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Restaurants & cafés / Downtown

Detroit Water Ice Factory

Charitable dessert shop on Woodward pouring Philly-style water ice in 20-plus flavors, with all profits helping Detroiters in need.

01 / The story of this place

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Author Mitch Albom and his charity SAY Detroit created the Detroit Water Ice Factory in 2015, and every dollar of profit goes to SAY Detroit's programs for Detroiters in need. Water ice is Philly's cousin of Italian ice: less sugar, more fruit, no dairy. The recipes were donated by the owners of Primo Water Ice in Westmont, New Jersey. Try the Motown Twist, water ice layered with soft-serve, or grab a Philly soft pretzel on the side.

  1. 100% of profits go to charity
  2. 20-plus water ice flavors
  3. Motown Twist: water ice layered with soft-serve
  4. Philly pretzels and house popcorn too

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¼ · Stay

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Sources & fact check · Checked: 2026-10-01

An independently written bilingual guide. This collection is not an attendance-based ranking.

03 / Events

Events at this place

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Official website & visitor information ↗