Berkey Creamery
A historic, student-run creamery serving legendary ice cream, milk, and cheese since 1889.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more scoops!
Berkey Creamery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more scoops!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic, student-run creamery serving legendary ice cream, milk, and cheese since 1889.
"The ice cream is amazing. If you’re ever in Penn state, definitely give this a try."
🎯 Sample Before You Scoop!
Try a few flavors before deciding; the variety is huge! :ice_cream:
❄️ Bring a Cooler for Takeaways
Stock up on ice cream, milk, and cheese to enjoy later. :snowflake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Ice Cream Flavors
Indulge in legendary scoops like Peachy Paterno, Chocolate Marshmallow, or Peanut Butter Swirl. The variety is astounding!
Freshly Made Dairy Products
Beyond ice cream, savor their rich chocolate milk and artisanal cheeses, perfect for taking home.
Historic Dairy Science Hub
Experience a piece of Penn State history at this student-run creamery, a hub for dairy education.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Lines for Berkey Bliss
Plan Your Sweet Souvenirs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sample Before You Scoop!
Try a few flavors before deciding; the variety is huge! :ice_cream:
❄️ Bring a Cooler for Takeaways
Stock up on ice cream, milk, and cheese to enjoy later. :snowflake:
⏰ Beat the Peak Rush
Visit on weekdays or earlier in the day to avoid long lines. :clock1:
🍦 One Flavor Per Cup/Cone
You can only pick one flavor per serving, but you can try many! :ice_cream:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sample Before You Scoop!
Try a few flavors before deciding; the variety is huge! :ice_cream:
❄️ Bring a Cooler for Takeaways
Stock up on ice cream, milk, and cheese to enjoy later. :snowflake:
⏰ Beat the Peak Rush
Visit on weekdays or earlier in the day to avoid long lines. :clock1:
🍦 One Flavor Per Cup/Cone
You can only pick one flavor per serving, but you can try many! :ice_cream:
📍 Check for Rotating Flavors
New and seasonal flavors are always popping up! :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the Penn State Berkey Creamery, calling it a 'must visit' and 'legendary.' The ice cream is praised for its rich, creamy texture and abundant flavor, with specific mentions of delicious options like Peachy Paterno and Chocolate Marshmallow. While the lines can be long and the ordering process a bit confusing for first-timers, the quality and affordability of the scoops make it a worthwhile experience for everyone.
"The Penn State Creamery is a must visit. I had the Peachy Paterno and loved the real chunks of fresh peaches in every bite. The rest of the family raved about the Chocolate Marshmallow and the Peanut Butter Swirl. Both were rich, creamy, and full of flavor. If you are in Happy Valley, make this a definite stop. You will not regret it."
Chris R
"Everyone says that this place is THE place to go at Penn state and they were right. The ice cream is amazing. If you’re ever in Penn state, definitely give this a try. Ice cream is relatively cheap too"
Sarah Cain
"The Creamery at the University of Pennsylvania is a student-run ice cream shop located right on campus, known for serving locally sourced, small-batch flavors. It’s part of Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine and originally launched as a way to highlight agricultural innovation and dairy science. The project gives students hands-on experience running a real food business, from production to marketing. Everything is made in-house, with seasonal flavors and rotating classics that reflect both quality and creativity.
I had the mint chocolate chip—it was rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Plus - it hit the spot on a hot day!"
Jordy Comes Alive
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Berkey Creamery is located on the Penn State University campus in University Park, PA. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors arrive as part of a campus tour or a visit to Beaver Stadium.
Yes, the CATA Bus system serves the Penn State campus, and many routes will bring you close to the creamery. Check the CATA Bus schedule for routes and times.
You can visit, but be prepared for significant crowds and potential traffic delays on game days. It's a popular stop for fans heading to or from Beaver Stadium.
Parking availability can vary. The closest lots may be busy, especially during university events. Consider using campus parking garages or checking for visitor parking information on the Penn State website.
As part of a major university, the Berkey Creamery and surrounding campus areas are generally accessible. It's recommended to check with the university's accessibility services for specific details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter the Berkey Creamery. It's a public establishment where you can purchase ice cream and other dairy products.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and on holidays. It's best to check the official Penn State Berkey Creamery website or their social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
There is no admission fee to enter the Berkey Creamery. You only pay for the delicious ice cream, milk, cheese, and other products you purchase.
