Museum of Ice Cream- Chicago

[rating=3]Remember the years of strolling down Michigan Avenue, just North of the river and watching the WGN radio personalities thru the “showcase window”? With the move to other quarters for the radio station and the building being converted for other purposes, I wondered what would happen in that park-like setting. The answer my friend is the Chicago branch of the Museum of Ice Cream. Yes, that is correct, we have an ice cream museum. Yes, these are all over the country and now Chicago has one at 435 Michigan Avenue.

You purchase your tickets online and after signing a waiver ( yes, you MUST sign a waiver to get entry) you will have a scheduled ticket which you can either print out or have available on your phone. They check you in and place you in line. Once in line they will pass out Dove bars ( the first of many ice cream opportunities as part of the tour). Once you enter, they will explain a few rules, one being that you create a name for your name tag- mine was ChocaBerry and I wore the name tag throughout the entire 90 minutes of touring. We did a fake “L” ride to Ice Cream Land.

We did some rooms where part of the tour was a different type of ice cream. We learned about scoopers and brand names ( some still around) and there is an extra room ( at an extra fee) where visitors make their own ice cream. They mix all the ingredients and add the candy to manufacture their own special flavor. This is an extra 30 minutes and we just observed to see it. Those who made it, loved it.

One of the rooms was a sherbet cone that was dipper. In another area we had a Klondike chocolate milk shake in a squeeze bag. It was frozen and once opened, in a few minutes we were able to drink through the opening. It was rich and smooth and I want to know where I can purchase to have in my freezer at home ( for when the grandkids visit–hah! Hah!).

In the Hot Dog room, we played mini-golf. There were three holes but due to crowds being very high, we only could play one and this room ended with hot dog ice cream- yes, that is correct. Ice cream that was flavored like a hot dog, served in a bun (bread) with a sauce that looked like mustard ( they have one that appears to be ketchup for kids) and topped with a pickle. I was amazed at how flavorful this was.

The last ice cream room was the game room. Here many of the games were down. I have a feeling that during Lalapalooza they had many visitors who were not as careful as could be as they were not on a sugar high ( get my drift). In that room we had birthday cake ice cream that was delicious. I am so glad I parked several blocks away in order to walk off the calories that I took in. Was it fun? Sure!

If nothing else it is an experience that will always stand out. By the way, they have you exit into a room that has a swimming pool filled with what appears t be good and plenty candies. You can dive in or jump in or take the slide down. Jane dared me to jump in- I did it! getting out was not as easy as I thought because I sunk in every step I took. Made it to the ladder and pulled myself out. I told you- a memory that will last forever!

To contact them, visit www.museumoficecream.com

They are located in New York City, Austin, Singapore,Shanghai and now Chicago

Chicago hours:

Monday Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday   10 am- 7 p.m.   CLOSED TUESDAYS