For over a century, ice cream and Minnesota lakeside summers have gone hand in hand. Now, the historic heart of the lake-locked town of Madison Lake has its very own dedicated scoop shop to carry on that tradition.
On Friday, August 21, local residents gathered at 500 Walnut Avenue for the official grand opening of 500 Walnut, a vibrant new ice cream and dessert parlor brought to life by mother-son co-founders Robin and Will Slunecka.
The opening drew a steady stream of eager customers throughout the day. Visitors lined up to order high-stacked waffle cones and sundaes before heading outside to cool off on the shop’s colorful, cabana-style patio. The founders even set out water bowls for four-legged guests, dropping hints that the “pup cups” trend might be added to the menu down the road.
The address “500 Walnut” is more than just this parlor’s physical location—it’s a literal description of what was uncovered during the building’s overhaul. Built around 1906, the 120-year-old structure has served as a residence, a gas station, and most recently a beloved bait and tackle shop.
When the Sluneckas began renovating the building to convert it into a modern food service establishment, they discovered hundreds of walnuts stored within the walls by squirrels over the decades. They also uncovered a vintage ice cream carton tucked into the drywall of the old bait shop—almost as if the building knew what its next chapter would be.
Transforming a century-old building came with plenty of structural and regulatory challenges, but the family worked closely with historical context in mind to honor the structure’s long heritage. “My family and I have always loved restoring old buildings and bringing them back to life, so turning this one into an ice cream shop just felt right,” said founder Robin Slunecka. “Did I ever see myself owning an ice cream shop? Honestly, no! But hospitality has always been a big part of our lives. Everywhere I travel, I’m reminded that people connect over food, and especially ice cream.”
Robin, who has a background in the meetings and events industry as well as operating a family hunting lodge, partnered with her son Will to launch 500 Walnut. Though the duo grew up in Madison Lake, they moved away about 15 years ago. After college, Will launched several startups, but always held onto a dream of running an ice cream shop.
Returning to their roots, Will took a hands-on role in the construction, even hand-carving the shop’s signature wooden ice cream cone signs—one hanging outside and the other inside right next to the ice cream counter. Inside, the décor leans heavily into nostalgia and fun. Wall art features historic images of American icons enjoying ice cream alongside lighthearted signs reminding visitors that “Life is better with ice cream.”
To kick off operations, 500 Walnut partnered with a Wisconsin-based creamery for its foundational ice cream line, while making plans to introduce house-made custom creations, gelato, and iced coffee options as demand grows.
The menu currently features several standout offerings:
- “Hook, Line, and Sinker”: A custom flavor packed with fish-shaped chocolate chips, serving as a playful ode to the building’s past life as a bait and tackle shop. Adding even more personality was the addition of crunchy waffle chips and playful ‘googly eye” sprinkles on top.
- Strawberry Cheesecake: A rich and creamy creation that proved to be a customer favorite at the store’s grand opening—nearly going through a container’s worth in the first hour.
- Raspberry Lemonade Sorbet: A dairy-free option delivering the ideal balance of tartness and sweetness for warm summer afternoons.
- Root Beer and Orange Soda Floats: Suitable for any ice cream flavor at 500 Walnut; the ultimate confection that will have kids giddy with delight before an inevitable sugar crash.
Customers can choose from one scoop, two scoops, or “go overboard” with three.
With nine initial employees—primarily local seasonal hires—500 Walnut plans to establish itself as a year-round gathering place for the Madison Lake community, complete with plans for hosting community events. “The community of Madison Lake has been incredibly welcoming, and we’re so fortunate to have a wonderful local team joining us on this ice cream adventure,” Robin added. “It’s been pretty special to see it all come together.”
It may have taken time and effort to bring this ice cream haven from a vision to reality, but for the town of Madison Lake, the sweetest chapter in this historic building’s story is just beginning—one frozen scoop at a time.
