When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery
Why Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery is a unique destination situated in South Raleigh, North Carolina, offering visitors a blend of delicious dairy products and enriching educational experiences. Located on the Lake Wheeler dairy farm, this facility is part of NC State University and is proudly student-operated, allowing guests to savor premium ice cream made from fresh milk sourced directly from their own dairy herd. Visitors can enjoy a variety of ice cream flavors crafted using traditional recipes combined with top-quality ingredients. The Creamery also houses a Dairy Education Center and a full-service café where guests can watch live video feeds of the dairy processing plant in action, making it an engaging and interactive experience. The center features interactive exhibits about North Carolina's dairy industry and utilizes state-of-the-art Distance Learning technology to extend education nationwide. This blend of farm-to-table freshness, educational innovation, and a welcoming environment makes Howling Cow an ideal spot to meet friends, enjoy sweet treats, and learn about sustainable dairy production.
Here's what people think of Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery
As of recent, Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery holds a 4.8-star rating based on 1480 reviews.
Reviews for Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery are overwhelmingly positive, reflected in its excellent 4.8-star rating from over 1,480 reviewers. Many visitors praise the exceptional quality and rich flavors of the ice cream, highlighting it as a standout and nostalgic treat associated with NC State. Positive feedback often points to the knowledgeable and friendly student staff, the engaging educational exhibits, and the unique opportunity to experience a working dairy farm while enjoying freshly made products. Reviewers appreciate the center’s clean and inviting atmosphere, as well as the combination of learning and leisure it offers. On the negative side, some visitors mention the cashless payment policy, which can be inconvenient for those who prefer to pay with cash. A few also note that the biosecurity measures, such as the restriction on bringing pets to the farm, might limit accessibility for some guests. Overall, the reviews emphasize a well-run facility that successfully combines education, innovation, and enjoyable culinary experiences, making it a beloved community destination.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Amanda Bratcher
Howling Cow is amazing ice cream, and the shop is always busy and full of locals and out of towners coming in to get a taste. The students are very helpful and it makes you feel good knowing the service and the process of making the ice cream ( from raising the cows to processing the cream into the ice cream) is all done on campus with the purpose to teach students. The shop is set in a beautiful spot on the Lake Wheeler Road Research Farm and overlooks the pasture where the cows graze. You can get your ice cream of choice and sit in a rocking chair on the porch to eat it. It's an awesome way to spend a moment!
Kathryn Taylor
There is always a line. Be prepared but it does move pretty quickly. Portions are huge but the prices reflect that. 2 scoop waffle cone and a ice cream nachos was $20. The nachos are definitely a shareable choice. Hell, 2 scoops is shareable tbh. Worth the visit every time.
Mounica Mylapalle
Omg!the ice cream here is amazing.we had wolfpack,sea salt caramel and cookie n cream flavor ice creams.they are very delicious.as a new to the area we love to explore more options.this one is very good and definitely recommend! My kids loved the yummy ice cream and had fun outside.
Nataliia T.
My family and I have been here before. The choice of ice cream flavors is not big, the quality is good, but for me it is too sweet. I usually take a milkshake, I like banana. Also in the store there are dairy products, milk, cheese, merch (T-shirts, souvenirs). The service is friendly. The most pleasant thing is the veranda, where all the guests gather with their families to enjoy the beautiful views and ice cream. There is a farm with cows nearby, so the children really like it there.
