The Ice Cream Barn on Iron Mountain’s north side has added new attractions, as well as bringing back its two live mascots.

“It’s not just an ice cream shop, restaurant or anything else — it’s a destination,” said Cameron O’Connor, operations manager of Bill Neuens Enterprises. “That’s how we like to refer to ourselves.”

“It’s bigger and better,” said Melanie Lawnicki, general manager of the Ice Cream Barn, adding they have expanded their menu.

Visitors to the farm-themed business will be welcomed by two resident cows, Missy and Trixie. Managers worked with the city over the past year to get a special zoning permit to allow the livestock within a business district. They will be on site until Labor Day.

MELANIE LAWNICKI, Ice Cream Barn general manager, serves an ice cream cone to Jordyn Miller of Chicago. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“The cows are definitely a hit with everyone,” Lawnicki said. “Kids really get a kick out of feeding them.”

For some extra entertainment, a mechanical bull has been added to the outdoor area. Those up for the challenge can ride from 6 to 9 p.m. daily. Those younger than 18 must have adult permission. “It’s been a phenomenal hit to watch,” O’Connor said.

There is also talk of possibly hosting a few bull-riding competitions.

The Ice Cream Barn offers 32 flavors of Cedar Crest ice cream, plus three soft-serve options. Along with ice cream by the scoop, they have several types of malts, shakes, floats, sundaes, “cattle mixers” and The Barnyard — a variation of the banana split.

New to the menu is freshly made in-house gourmet popcorn, stuffed soft pretzels and warm apple pie by slice or a la mode.

A CHICAGO FAMILY, Luke and Alyssa Miller, with daughter Jordyn, 6, and son Myles, 4, recently made a stop to the Ice Cream Barn in Iron Mountain while visiting the area. They took some time to visit mascots Missy and Trixie. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“Our scoop ice cream is probably the most popular, but the apple pie a la mode is coming close,” said Lawnicki, noting she bakes the pies fresh daily.

The store offers many varieties of sweet and savory popcorn. “We also use three different types of kernels, depending on what flavor we are making at the time,” Lawnicki added.

Bulk popcorn is available for those hosting special events.

O’Connor said the idea to offer popcorn came last year, but they wanted to open up with Cedar Crest ice cream and build that relationship first. Over the winter they worked with Badger Popcorn and purchased supplies and equipment in preparation for this season.

“We are always listening to our guests as to what they want,” he said, which led them to add five different flavors of stuffed pretzels. Not only does it provide options for those who can’t eat ice cream, it will allow them to stay open longer in the season.

While enjoying their treats, customers can soak in a little slice of farm life in the second-story seating area or in the outdoor space.

“The fire pit is such a great gathering area, especially on those cool nights,” Lawnicki said.

“It’s just a phenomenal atmosphere — you can spend hours here,” O’Connor added. “Many have never seen anything like this.”

Other features include a silo, which leads to the second-story seating spaces, two vintage tractors and a 1960s Chevy truck from Bill Neuens’ personal collection.

“Young and old love to check them out — it’s also great for a photo opportunity,” he said. A future project will be to add signage.

O’Connor stressed they have ample seating, as well as parking to accommodate large groups or teams.

“It’s a place where people can hang out, especially after sporting events,” he said.

Construction started at the ended of the summer of 2021, and the Ice Cream Barn opened its doors to the public last summer.

The wood came from a dismantled barn in Vulcan. A framed piece of board in the store depicts years the original barn was started — Aug. 10, 1904 — and when it was finished on July 8, 1905.

“Bill is a woods-and-trees guy, that’s where he started — in the landscaping business,” O’Connor said. “Having those connections, he knew of a barn that he could take and repurposed it.”

Neuens is a visionary when it comes to his construction projects, O’Connor added. “The Ice Cream Barn is a result of him wanting to create something great for the community,” O’Connor said.

Neuens is also involved at the shop every night. “If we get busy, he jumps in to help scoop ice cream or run the mechanical bull,” Lawnicki said.

They expect a busy summer at the Ice Cream Barn. “People travel from outside the area just to come here,” O’Connor said. “People are always looking for something to do — it’s a cool place.”

“The best part about it is when people open the door, they already have a smile on their face,” he added.

The Ice Cream Barn, 606 N. Stephenson Ave., is open from noon to 10 p.m. daily during the summer.

For change of hours, updates or special events, go to the Ice Cream Barn’s Facebook page or can be reached at 906-828-1435.