Beloved West Michigan Ice Cream Shop Closing After 60+ Years

It's always sad to see a longtime business close, but I have to say, this one is really getting to me.

After nearly seventy years in business, South Haven's Sherman's Dairy Bar is shutting down.

Growing up in South Haven, Sherman's Dairy is a HUGE part of my childhood! When it opened up for the season each year, it was a sure sign summer was on the way.

READ MORE: South Haven Beach Voted One of 10 Best in Michigan

I'll never forget the smell of fresh waffle cones in the lobby and the little red ticket dispenser that would mark your place in what was usually a very long line of locals and tourists alike looking to get their Sherman's ice cream fix.

My go-to order was a single scoop of cookie dough in a waffle cone, because seriously, the servings at Sherman's are so huge, all you need is a single. See -- here's a pic of a single scoop!

It's also where I tried cotton candy ice cream for the first time, and it's still one of my favorites. My brothers would switch up their orders, though flurries and blue moon were always top picks. My mom usually went with a peach or strawberry cone and my dad loved the pecan praline -- and sometimes he would treat us all to a "Pig's Dinner" - a massive sundae Sherman's is known for.

Sherman's is where my oldest niece had her first taste of ice cream when she was little - mint chocolate chip, which she promptly got all over her face. When I met the man that would become my husband, I knew I had to take him to Sherman's! He quickly learned how special it is and developed his own "usual" order - lime sherbet in a cup.

UP NEXT: West Michigan Community Named #2 Small Coastal Town in U.S.

When I saw the news on social media that Sherman's Dairy is closing, I actually said "Oh no!" out loud and immediately texted my family.

Sherman's posted to Facebook,

We want our loyal fans to be the first to know: the 2024 season of Sherman’s Dairy Bar will be our last. We have loved being part of your summer traditions for 66 seasons, and we know many of you have fond memories of a scoop at Sherman’s.

So many people are sharing their memories and sadness at the news of this South Haven staple shutting down.

Robin writes,

Went there growing up in the Mt. Pleasant Subdivision for 18 years. The smell inside is intoxicating. A mix between the flavors, freshly washed silverware and glasses, and home made cones.

Kelli says,

This breaks my heart. I grew up outside South Haven and Sherman Dairy was a must stop when in town. I passed that tradition down to my own children even though we live in Plainwell now. We will for sure be in for one last treat.

Sherman's owners did not give a reason for the closure. I'm wondering if someone can buy it and Sherman's will be saved? I hope so!

According to Wood TV 8, Sherman's first began as a dairy farm in 1916. They started making ice cream in 1958.

Back in 2019, Sherman's stopped making its own ice cream and Hudsonville Ice Cream took over, using Sherman's family recipes.

The ice creamery is encouraging folks to come visit for one last scoop before the season officially ends Oct. 26. - my husband and I are already planning a trip with my family!

I gotta see those iconic blue cows at least one last time, and get one more single scoop in a waffle cone - or hey, maybe I'll go all out with a double, since we are sadly saying goodbye to the legendary Sherman's Dairy.

Another thing I'm still sad about saying goodbye to in South Haven? Kid's Corner! I haven't been to the new park yet, though I'm sure it's great, it's just not the same.