While not a formal tour, you can observe the production process from viewing windows. For in-depth dairy education, Penn State offers frozen dessert short courses.
While specific discount codes are not widely advertised, the ice cream is considered relatively affordable for its quality and portion size. Keep an eye on their social media for any special announcements.
🎫 🍦 Onsite Experience
Popular choices include Peachy Paterno, Chocolate Marshmallow, Peanut Butter Swirl, and Mint Chocolate Chip. The creamery also features rotating seasonal and unique flavors like Grilled Stickies and Monkey Business.
Yes, you can typically sample flavors before making your selection. This is highly recommended given the extensive list of options!
Servings are generally generous. You can choose between cups and cones, with options for single or double scoops.
You can purchase fresh milk, various types of cheese, and pre-packaged ice cream tubs to take home. Bringing a cooler is advised for these purchases.
Yes, the Berkey Creamery is a student-run establishment, offering students hands-on experience in dairy production and business management.
🍽️ 🥛 Food & Dining
They offer a wide array of ice creams, sherbets, and frozen yogurts, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
Absolutely! Berkey Creamery is famous for its rich and delicious chocolate milk, often cited as a must-try item.
While the focus is on dairy, it's always worth asking about any seasonal or special non-dairy options they might offer. Their frozen yogurt is also a popular alternative.
The ice cream is considered relatively affordable, especially given the quality and generous portion sizes. Prices are competitive for university-based eateries.
Yes, pre-packaged ice cream tubs can often be shipped for delivery, especially during certain seasons. Check their website for details on shipping options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic exterior of the creamery building, the vibrant ice cream cones, and happy customers enjoying their treats. The surrounding Penn State campus also offers many picturesque backdrops.
Yes, you are generally welcome to take photos inside, especially of your ice cream and the general atmosphere. Be mindful of other customers and staff.
The creamery itself is a historical landmark, dating back to 1889. Look for any informational plaques or displays that highlight its long legacy in dairy science and ice cream production.
Morning light can be lovely for capturing the exterior, while late afternoon can offer a warm glow. Evenings can be atmospheric with interior lighting.
Many visitors share photos of their ice cream scoops, especially unique or colorful flavors. Shots of the iconic building and happy groups enjoying their treats are also common.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While lines can form, the excitement of choosing a flavor and enjoying a scoop often makes the wait worthwhile for younger visitors. The campus setting also provides opportunities for a stroll before or after your ice cream stop.
💰 Budget Travelers
Instead of buying multiple scoops, consider purchasing a pre-packaged tub of ice cream to share, which can be even more economical. Don't forget to grab some of their famous chocolate milk or cheese as an affordable and tasty souvenir.
🎓 Alumni & Students
+1 Whether you're revisiting a favorite flavor or trying a new one, it's an essential part of the Penn State experience. Don't miss the opportunity to pick up some pre-packaged ice cream or cheese to take back home, a delicious reminder of your time at Happy Valley. It’s a taste of home that’s always a hit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of History: The Berkey Creamery Legacy
Visitors can often see glimpses of the production process through viewing windows, offering a unique insight into how their favorite frozen treats are made. The creamery's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a beloved institution, not just for students and alumni, but for anyone visiting Happy Valley.
Beyond ice cream, the Berkey Creamery is also renowned for its fresh milk and artisanal cheeses, all produced on-site. These products are a testament to the university's dedication to agricultural advancement and provide a delicious way for visitors to take a piece of Penn State home with them.
Navigating the Flavors: Your Berkey Creamery Guide
Sampling is key to discovering your perfect scoop. Don't hesitate to ask for a taste of a few different flavors before making your final decision. Remember, you can typically only have one flavor per cup or cone, so choose wisely or plan to share!
Beyond ice cream, the creamery also offers frozen yogurt and a selection of sherbets. For those looking to extend the Berkey experience, pre-packaged ice cream tubs, chocolate milk, and cheeses are available for purchase. Bringing a cooler is highly recommended if you plan to take these delicious dairy products home.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit