Middleton - On July 25, 2024, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the launch of the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail, an initiative celebrating the rich history of ice cream making in the Bay State and encouraging residents and visitors to explore the flavors and experiences offered by more than 100 ice cream destinations across Massachusetts. The trail was developed by the Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT).  

“We are excited to launch the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail, a delicious route that highlights the incredible diversity of our dairy farms and ice cream shops,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Massachusetts has a vibrant agricultural sector that thrives thanks to the hardworking farmers who diligently support our communities. This new tourism trail is designed to invite residents and visitors to experience our creative dessert offerings at traditional parlors, innovative shops, and local farm stands.” 

“Dairy farms are the backbone of the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “They provide the essential ingredients for our delicious ice cream and contribute significantly to our state’s economy and rural character. With this new attraction, we’re making Massachusetts a top destination for ice cream enthusiasts and celebrating our rich agricultural heritage.” 

The Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail map serves as a guide to sweet summer explorations. The guide invites residents and visitors to embark on a self-guided tour of the state’s ice cream destinations and learn about the hardworking Massachusetts dairy farmers who raise the cows that produce the fresh milk and cream used to create ice cream treats.  

Dairy farming has been a part of Massachusetts agriculture ever since European settlers brought cows to the Plymouth Colony in 1624. As permanent settlements were established, cattle played an important role in providing meat, leather, manure and, of course, milk and other dairy products to allow the colony to flourish.  

Today, Massachusetts is home to 95 dairy farms that contribute more than $61 million to the state economy annually. Dairy farming has been an integral part of the state’s agricultural industry for hundreds of years, and dairy farms, the majority of which are small and family-owned, producing more than 20 million gallons of fresh milk each year. These farms contribute to a sustainable local food system by producing the milk that is used to make products like cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream that are sold in the state and across the country.  

“For generations, our dairy farmers have been responsible caretakers and stewards of farmland and other natural resources,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “The Ice Cream Trail celebrates our unique and distinct dairy industry that makes the best ice cream in America.” 

"Small businesses are the heart of our state economy and contribute so much to the fabric of our communities," said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. "We are excited the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail celebrates our state's dairy industry and showcases the businesses that deliver delicious treats and family-friendly activities for residents and visitors to Massachusetts." 

“With the creation of this ice cream trail, we now have a convenient guide to the ice cream shops and dairy farms in Massachusetts that are using locally-produced milk to serve up this summertime staple,” said MDAR Commissioner and Chair of the Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board, Ashley Randle, who is also a fifth generation dairy farmer. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration is proud to support our hardworking dairy farmers and we’re excited to partner with MOTT and the Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board on this initiative to bring greater awareness to our dairy industry. Dairy farming is essential to the diversity of Massachusetts agriculture and contributes to a healthy local food system.” 

“The Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail is more than just a map – it’s an invitation to experience the family-owned small businesses that make up the best of Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism Executive Director Kate Fox. “Grab your map and embark on a delicious journey, supporting local businesses in every region of the state while celebrating the Commonwealth’s rich agricultural heritage.” 

“As a representative of the Massachusetts Food Association on the Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board, we are very excited to see this ice cream trail go live," said Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board Member Lynne Bohan. "This project furthers our goal of increasing the awareness and the consumption of Massachusetts sourced dairy products throughout the state." 

“Richardson’s is excited to host the official launch of the inaugural Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail,” said Richardson’s Ice Cream owner and Massachusetts dairy farmer Dave Daniels. “As a Massachusetts dairy farmer, this ice cream trail will promote the use of Massachusetts dairy at ice cream farms and shops statewide. We are very pleased that our dairy check-off contributes funding to this project through the Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board.” 

For a copy of the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail guide and to learn more, visit www.visitma.com/ice-cream-trail.  

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers. MDAR supports, regulates and enhances the rich diversity of the Commonwealth’s agricultural community to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill agriculture’s role in energy conservation and production. 

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure travel destination. An essential part of the state’s economy, tourism generates $1.9 billion in state and local taxes and $24.2 billion in tourism-related spending, supporting 131,100 in-state jobs. Learn more at www.visitma.com.