Bridgeman's Ice Cream History

In the Midwest, just the mention of Bridgeman's Ice Cream will stir up sweet memories for many. We hear stories of ice cream sundaes being shared on a first date, the excitement of annual penny sales, and of course, many memories of the original Bridgeman's Ice Cream Shoppes®. 

Back in 1883, in Duluth Minnesota, an enterprising young man named Henry Bridgeman began peddling fresh milk, home to home, from a goat cart. Through hard work, persistence, quality products, and a little luck, his business grew into the largest dairy concern in the Midwest.

In 1936, Henry’s sons, Chester and Roy Bridgeman decided to strike out on their own and opened the original Bridgeman's Ice Cream Shoppe®. Their adventure was met with disbelief. Why would anyone open an ice cream shoppe in Minnesota? What about the Depression?  But with hard work, persistence and of course, Bridgeman’s Ice Cream, they opened not only one, but six Bridgeman Ice Cream Shoppes® in eighteen months.

Since our early days the name Bridgeman’s has been synonymous with premium ice cream, fabulous ice cream treats and great customer service.

Today, Bridgeman’s Ice Cream is still family owned and the traditions of old fashioned hard work and quality ice cream remain the same.  Welcome to our family!