Three scoops of homemade ice cream ride on a banana sliced lengthwise, buried under hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry. That bowl has been called monumental ice cream architecture.
Honestly, I can’t argue with the description.
The ice cream behind it has been made at the same small Michigan shop since 1942. The waffle cones get baked fresh throughout the day.
That means the air smells like warm vanilla before you even reach the counter.
I like how the flavor board stays focused instead of endless. You’ll find about 13 regulars plus two rotating specials.
Blue Moon, Orange Pineapple, and Mackinaw Fudge are all fair game for your split.
Families have made this stop a tradition across generations. Some bring their kids, then later their grandkids.
So what makes one banana split worth a road trip?
The Banana Split That Earns Its Own Road Trip
A fresh banana gets split lengthwise and turned into a cradle. Then three scoops of homemade ice cream settle right in the middle.
That’s the star at Jones’ Homemade Ice Cream Shoppe in Baldwin. The banana split here has been called monumental ice cream architecture, and the nickname fits.
Hot fudge goes on top, followed by whipped cream and a cherry.
The classic lineup uses vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. That trio is a smart pick for first-timers.
It shows off the ice cream without any distractions.
Here’s the fun twist, though. You can swap in other flavors from the shop’s lineup.
Want Blue Moon next to Butter Pecan? Go ahead and build it your way.
Bring a friend or bring extra spoons. A split this size works nicely as a shared treat for a small group.
It also makes a great photo before anyone digs in.
My advice is simple. Decide your flavors while you wait, so you’re ready at the counter.
Indecision is understandable here, but the people behind you might want their turn too.
Since 1942, The Recipe Has Stayed Close To Home
Plenty of businesses change addresses over eight decades. Jones’ Homemade Ice Cream Shoppe has stayed put since opening in 1942.
That’s a long run for any shop. It’s even more impressive for one that makes its own ice cream.
The batches are made in small amounts, which keeps the focus on quality over volume.
Marcus Jones started the business. Later, Terri Jamieson was known for carrying the tradition forward.
That kind of continuity matters when your whole reputation rests on one creamy product.
Why does small batch matter to you? It means the ice cream isn’t rolling off a giant factory line.
Each tub comes from the same kitchen that serves your cone.
The result is smooth and creamy ice cream made with quality ingredients. You’ll taste the difference in simple flavors especially.
Vanilla has nowhere to hide, after all.
Think of it as a living piece of Michigan food history. Every scoop connects you to a shop that has been doing this since your grandparents were young.
Pretty cool for something you eat with a spoon.
Blue Moon, Black Walnut, And Other Tough Decisions
Thirteen regular flavors sounds manageable. Then you see two rotating specials, and suddenly choosing feels like a group project.
The lineup leans classic with some fun surprises. Orange Pineapple, Butter Pecan, Mackinaw Fudge, and Black Sweet Cherry all appear in the mix.
Salted Coffee Caramel and Black Walnut bring grown-up flavor.
Kids usually have their own targets. Cotton Candy and Jolly Rancher are the kind of flavors that win young hearts fast.
Mint Chip covers the cool-and-crunchy crowd.
Then there’s Blue Moon. If you didn’t grow up in the Midwest, this bright blue flavor might puzzle you.
Its taste is famously hard to describe, so the best plan is to try it yourself.
Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry stay on hand as dependable staples. They’re also the backbone of the classic banana split.
Nobody will judge you for keeping it simple.
A smaller menu has real perks. Each flavor gets attention, and you won’t spend twenty minutes reading labels.
Pick two you love and one wild card, and your visit is officially a success.
Follow The Smell Of Fresh Waffle Cones
Your nose may find this place before your GPS does. The homemade waffle cones are made fresh throughout the day, and they fill the air with vanilla.
That smell is a powerful thing. It turns a quick stop into a must-have cone almost instantly.
Good luck ignoring that while standing in line.
Fresh waffle cones bring a crisp, toasty bite that a boxed cone just can’t match. They also pair well with richer flavors.
Butter Pecan or Salted Coffee Caramel feel right at home in one.
Not a waffle cone fan? Sugar cones and cake cones are also available.
That covers everyone from the crunch lovers to the little kids who just want something easy to hold.
Here’s a practical tip for hot summer days. Eat from the top down and keep turning the cone.
Homemade ice cream melts like any other, and drips happen fast.
A cup is also smart for younger kids or long drives home. Still, the waffle cone is a big part of the Jones experience.
I’d say grab one at least once.
