Calling all ice cream lovers! How much do you know about MU’s favorite ice cream shop?

Located on the south side of Eckles Hall, Buck’s Ice Cream has been a favorite among Mizzou students since opening in 1989. Buck’s ice cream is produced with the help of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources and allows students to learn about the manufacturing and maintenance of ice cream. Beyond serving tasty treats on campus, Buck’s is a vital component of many Mizzou students’ education, but likely would have never opened without the support of two MU graduates. 

Determined to spread their love of ice cream to their alma mater, Wendell and Ruth Arbuckle established an endowment to support ice cream research at Mizzou in 1987. With the advancement of on-campus ice cream research, Buck’s was able to open its doors only two years later!

Well before the shop’s opening, Wendell Arbuckle wanted another way to share his love of ice cream with people of all ages. In 1981, Arbuckle decided to write a book answering every question he often received about the dessert and titled it The Little Ice Cream Book.

Recently digitized by MU’s Digital Initiatives department, Wendell Arbuckle’s The Little Ice Cream Book is now available on MU’s Digital Library. This book includes content such as the history of ice cream, famous recipes, and many fun facts and hand-drawn illustrations. If you are interested in this unique piece of Mizzou’s history, you can view The Little Ice Cream Book here. 

For more information on Buck’s Ice Cream, visit the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources site for its location, flavors, and additional history.