A real 1980 caboose · Alto, MI

Thanks for a sweet 2026 season.

What started as "I just wanted a caboose" turned into 25+ years of soft serve, sundaes, and summer memories. The lights are off for the season, but the rails will be warm again next spring.

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

NO. 02000

Soft serve Hand-dipped scoops Premium sundaes Hot fudge brownie Shakes & malts Locomotions Glaciers & slush Olive burgers Cheese curds

VOID IF DETACHED

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.

2026

Back in the spotlight.

The caboose was featured on the local news again, sharing our little stop in the Alto bean fields with all of West Michigan.

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

Closed for the season

Thank you for a sweet 2026. The lights are off for the winter, and we'll be back scooping in spring 2027.

Opening-day news lands first on Facebook.

Season runs Spring to Labor Day.

Closed for the Season