being churned.
Planning Your Sweet Escape
Seasonal Operations: Cedar Crest operates March through October, with extended summer hours that accommodate both afternoon treats and after-dinner desserts. The seasonal nature makes each visit feel special – you’re experiencing something that’s only available during Wisconsin’s warmer months, adding anticipation to your trip.
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Keep Exploring →Value That Surprises: Despite the premium quality and generous portions, prices remain surprisingly reasonable for what you receive. A family of three can easily enjoy quality ice cream for under $10, making this an accessible treat that doesn’t break the budget. The large serving sizes mean you’ll feel satisfied without needing to splurge on multiple scoops.
Easy Access: The parlor provides convenient parking and is easily accessible, though you might encounter crowds during peak times – a testament to the quality that keeps locals and tourists coming back. The location along South 10th Street makes it a perfect stop whether you’re exploring Manitowoc or just passing through the area.
Take Home The Magic: You can purchase quarts of your favorite flavors to extend the experience, and since Cedar Crest distributes across multiple states, you might even find their ice cream at select locations closer to home. However, nothing beats the experience of enjoying it fresh at the source with Bernice watching over your sweet moment.
Cedar Crest Ice Cream Plant & Parlor
📍 2000 South 10th Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220
