A can of sharp white cheddar is an unusual thing to bring home from a college campus. Open it, though, and there’s crumbly cheese inside, with a story that goes back to university researchers in the 1940s.
They developed cheese cultures that produced little to no gas during aging, making it possible for the cheese to mature inside sealed cans. What began as a research challenge became something people could pack up, send across the country, and put on the table.
I like a souvenir you can actually share. A can of cheese gives you something to open when friends come over, along with a pretty good explanation for why you bought dairy products on a campus visit.
The shop also scoops ice cream made on site, and visitors can sometimes watch cheese being made through a window. That’s enough to turn a quick purchase into a longer stop.
The cone might disappear before you leave, but that can gives you a reason to learn how a university project became a gift worth shipping.
The Cheese That Lives in a Can Is the Real Celebrity
Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe sells ice cream, sure, but the gold can behind the counter steals the spotlight. Inside sits Cougar Gold, a white cheddar made by the Washington State University Creamery.
The can is no gimmick. University researchers worked on canned cheese starting in the 1930s and 1940s, hunting for a way to store cheese safely.
Early attempts ran into trouble because aging cheese releases gas. That gas could make a sealed can bulge, which is not a great look for food.
The fix came from adjusting the cultures used in the cheese. The result was a cheese that aged happily inside its tin.
Cougar Gold became the star of that work. It has a sharp, nutty flavor and a texture that tends to crumble rather than slice neatly.
Here is a fun tip for planners. The can makes it easy to pack, carry home, or send as a gift.
Buying straight from the shop on campus also makes sense. You get the cheese at its home base, from the people who make it.
So yes, come for ice cream. Just leave a little room in your bag for a can.
Watch Cheese Happen Through the Big Window
Most snack stops hide the kitchen. This one invites you to peek at the production floor from an observation room.
The room overlooks the area where the WSU Creamery makes its cheese. On the right day, you can see the process happening in real time.
Timing matters, though. Production does not run every moment, so the floor may be quiet or being cleaned when you look.
Kids tend to find this part fascinating. Big steel equipment and workers in protective gear feel a lot like a science show.
Adults get something out of it too. Seeing where your cheese comes from makes that can in your bag feel a bit more special.
Groups can also plan more formal visits. Schools and clubs sometimes book field trips, so ask the shop directly if that interests you.
Think of the window as a free bonus with your scoop. It costs nothing to look, and it adds a story to your snack.
Few dessert spots in Washington let you watch the actual making of the goods. That alone makes the short walk upstairs worth it.
Scoops Made Right Here, and They Are Not Shy
Ice cream at Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe is made on site by the university creamery. That means the scoop in your hand did not travel far at all.
The style leans classic. Expect traditional flavors done carefully, rather than wild experiments with strange toppings.
Huckleberry is a name that pops up again and again. The berry is a Northwest favorite, so it feels right at home on a Washington menu.
Other flavors you may spot include peanut butter chocolate, cookie dough, and cappuccino chip. The lineup can change, so check the board when you arrive.
Here is a heads-up about size. The scoops run generous, so a single may be plenty for most people.
Cones, cups, and waffle cones are all part of the deal. You can also take home pints or quarts if one serving feels too short.
If you need lactose-free ice cream, contact the shop before visiting to ask whether a suitable option is available.
The texture is known for being rich and creamy. Pick a flavor, find a seat, and let that first bite do the talking.
Your Wallet Will Barely Notice the Visit
Pullman carries a reputation as an affordable college town. Fittingly, this campus parlor keeps its treats friendly to student budgets.
Prices here tend to feel old-fashioned in the best way. A scoop costs less than at many trendy ice cream shops in bigger cities.
That makes it easy to say yes to extras. Maybe you add a shake, or grab a pint for the hotel freezer.
Families get a break too. Feeding a carload of kids dessert does not have to sting.
Birthday visitors, take note. The shop has offered a free cone with proof of your birthday, so bring an ID and ask.
Cheese is a different story. Canned cheeses cost more than a cone, but they are a specialty item meant to last and travel.
Buying cheese right at the source is still a smart move. You skip any extra markup from other stores.
So budget for one splurge and a few cheap treats. That mix makes the stop feel generous without emptying your pockets.
Shakes, Malts, and a Sneaky Coffee Bar
Soda fountain fans, this part is for you. The shop runs as a parlor and soda fountain with old-school charm.
