Marion's Dairy Bar

Hello, Michigan ice cream aficionados! For over 20 years, and certainly long before that, a visit to East Tawas has been synonymous with a stop at Marion's Dairy Bar. This iconic establishment, proudly scooping Michigan-made ice cream since 1945, has firmly established itself as a beloved tradition for vacationers and locals alike. It's the kind of place that becomes an integral part of family trips, a cherished memory maker that beckons you back year after year.

Marion's Dairy Bar isn't just about a cold treat; it's about a nostalgic experience, an old-fashioned soda shop vibe that transports you back to simpler times. While some aspects of its operation have changed over the years, its core mission remains: providing delicious ice cream and a warm welcome to the community. Despite recent adjustments to its service model and pricing, its reputation for quality offerings and being a must-visit spot in the Tawas area continues to draw crowds. If you're looking for a taste of Michigan history paired with a fantastic ice cream dessert, Marion's Dairy Bar offers a unique and memorable stop.

Marion's Dairy Bar is perfectly situated at 111 E Bay St, East Tawas, MI 48730, USA. This prime location places it right on East Bay Street, which runs along the picturesque shores of Lake Huron. Its easy-to-find spot makes it an ideal stop for anyone visiting East Tawas, whether you're exploring the charming downtown area, enjoying the nearby beaches, or simply cruising along the scenic M-55 highway.

Being on East Bay Street means it's highly accessible for both pedestrians and those arriving by car. Given its popularity, there are typically provisions for parking nearby, although during peak tourist season, the area can be quite bustling. While recent customer feedback indicates a shift in their service model, with ordering taking place at an outside window even if the inside door is open, the overall accessibility to the establishment remains straightforward. This setup, while a change from past indoor dining, still allows for convenient access to their delicious offerings. Its location is a significant draw, providing a pleasant setting for enjoying an ice cream treat, often with views or easy access to the beautiful Tawas Bay area.

• Michigan-Made Hard Scoop Ice Cream: Marion's Dairy Bar is renowned for serving a wide selection of premium, Michigan-made ice cream. Flavors often include classics like Moose Tracks, Superman (a Michigan favorite), Mackinac Island Fudge, Blue Moon, and many more, with a curated list from various producers.
• Soft Serve Ice Cream: In addition to hard-scoop, they also offer soft serve, providing a classic, creamy option for those who prefer it.
• Homemade Waffle Cones: A significant highlight, Marion's is famous for crafting their own fresh, homemade waffle cones, which greatly enhance the ice cream experience.
• Sundaes and Fountain Choices: A variety of sundaes and numerous "fountain choices" are available, indicating a range of customized dessert options with various toppings and syrups. This includes options for classic sundaes and milkshakes.
• Lactose-Free Options: Catering to diverse dietary needs, they offer lactose-free ice cream choices.
• Sugar-Free Options: For those managing sugar intake, sugar-free ice cream options are also available.
• Unique Specials (e.g., Cantaloupe Bowls): They work with local farms to offer fresh fruit toppings and unique specials such as "cantaloupe bowls," where a fresh sugar cantaloupe replaces a traditional bowl and is filled with your chosen ice cream.
• Historically Other Food Items (Past Offering): While current reviews suggest a focus primarily on ice cream now, in prior years, they also offered hot food items like biscuits & gravy, indicative of a broader diner-style menu in the past. (Note: Current operational focus appears to be on frozen treats and limited additional items).

• Long-Standing Tradition Since 1945: Marion's Dairy Bar has been serving the East Tawas community for 80 years, establishing itself as an iconic and deeply nostalgic part of Michigan's culinary landscape. This long history adds to its charm and appeal as a generational favorite.
• High-Quality Michigan-Made Ice Cream: They pride themselves on serving only the finest Michigan-made ice creams, ensuring a fresh and authentic taste that resonates with local pride. This commitment to quality is consistently praised.
• Famous Homemade Waffle Cones: A significant draw, their freshly made waffle cones are often highlighted as a unique and delicious accompaniment to their ice cream, superior to mass-produced alternatives.
• Extensive Flavor Selection: Customers consistently note the wide variety of ice cream flavors available, offering something for every preference, from classic staples to unique regional favorites like Superman ice cream.
• "Well Worth the Wait": Despite potential wait times, especially during busy periods or due to changes in service flow, many customers affirm that the quality of the ice cream makes it "well worth it."
• Old-Fashioned Charm / Soda Shop Vibe: The establishment retains an "old soda shop vibe," offering a nostalgic atmosphere that adds to the overall experience, even with changes to indoor dining.
• Dietary Accommodations: The availability of lactose-free and sugar-free options demonstrates a commitment to catering to a broader customer base with varying dietary needs.
• Community and Vacation Staple: For decades, Marion's has been an integral part of vacation traditions for families visiting Tawas, cementing its place as a beloved part of Michigan's summer experience.

To plan your visit and experience the beloved traditions of Marion's Dairy Bar, here's how you can reach them:

Address: 111 E Bay St, East Tawas, MI 48730, USA

Phone: (989) 362-2991

Given potential seasonal changes in operation (typically Memorial Day Weekend to the weekend after Labor Day) and any adjustments to their service model, it's advisable to call ahead or check their online presence for the most current hours and ordering procedures before your visit.

For the residents of East Tawas and all Michiganders, Marion's Dairy Bar stands as a truly iconic and suitable local establishment, embodying decades of sweet tradition. Its deep roots in the community, having been a beloved fixture since 1945, make it more than just an ice cream shop; it's a piece of local history and a continuous source of cherished memories for generations.

The core appeal of Marion's lies in its dedication to quality and its vast selection. Serving Michigan-made ice cream, along with their famous homemade waffle cones, ensures that customers are getting a product that is both delicious and authentically local. The extensive menu, featuring a wide array of hard-scoop flavors, soft serve, sundaes, and even unique offerings like cantaloupe bowls, caters to virtually every preference, making it an ideal stop for families with diverse tastes. The inclusion of lactose-free and sugar-free options further highlights their commitment to serving the entire community.

While recent changes to their service model and pricing have caused some discussion among long-time patrons, the fundamental quality of their ice cream remains high, leading many to conclude that the wait and cost are "well worth it" for the delicious treat. Its prime location on East Bay Street, combined with the lingering "old soda shop vibe," adds to the charm and makes it a perfect destination for a leisurely outing. Marion's Dairy Bar continues to be an essential part of the East Tawas experience, offering a comforting slice of Americana and a reliable source of delightful frozen desserts for all Michigan locals seeking a taste of tradition.

Marion's Dairy Bar

111 E Bay St, East Tawas, MI 48730, USA