Peppermint Junction Ice Cream Parlour & Tea Room
Waukesha County | Sussex, Wisconsin History
Peppermint Junction was a quaint little old-fashioned soda fountain formerly located at N63 W23791 Main Street, Sussex, WI. 53029. They sold soda floats, malts, shakes, and other ice cream treats along with some lunch sandwiches. Peppermint Junction always had unique ice cream flavors such as Blue Moon and Bubble Gum. Their delicious floats and shakes were served up in tall old fashioned soda fountain glasses sprayed atop with generous helpings of whipped cream. The Proprietors, Rich & Lois Leikam, opened their doors in 1979 in a former Northwestern Railroad Depot. Unfortunately, at some point in the late 1980's it went out of business. Most likely due to its location in back of other buildings out of the view of Main Street. I personally remember there were very few people in there when I'd frequent the establishment. It wasn't unusual to have the parlour to yourself with just one person behind the counter. This made it a peaceful place to enjoy your sweet treats. There was a gift shop connected to the parlour just past the restrooms. Although it's not known if it was owned by Peppermint Junction.
By 2004 The Sussex-Lisbon Area Historical Society Museum occupied the railroad depot building. In October 2016 the Museum vacated the depot. By 2019 the entire building was moved to Madeline Park at W232 N6527 Waukesha Ave, Sussex, WI. It is currently the trailhead building for the Bugline Bike Trail. Interestingly enough, the train depot was built in 1911 and became Peppermint Junction only after it was moved in 1978 from its original location at North Maple Avenue in Lisbon, WI.
Below is Peppermint Junction's business card circa early 80's:
Below is a picture of the train depot when it was a museum. Unfortunately, no photo of the original Peppermint Junction is available. You entered directly into the ice cream parlor through the first door on the right. The second door on the right led to a gift shop which was connected to the serving area past the rest rooms.
