Our Story

Our Story

A Family Legacy

Owner and ice cream enthusiast, Rebecca Niehus, was born and raised here in South Haven, with her family’s history in the area spanning five generations. South Pier Creamery & Market, named after the historic South Haven lighthouse, is a tribute to her family’s local roots and entrepreneurial heritage. For over six decades, ice cream has been served at 407 Phoenix Street, including a time when it housed hometown favorite, Sherman’s Ice Cream. South Pier Creamery proudly carries on the legacy by sourcing only the finest premium and super premium ice creams from Michigan creameries. Come explore the area’s largest selection of hand-dipped dairy and non-dairy ice cream!

A Family Legacy

Owner and ice cream enthusiast, Rebecca Niehus, was born and raised here in South Haven, with her family’s history in the area spanning five generations. South Pier Creamery & Market, named after the historic South Haven lighthouse, is a tribute to her family’s local roots and entrepreneurial heritage. For over six decades, ice cream has been served at 407 Phoenix Street, including a time when it housed hometown favorite, Sherman’s Ice Cream. South Pier Creamery proudly carries on the legacy by sourcing only the finest premium and super premium ice creams from Michigan creameries. Come explore the area’s largest selection of hand-dipped dairy and non-dairy ice cream!

A Family Legacy

Owner and ice cream enthusiast, Rebecca Niehus, was born and raised here in South Haven, with her family’s history in the area spanning five generations. South Pier Creamery & Market, named after the historic South Haven lighthouse, is a tribute to her family’s local roots and entrepreneurial heritage. For over six decades, ice cream has been served at 407 Phoenix Street, including a time when it housed hometown favorite, Sherman’s Ice Cream. South Pier Creamery proudly carries on the legacy by sourcing only the finest premium and super premium ice creams from Michigan creameries. Come explore the area’s largest selection of hand-dipped dairy and non-dairy ice cream!

Frequently asked

Questions

No but we do have directions on where they are!

Well, because that’s all we serve! Unlike “world’s best cup of coffee”, “Premium” and “Super Premium” are legitimate classification of ice cream based on stringent rules set by the USDA. The levels of classifications are Economy, Regular, Premium and Super Premium. Economy and Regular are lighter and less creamy, where Premium and Super Premium are creamier, made with higher quality ingredients, and a higher fat content (meaning, your ice cream is more dense and more delicious!).

We offer a delicious assortment of dairy-free options, because it’s important to us that everyone can find a sweet treat! Our selection includes refreshing Dole Whip, as well as rich, plant-based ice creams that taste just like the real thing

We save a particular section of our coolers for nut-free ice creams! Please inform a staff member of your allergy so we can be mindful and accommodating! 

While we occasionally offer small-batch South Pier Creamery-made ice creams and non-dairy products, we also partner with some of Michigan’s very best creameries to bring you over 40 unique flavors of ice cream, including premium and super premium ice cream.

We offer ice cream cakes, pup cones and quick-grab, Michigan-made snacks!

We do! We have a few tables and chairs on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Because we hold a food license, we are unable to allow your furry friends inside, but be sure to grab a pup cup for your pal!

A Family History of

Local Entrepreneurs

The Porter and Stegeman families have left a lasting mark on South Haven, weaving a rich legacy of entrepreneurship and sweet treats. Their story began with the union of John Henry Porter and Charlotte Loomis, whose descendants carried forward a tradition of hard work and craftsmanship.

From dairies to bakeries, Rebecca’s family has been shaping Michigan’s food scene for generations. On her paternal side, her Great-Great Uncles Stanley & Walter helped run Liberty Dairy in Detroit, while her Great Uncle Joe Matyas carried on the tradition, working at Sherman’s Dairy after WWII.

Meanwhile, on her maternal side, entrepreneurship ran deep. Her family owned and operated Porter’s Pastry Shop, a beloved local gathering place where the scent of freshly baked pastries filled the air and sweetened the memories of generations.

Through generations, the family’s dedication to quality and community created not just businesses, but cherished traditions—ones that continue to sweeten South Haven’s history.

Decades of Serving up

Sweet Treats on Phoenix Street

We are proud members of

The following organizations

We are proud members of

The following organizations