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A real 1980 caboose · Alto, MI

All aboard the sweetest ride.

An authentic 1980 B&O caboose, parked among the bean fields of Alto, scooping soft serve, hand-dipped flavors, sundaes, shakes, and a few burgers on the side. Since the year 2000.

The Ice Cream Caboose, a converted 1980 B&O train caboose in Alto, Michigan
From the menu

A little of everything sweet.

Soft serve in 5 sizes, hand-dipped flavors, Locomotion mix-ins, Glaciers, sundaes, shakes, plus burgers and fries if you want fuel for the ride.

Sm $6.35 · Lg $7.45

Locomotions

Like a flurry, only better. 12 mix-ins from Cookies & Cream to Salted Caramel Truffle.

12 mix-in flavors
★ Fan favorite! Sm $6.35 · Lg $7.00

Premium Sundaes

Turtle, Tin Roof, Hot Fudge Brownie, finished with whipped cream, cherry & nuts.

6 premium combos
Sm $5.30 · Lg $6.60

Shakes & Malts

Thick, classic, made-to-order. Ten flavors, malts for 65¢ extra.

10 shake flavors
$3.15 to $7.90

Caboose Cafe

Burgers, hot dogs, fries, cheese curds, chicken strips. Fuel for the next adventure.

15+ sides & sandwiches
Our story

How a wish for a caboose became a tradition.

“I just wanted a caboose.” Tammi, 1998
1998

"I just wanted a caboose."

Tammi's simple wish led to buying an authentic 1980 B&O caboose. It sat in the yard for a year while her husband Bruce wondered what to do with it.

July 15, 2000

The sweet idea.

First ice cream served, to Tammi's grandma. Neither of them had ever worked in an ice cream shop, but they were ready for the adventure.

2024

Celebrated 25 years.

A bouncy house, face painting, and even a feature on local news. The little caboose that could had become a Michigan summer staple.

Today

A family tradition.

Three generations of families have worked here. Many more have made the caboose part of their summer ritual.

Visit

Find the red caboose among the fields.

Find Us

6300 Alden Nash Ave SE
Alto, MI 49302
Look for the bright red caboose. You can't miss it.

(616) 868-6602

Pre-orders welcome. Call ahead for groups.

Get directions →

Follow Along

Facebook · @IceCreamCaboose

Daily specials, seasonal updates, and a heads-up when we're back in the spring.

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Hours

  • Mon - Sat to
  • Sun to
Season runs Spring to Labor Day.