Sodas, Malts, And Floats Bring Back The Fountain Days
Not every craving fits in a cone. Sometimes you want a straw, a tall glass, and something thick enough to work for.
Jones’ Homemade Ice Cream Shoppe serves old-fashioned sodas along with malts and shakes. The malts and shakes are known for being thick and creamy.
Floats round out the drink lineup.
A malt is a smart choice on a warm Michigan afternoon. It’s cold, filling, and easier to handle than a melting double scoop.
You can sip it on a slow walk too.
Floats are pure nostalgia in a cup. They’re also a fun way to introduce kids to soda fountain classics.
Many grandparents probably ordered the same thing decades ago.
Sundaes are on the menu as well, if the banana split feels like too much. That gives you a solid middle ground.
You still get toppings without the full banana commitment.
My suggestion? Split the order across your group.
One person gets a malt, another grabs a sundae, and everyone trades bites. Sharing is the easiest way to sample more of the menu.
The Walls Tell Baldwin Stories While You Eat
Inside, the shop feels like a step back in time. The space recalls the ice cream parlors and soda fountains of earlier eras.
Look up from your bowl for a minute. The walls hold historic photos and memorabilia from Baldwin and Lake County.
It’s basically a small museum with better snacks.
Kids might not care much about old photos at first. Ask them to spot the oldest-looking car or building, though.
Suddenly, local history turns into a game.
Seating includes stools at the counter. Those spots feel extra classic, especially if you’re eating a sundae.
A few tables sit inside as well.
Oldies music plays in the background and adds to the mood. Between the tunes and the pictures, the decade feels a little blurry.
In the best way, of course.
If you’re passing through northern Michigan, this is a nice place to slow down. Take five minutes to read a few of the displays.
You’ll leave with a full stomach and a few fun facts about the town.
Grab-And-Go Friends, The Walk-Up Window Is Yours
Road trips run on schedules, and sometimes you just need a cone in hand. An outdoor walk-up window handles takeout customers.
That’s handy if your crew is sandy from the lake or tired from the drive. You can order without heading inside.
Then it’s back to the car or over to a table.
A few outdoor tables give you a spot to sit in the fresh air. On a nice summer evening, that might beat any indoor seat.
Just keep napkins close.
The staff is known for being friendly and courteous. That helps when lines form on busy days.
A warm hello makes waiting a little easier.
Families count on the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere here. Nobody expects kids to sit perfectly still.
A little ice cream on a shirt is basically part of the tradition.
Pro tip for travelers: decide on cup or cone before you reach the window. Cups travel better if you’re getting back on the road.
Cones are better if you can stay put and enjoy them right away.
Mark Your Calendar Because Summer Doesn’t Last Forever
Opening day here gets treated almost like a holiday. In Baldwin, the spring return of the shop is often marked on local calendars.
Jones’ Homemade Ice Cream Shoppe runs seasonally. It opens in spring and closes before winter settles over Michigan.
That means your window to visit is limited.
Hours can shift through the season, so check before you leave. The shop’s Facebook page is the best place to look for updates.
A quick check saves you from a sad, empty-handed drive.
Summer weekends can bring longer lines. That’s the price of being a beloved tradition.
Bring patience, a good playlist, and maybe a plan for which flavors to try.
Fall visits have their own charm. Cooler days make a malt or sundae feel cozy instead of drippy.
The rotating specials might also give you something new to taste.
Whatever month you choose, don’t wait too long. Once the season ends, that banana split goes into hibernation.
Then you’re counting down to spring like everyone else.
Plug It Into Your Map For The Perfect US-10 Detour
Baldwin sits in Lake County, right in the middle of west Michigan’s north woods. It’s a natural stop for anyone cruising US-10.
The shop’s address is 858 Michigan Ave, Baldwin, MI 49304. Easy to find, and even easier to remember once you’ve tasted the ice cream.
Your car might start steering there on its own.
This area draws plenty of people heading for rivers, forests, and cabins. A cold treat fits right into that kind of day.
Ice cream after a long drive just feels earned.
Families have kept Jones’ Homemade Ice Cream Shoppe on their route for generations. Parents who came as kids now bring their own.
That says a lot about how a simple scoop can stick with you.
Plan your stop so you’re not rushing. Give yourself time to look at the walls, pick your flavors, and actually enjoy that split.
Fast food this is not.
So next time you map out a trip through northern Michigan, add one more pin. A banana split built on 1942 traditions is waiting.
That’s a detour worth taking.
