Located in the heart of small-town Wisconsin, Dairy Island is truly off the beaten path – and onto something incredible. Its eccentric décor and hearty, Midwestern diner staples pair together well, creating an atmosphere that is comfortable and inviting, eclectic and unforgettable. 

A giant ice cream cone shoots through the restaurant, towering over the blue and red building like a skyscraper of the sweetest proportions.
Dairy Island mauston wi. / Facebook
The windows are plastered in old posters that advertise unbranded food items, such as “SHRIMP” and “ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICH.”
Jodi Anderson / Google Local
A pink nylon poster brags of Dairy Island's 24 flavors of soft-serve ice cream, which is what the restaurant is best known for.

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As if the outside of the building wasn’t compelling enough, the inside sits almost unchanged from when the restaurant was opened in 1998.
Dairy Island mauston wi. / Facebook
It is small, just big enough to fit about three tables (complete with mismatched plastic tablecloths) and four vinyl booths that sit under walls adorned in bamboo and colorful rainbow leis. Handmade posters hang in layers above the counter, advertising pizza puffs and smoothie flavors.
The yellowed magnetic menu boards list the standard diner fare: chicken strips, corn dogs, chili cheese fries, half-pound burgers.
Jodi Anderson / Google Local
The true breakout star of Dairy Island, however, is the soft serve. Order it in a cone or as an "avalanche" (with candy mixed in) - either way, you’ll be glad you did, when you receive a tower of the most delicious ice cream in the Midwest.
This diner is the perfect choice for anyone driving through rural Wisconsin. The food is comforting, and the décor is homey.
Dairy Island mauston wi. / Facebook
It has been family-owned since its inception, and the staff are incredibly customer-oriented and treat each visitor like their own.

Rumor has it that if the train passes across the street while you’re eating, you’ll leave with good luck. If you want to test this theory out, Dairy Island is located at 917 W State Street in Mauston, Wisconsin. 

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917 W State St, Mauston, WI 53948, USA