A Local Landmark With Deep Roots
For more than 50 years, White Lake Dairy Treat has been part of summers in the White Lake area. Long before towering Monster Shakes, rooftop sunsets, and weekly Moo Stackers became staples of the experience, the building itself was already serving ice cream to generations of local families.
Originally built in the 1950s as a Dairy Queen franchise, the location eventually stepped away from the franchise model and evolved into what is now known simply as Dairy Treat. Over the decades, it became more than just an ice cream stop. It became part of the rhythm of summer in Whitehall.
When Ashley and Adam Burns purchased Dairy Treat in 2022, they knew they were taking on more than a business. They were becoming caretakers of a local tradition.
“We’ve always shared a love for ice cream,” Ashley said. “When the opportunity unexpectedly came our way, we jumped in with both feet.”
What stood out immediately to the couple was the history connected to the business and the memories people already associated with it.
“Dairy Treat isn’t just another ice cream shop,” Ashley said. “It’s a local landmark. It holds decades of memories for families in the area, and that sense of history is something we’re proud to carry forward.”
More Than Just Ice Cream
Part of what keeps customers returning year after year is the experience Dairy Treat offers beyond the menu.
One of the business’s most recognizable features is its rooftop deck, which has become a gathering place during the summer months. Families and visitors can enjoy ice cream while watching sunsets, fireworks, and local parades from above.
“It’s more than just a place to sit,” Ashley said. “It’s an experience.”
That atmosphere has helped turn ordinary summer nights into traditions for many local families. The Burns family says they regularly see multiple generations visiting together, along with tourists discovering Dairy Treat for the first time.
“We see generations of families return year after year, along with tourists discovering us for the first time and groups like the Boy Scouts who make us part of their summer traditions,” Ashley said.
Roof top vibes courtesy of The Hungry Michigander
The Monster Shake and the Rise of the Moo Stacker
While Dairy Treat is rooted in tradition, creativity has become a major part of what defines the business today.
Among the most popular menu items is the Monster Shake, an oversized milkshake creation topped with one of Dairy Treat’s signature finger monsters. Ashley said customers specifically seek it out each season.
“It’s definitely not your average milkshake,” she said.
Photos courtesy of White Lake Dairy Treat
Another fan favorite is the Moo Stacker, a layered dessert that puts a modern spin on the classic parfait. Built with hand packed ice cream and loaded with creative toppings, the dessert has become one of Dairy Treat’s signature items.
The inspiration behind each Moo Stacker starts with flavors the team is excited about before building combinations designed to feel fun and memorable.
“Each season, we start with the flavors we’re excited about and build from there,” Ashley said. “We think about how to elevate each creation into something memorable and fun.”
Photos courtesy of White Lake Dairy Treat
That same approach also shapes Dairy Treat’s rotating weekly soft serve flavors, giving customers something new to look forward to throughout the summer season.
Photos courtesy of White Lake Dairy Treat
Adding Personality Through Art
The colorful mural painted on the exterior of Dairy Treat has become one of the business’s most recognizable features in recent years.
Ashley said the idea came shortly after they purchased the business, when they began imagining ways to make the space feel even more welcoming and unique.
“From the moment we purchased Dairy Treat, we envisioned transforming that blank canvas into something whimsical and inviting,” Ashley said. “It’s our way of adding personality to the space and creating something that makes people smile before they even walk up to the window.”
The mural now serves as both a backdrop for photos and another part of the experience families associate with visiting Dairy Treat.
Photos courtesy of The Hungry Michigander
Bringing Dairy Treat Into the Community
This season, Dairy Treat is expanding beyond its storefront with the addition of a new ice cream cart.
The Burns family says the cart will allow them to bring Dairy Treat directly into the community through local events, celebrations, graduation parties, and catering opportunities.
“We’re planning to be part of local events, graduation parties, and private gatherings,” Ashley said. “We can now bring the Dairy Treat experience directly to you.”
Photos courtesy of White Lake Dairy Treat
For Ashley and Adam, continuing to grow the business while staying connected to the White Lake community remains the most important part of what they do.
“At the end of the day, what we love most is being part of the White Lake community,” Ashley said. “It’s a place where people support one another, where businesses feel connected, and where Dairy Treat gets to be a small but meaningful part of so many summer memories.”
For hours, specials, events, and seasonal updates, follow White Lake Dairy Treat on Facebook or Instagram
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