You cannot go wrong with supporting local nor eating ice cream! While the line can get long (I suspect most visitors in the summer are on summer time anyway or visiting a cabin) so I recommend embracing it all in and enjoy the beautiful weather that we don't get 24/7. There is lots of street parking and an oversized funky chair on the exterior that is unique to snap a photo on. Inside, you will feel transported back into your 70's and 80's ice cream parlor with typical ice cream options, shakes, sundaes, malts, etc. and even food options as well. There is also a small market where you can purchase candy, fudge, root beer, licorice, syrup, local honey and even beef sticks. My shake was delicious and I can't wait to visit again this summer. Thank you!! read more

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I always visit the Milk Pail when I'm visiting or passing through Rice Lake. The place itself is as cute as a button with its true red barn appearance and old time diner feel inside. The staff is always pleasant and easy to communicate with. Now let me tell you about the food -- they have some of the best ice cream in Wisconsin. More than that, they have amazing coffee and sandwiches as well. I can't say enough good things about the Milk Pail. I pray they always stay in business. read more

Lovely long-standing independent business. The signature ice cream is delicious, and the sandwiches are very good too. Prices extremely reasonable. Fun selection of local cheeses too. Service is fairly fast even when crowded or at peak times. Clean and renovated-retro feel inside. read more

Stopped in around 4pm on a Saturday and there were a few people in the shop but no line. My wife wanted two scoops of butter brickle but the two young ladies working the counter had a conclave and determined there was only enough ice cream for one scoop. They skipped the part where you go in back and bring another tub of ice cream to replace the used one and instead suggested picking a different flavor. When I ordered, I asked for a malt and was told in no uncertain terms that the Milk Pail wasn't making any more malts that day. The young lady at the cash register explained that all of their glassware was dirty and cleaning the glasses would take at least 20 minutes. It was explained that earlier in the day, there were long lines and only one worker. Apparently they have no ability to wash a single glass so I decided I could live without a malt. I was kind of amused when the young lady flipped the screen on the register around to ask for a tip. Certainly it was not her fault that she was short staffed. It is too bad it was a Saturday during the summer. I guess all the high class high school kids in Rice Lake don't need summer jobs. If I were in Cumberland or Barron at the Dairy Queen there might be five or six kids behind the counter but not at the Milk Pail where the kids don't like to lift a finger, there isn't enough help, those milkshake glasses don't wash themselves, and you better hope there's enough iced cream to go around because we aren't lugging any more up front for you fatty. read more

Great little hometown old school type of ice cream shop. The service was awesome even though the place was packed. A must stop place in Rice Lake! read more

Such a yummy place!! Got the grilled cheese and jumping Jersey cow milkshake. Both were delicious! The interior was so fun as well, and offered many local goods. If you're looking for a fun, local place to stop for lunch or ice cream, don't miss out! read more

Fabulous ice cream. Any time of year. Totally immaculate... good service- how can you go wrong with great ice cream. (Get some licorice!)

Friendly staff and delicious Cedar Crest ice cream. Try the "Haystack" you will not be sorry!!

Very long lines and expensive. I couldn't believe that it would cost $3 extra to change the ice cream flavor from vanilla to something else in the turtle sundae. When I asked why I was told it took extra time to make... ridiculous!! It was already a $6 sundae so needless to say I got the vanilla. I also thought the ice cream wasn't the freshest. I won't be coming back read more

A very cute local business. You can get good ice cream anywhere. The atmosphere, lunch type counter, smiles and historic nature of this place sell it. The also have good local cheeses. read more

About 3 months ago! I had a iced coffee drink there it was amazing, hopefully next summer!

Delicious ice cream, extremely generous servings, picturesque small town America.

I gave this 5 stars though I'm not a huge hard ice cream fan. If hard ice cream is your jam, then this place will be too. They have tons of flavors and several sundae options. Neat little spot to check out. read more

This is a great place for ice cream and is definitely open though Yelp says they are closed. Hand dipped with quite a few selections. Super nice staff! We will be frequenting this place while vacationing! read more

So glad that the Milk Pail has reopened with new owners since closing last summer. I called ahead and ordered two takeout Reuben sandwiches and purchased bottled Sprecher root beer and chicken noodle soup. The sandwiches were delicious, pressed in a Panini maker. I'll look forward to cheese curds and ice cream treats in the future! And, of course, more of their Reuben sandwiches! read more

WOW. This place is fantastic! I couldn't recommend this place enough. I have eaten ice cream in 7 states and this is the BEST I have ever had. Wow Wow Wow Wow, seriously WOW. YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF TO COME HERE AND EAT ICE CREAM. read more

Great ice cream and friendly staff. Just $3 for a two scoop dish ($3.50 for a two scoop waffle cone/dish). They have cheese curds and other types of cheese too. Kettle corn and popcorn. Honey. I had the caramel collision and another. The name escapes me. I took off a star because I found a hair in my ice cream and another because the plastic spoons they provide are insufficient for the hardness of the ice cream, making it hard to eat. read more

This place is my favorite ice cream shop! They have a large variety of flavors, and you definitely get your money's worth! Plus, they sell cheese, sausage, and milk, as well. All local and the best quality! Definitely recommend! read more

Ice cream was very good! Staff was friendly. She could have been more bubbly but other than that, I was pleased with my experience. I will be going back. read more

Great little shop with several choices. You have to try the fresh cheese curds.

Amazing cinnamon and raspberry rolls along with the great ice cream and cheese curds!

Excellent ice cream and great service. It's a true, old fashioned ice cream parlor. If you're looking for the food listed on the website menu, they haven't opened the kitcthen yet. (6/16) read more

Great ice cream stop!!!! We were in town and wanted a quick treat. We found the Milk Pail. It was the perfect place. Cute design, great ice cream and food and the best service. Everyone was super helpful and accommodating. The young gentlemen that helped us were great with the kids and really polite. read more