Milkshakes come built from that house-made ice cream. A banana shake made with fresh bananas has earned plenty of love.
Malts are on the menu too. If you like that toasty malt flavor, you can order it and enjoy the classic touch.
Here comes the surprise. Ferdinand’s also serves espresso drinks, including cappuccinos and Americanos.
That turns the stop into more than a dessert run. A coffee and a scoop make a solid afternoon pick-me-up between campus errands.
Not into coffee? Blended lemonade is another cool option worth asking about on a warm Palouse day.
The pairing ideas are endless. Coffee with chocolate ice cream, or lemonade with berry flavors, are easy places to start.
Ice cream sandwiches have also appeared, like an oatmeal cookie treat called the Grabber. Ask what’s available that day, since the case can change.
More Cheese Than Just the Gold One
Cougar Gold grabs the headlines, but it has siblings. The WSU Creamery makes several other cheeses sold at the shop.
Viking is one name to know. It’s a milder, creamier cheese and a nice pick if sharp cheddar feels too bold.
Flavored cheeses join the lineup as well. Some bring a pepper kick, and the spicier ones can surprise a careless snacker.
Cheese curds have shown up at the counter too. They make a fun, squeaky snack while you walk around campus.
Not sure where to start? Staff have offered samples and explanations, which takes the guessing out of choosing.
Gift boxes with multiple cheeses are another handy option. They work well for holidays, thank-you gifts, or sending a taste of Washington to faraway friends.
A smart tip is to try one familiar and one new flavor. That way you have a safe favorite and a fresh discovery.
Store canned cheese in the refrigerator once you get home. Then crack it open whenever a cracker plate needs a little star power.
Honey From Campus Bees Sneaks Into the Lineup
Bees work on campus too, and you can taste their effort here. Ferdinand’s sells honey connected to Washington State University’s bee program.
It’s a sweet little add-on that many visitors do not expect. You come for ice cream and spot jars of local honey near the cheese.
Honey makes a great pairing with sharp cheddar. Drizzle a bit over a crumbly chunk of cheese, and you have an easy snack plate.
It also works as a small souvenir. A jar packs easily and reminds you of your trip every time you sweeten your tea.
Buying it here supports campus programs as well. That gives your purchase a nice bit of purpose.
Price-conscious shoppers may like this stop for honey shopping. Some find it costs less here than at other campus spots.
Stock can vary, so ask if you don’t see it right away. Staff can point you toward what’s on hand that day.
Cheese, honey, and ice cream all in one place? That’s a pretty tasty shopping list.
Students Run the Counter With a Big Smile
College towns run on students, and this counter is no exception. Many of the friendly faces scooping your ice cream are WSU students.
That gives the place a lively, helpful energy. Staff are known for answering questions about flavors and cheeses with patience.
The shop is operated through the university, which ties it closely to campus life. Your treat comes with a side of real education.
Cleanliness is another point of pride. A dairy plant on campus takes food safety seriously, and the parlor reflects that care.
The decor leans classic and old-school. It feels like a throwback parlor, which suits the traditional flavors nicely.
Seating includes tables inside plus some outdoor spots. The outdoor tables do not have shade, so bring sunglasses on bright days.
A single all-gender restroom is inside the building. Families with little ones will appreciate knowing that ahead of time.
Lines can move quickly even when the room feels busy. A little patience usually pays off with a cone in your hand soon enough.
Plan Around Weekday Hours and Campus Parking
Timing is everything with this sweet stop. Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe keeps weekday hours, open Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
The shop is usually closed on weekends, but selected Saturdays have special opening hours. Check WSU’s schedule before planning your visit.
You’ll find it at 2035 Ferdinand’s Ln, Pullman, WA 99164. The shop sits right on the Washington State University campus, so give yourself extra time to find it.
Parking can be tricky depending on the day. The nearby lot has required paid parking, which you can handle online or through an app.
Busy campus days may fill spaces faster. Quieter breaks can make the whole trip easier.
Arriving well before closing is a smart move too. You’ll have time to browse cheese, ask questions, and enjoy your scoop.
Pair the visit with a walk around campus. The grounds make a pleasant stroll before or after dessert.
Then head home with a cone finished and a can of cheese in hand. That’s Pullman done right.
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