N K
PROS: Location: Location is near Yates Mill so it's a great place to visit and workout and then replenish that workout with ice cream. Lol Taste: It's ice cream. Can ice cream be bad? Apparently this ice cream is made on premise using the dairy resources on the premises so that's cool, but the ingredients are not listed so you're not really sure what kind of additives are added. Cows: There's something about the smell of cow manure that always feels so grounding and homely. It was lovely to eat my lunch ice cream and see the gorgeous dairy cows. Hand Wash Stations: There is a hand washing station outside to clean your sticky hands so that's a plus esp since so many families bring their kids here. CON: Customer Service: Was here at 6:30pm on 6/8 and every single employee working at that time needs to take a class on customer service. No one says hi. No one smiles. They're far too busy talking to each other (college students so I guess it's to be expected that their brains are focused on anything else than the task at hand) to offer any help. They are not friendly at all. The guy before me was told where napkins are but the guy who got mine threw my cup of half melted ice cream towards me the counter and walked away while yelling out the flavor. I get that they're young, but they need training on customer service. Menu: There are a lot of options but no explanation if the cones are extra and when I asked I got a response of "uhhh, what do you mean?" How else am I supposed to explain "is there an extra charge for cones vs cups?" Isn’t that clear enough? Parking: Not enough parking and the road is not paved and has lots of jagged rocks on it. Seating: Sitting inside means having to swat away flies every 2 seconds bc there's a huge trash can in the center of the store with flies coming in and out of it. There's a nice outdoor porch area with just a few seats but plenty of steps to sit on and see the cows from a distance. Be forewarned though, it’s dirty and there’s lots of melted ice cream on the ground so seating is limited. Cows Conditions: The cows on the property look great from a distance, but when they get close up you see how filthy they are and how they have so many scabs and dirty spots on them. I understand they are cows, but these cows don't look like they're actually being taken care of. It's a bit unsettling. Price: For what you're getting, charging nearly $5.38 for one single scoop of ice cream is insane. They know they have a niche product solely bc of the cows on the premises and they're charging accordingly. It’s a joke. OVERALL THOUGHT: It's ok to try once, but solely based on the customer service and the price gouging, I wouldn't be too quick to come back here. Tilamook has far superior ice cream and it's far tastier and has all the real ingredients from dairy cows in their farms.
How to reach Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery
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Why Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery with your friends? Imagine a venue that perfectly blends delicious treats, engaging education, and a vibrant farm atmosphere, all wrapped up in a welcoming environment tailored for groups. Howling Cow offers more than just ice cream—it’s a unique place where friends and family can gather to enjoy premium dairy products crafted right on site, made from fresh milk sourced from their very own working dairy farm. This connection to the farm ensures the highest quality and freshness, elevating the experience beyond typical ice cream shops. The creamery is student operated, adding an authentic educational spirit that encourages curiosity and learning. With a stellar 4.8 rating from over 1,480 enthusiastic reviewers, it’s clear that visitors consistently find joy here, whether they’re savoring a scoop of vanilla or sampling innovative flavors born out of expert dairy science research. The location’s friendly, casual atmosphere combined with opportunities to learn and interact makes it an ideal place to create memories with friends or family, fueling both fun and meaningful conversations.
What activities are available at Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery? The Howling Cow Dairy Education Center offers a rich blend of experiences built around its core mission: to educate visitors about dairy production while providing outstanding locally-made dairy products. Visitors can enjoy a hands-on educational tour of the creamery where they witness the intricate process of ice cream creation through video feeds directly from the Feldmeier Dairy Processing Lab. These behind-the-scenes views reveal how fresh milk from the onsite farm transforms into luscious ice cream, connecting guests literally from the barnyard to the brickyard. Beyond observation, interactive video exhibits provide insights into the broader North Carolina dairy industry, creating an immersive learning experience approachable for all ages. Sampling the creamery's premium ice cream is a given, with tempting options like banana, chocolate chip, and vanilla that echo decades of tradition combined with innovative food science techniques. The café setting also invites groups to relax together over sundaes, shakes, or hot chocolate within a welcoming space that fosters socializing. Additionally, the creamery’s distance learning technology expands dairy education beyond campus, showcasing its dedication to outreach. Altogether, this mix of tasting, watching, and learning activities makes Howling Cow perfect for groups wanting both fun and substance.
