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Cows peek through the fence at the College of Veterinary Medicine on NC State's biomedical campus.

The Creamery

The Home of Howling Cow

The Creamery is more than just a place to enjoy ice cream — it’s part of NC State’s agricultural heritage and an educational experience. Whether you’re craving a classic cone or interested in dairy science research, the Creamery offers a taste of NC State’s legacy in every pint.

NC State’s dairy history dates back more than a century, starting with early pasteurization of milk and ice cream production in campus labs in the early 1900s. Today, the Creamery celebrates that legacy through the Howling Cow brand, featuring ice cream and dairy products made in Feldmeier Dairy Processing Lab, part of the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS).

Milk From NC State’s Own Herd

Howling Cow ice cream is made using milk from cows housed at NC State’s Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory.

A Working Teaching Laboratory

From pasteurization to product development, students gain real-world experience producing the dairy products sold at the Creamery.

A Tradition for Generations

Ice cream production at NC State dates back to the early 1900s, when dairy products were first processed on campus.

A CALS undergraduate student working at NC State's Howling Cow Creamery.
A CALS undergraduate student working at NC State’s Howling Cow Creamery.
NC State students work in the dairy farm facility at NC State.
 Students work in the dairy farm facility at NC State
Howling Cow Ice cream from the Creamery at Lake Wheeler.
Howling Cow Ice cream from the Creamery at Lake Wheeler.

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A Campus Favorite

The Creamery isn’t just known for delicious ice cream — it’s part of a larger tradition that celebrates the university’s land-grant mission, agricultural heritage and community spirit. From student involvement to campus celebrations, Howling Cow represents both fun and academic excellence. Explore how this beloved tradition connects students, alumni and the broader Wolfpack community — from Creamery history to student engagement and campus events.

Learn more about the Creamery

A Living Laboratory

The milk used to create Howling Cow ice cream begins at NC State’s Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory, where students and researchers study dairy science, animal health and sustainable agriculture. This working farm supports hands-on learning and agricultural innovation that extends far beyond campus. From herd management to food production, students experience the full farm-to-flavor journey.

Learn more about the Field Laboratory
View of grassy lush farmland with contemporary barn under light pink sky in early evening with city skyline in background.
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