Why is Howling Cow a perfect venue for group meetups? First and foremost, the spacious and casual creamery environment comfortably accommodates groups large and small, offering a relaxed atmosphere away from the bustle of city life. Its unique positioning on a working dairy farm adds an authentic rural charm, offering intriguing talking points and photo opportunities that can't be found in typical restaurants or cafes. For groups interested in agriculture, food science, or simply indulging their sweet tooth, the creamery provides a fascinating backdrop that encourages interaction and learning together. The diverse menu of ice cream flavors and dairy treats suits many tastes, ensuring everyone in your group will find something to enjoy. Students and staff operating the creamery add a lively and friendly energy to the experience, making service personal and welcoming. Biosecurity protocols, such as no pets allowed except verified service animals, maintain the farm’s safety while preserving a peaceful setting. Open seven days a week from noon to 7 PM, it’s easy to plan visits at convenient times for your group. All of these factors contribute to making Howling Cow a standout destination for meetups, where friends and family can connect over shared experiences and exceptional local creamery products.
What educational opportunities make Howling Cow unique? The Howling Cow Dairy Education Center is truly a destination learning center that invites visitors of all ages to deepen their understanding of dairy farming and production. Its cutting-edge technology allows visitors to watch real-time video feeds of the production plant, an uncommon feature that brings transparency and intrigue to the ice cream making process. The interactive exhibits offer engaging content that highlights the rich history, science, and economic importance of the North Carolina dairy industry, encouraging both children and adults to learn in an approachable, hands-on manner. Because the center is part of NC State University and run by students, it exemplifies a living classroom where visitors support the education of tomorrow’s agricultural leaders simply by enjoying their products. Additionally, the center hosts educational seminars and distance learning programs that extend its reach beyond those who visit in person. This connection between academic research, sustainable farming practices, and community education is rare and adds a meaningful dimension to a casual visit. Groups come away not only satisfied by the food but enriched with knowledge, enhancing the value of their time at the creamery.
How does the location and ambiance contribute to the experience? Nestled on Lake Wheeler Road in South Raleigh, the Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery offers a tranquil, authentic farm environment that contrasts sharply with urban meeting spots. This quiet, scenic location provides the perfect setting for friends and families looking to escape the noise and distractions of everyday life. Surrounded by pastureland and the activity of a working dairy, the creamery lets guests experience a slice of North Carolina's agricultural heritage firsthand. The facility itself, renovated and modernized while respecting tradition, blends rustic charm with educational innovation. Inside, natural lighting and friendly décor invite comfortable lingering, whether you’re enjoying a casual gathering or celebrating a special occasion. Photo opportunities abound, capturing memories against backdrops of cows grazing or machinery in motion. Plus, with a welcoming student-operated staff, the friendly human touch complements the physical surroundings. This combination of place and atmosphere makes the creamery not just a service venue, but a memorable destination perfect for meetups in a relaxed farmstead context.
What should visitors know before planning a meetup at Howling Cow Dairy Education Center? Planning a visit to Howling Cow requires a few practical considerations to maximize your group's experience. The creamery operates daily from 12 PM to 7 PM and accepts only card payments, including credit, debit, or Apple Pay, as it is a cashless facility. This modern payment policy streamlines transactions but means visitors should come prepared without cash. Biosecurity policies prohibit pets on the farm premises except for authorized service animals, ensuring the safety and health of the dairy herd and the quality of the products. Reservations or large group inquiries can be made in advance by contacting the creamery, allowing for smoother accommodations during peak times, especially on weekends or holidays. Since the creamery is part of an educational institution, there are often student employees eager to share insight about dairy science and the history of Howling Cow, so groups interested in educational enrichment should consider booking a guided experience if available. Finally, availability of specific flavors or products can vary by season, so checking the creamery’s current offerings before arrival will help tailor your visit. Taking these tips into account will ensure your meetup at Howling Cow is both enjoyable and smooth for all attendees.
Together, these factors help explain why Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery is more than just an ice cream shop: it’s a vibrant campus farm experience that fosters friendship, learning, and the joy of local agricultural heritage, making it an outstanding choice for any group gathering.