Wisconsin has cheese, Delaware has scrapple, but Iowa? Iowa has ice cream. Not only are Iowa’s dairy farms some of the leading producers of the frosty dessert, but we’re home to Le Mars, the actual Ice Cream Capital of the World. You don’t have to make the trek to any specific town to find great ice cream in the Hawkeye State, and these eight ice cream parlors are proof that you’ll find tasty sundaes in every corner of Iowa.
- Blue Bunny, Le Mars
Facebook / Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor
Facebook / Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor Le Mars is known as the ice cream capital of the world, thanks to Blue Bunny Ice Cream being made right here. Today, you can visit the world famous parlor and chow down on some of the tastiest ice cream creations in Iowa.Address: 115 Central Ave NW, Le Mars, IA 51031
- Snookie’s Malt Shop, Des Moines
Facebook / Snookie’s Malt Shop
Facebook / Snookie’s Malt Shop Snookie’s is one of the most famous ice cream parlors in the state. In fact, people actually camp outside in the parking lot to be first in line on opening day! Enjoy one of their signature dipped ones or one topped with candy - and you’ll enjoy the animal cracker that comes with each cone, too.Address: 1810 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
- Van Dee’s, Johnston
Facebook / Van Dee’s Ice Cream
Facebook / Van Dee’s Ice Cream Van Dee’s Ice Cream Shoppe is known for having a huge variety of soft serve flavors! Each cone comes with a pair of candy eyes, making Van Dee’s one of the most unique spots for a sweet treat.Address: 5915 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131
- The Outside Scoop, Des Moines Area
Facebook /The Outside Scoop
Facebook / The Outside Scoop The Outside Scoop is a one-of-a-kind ice cream truck that makes their own flavors by hand. Try their homemade cookies for an ice cream sandwich that will satisfy any craving.Click here to follow the truck.
- The Candy Kitchen
Facebook / Wilton Candy Kitchen
Facebook / Wilton Candy Kitchen Wilton’s Candy Kitchen was founded in 1867, and is the oldest continuously run candy kitchen in the country. It has been in the same spot for over 100 years, and you’ll know why they’ve got the best reputation after just one visit. Address: 310 Cedar St, Wilton, IA 52778
- Goldie’s Sweet Shop, Prairie City
Google Local / Stephanie Dietz
Google Local / Melanie Worley Goldie’s is an Iowa institution! Not only can you get a delicious homemade sundae here, but you can enjoy one of the best tenderloins in the Midwest, too. Goldie’s has won awards for pretty much everything they’ve ever served up.Address: 8578, 304 W 2nd St, Prairie City, IA 50228
- Grandpa’s Homemade Ice Cream, Burlington
Google Local / mtjnre
Facebook / Grandpa’s Homemade Ice Cream Grandpa’s is a simple ice cream parlor in the charming town of Burlington. Try an old fashioned sundae with their homemade ice cream and your sweet tooth will be delighted.Address: 600 S Roosevelt Ave, Burlington, IA 52601
- The Sweet Spot, Fairfield
Facebook / The Sweet Spot
Facebook / The Sweet Spot The Sweet Spot is one of the best ice cream parlors for kids! Try a sundae overloaded with tasty candy toppings to trigger a sugar rush that will remind you of your childhood.Address: 300 W Burlington Ave, Fairfield, IA 52556
Where do you love to go for the best ice cream in Iowa? Tell us in the comments below!
Facebook / Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor
Le Mars is known as the ice cream capital of the world, thanks to Blue Bunny Ice Cream being made right here. Today, you can visit the world famous parlor and chow down on some of the tastiest ice cream creations in Iowa.Address: 115 Central Ave NW, Le Mars, IA 51031
Facebook / Snookie’s Malt Shop
Snookie’s is one of the most famous ice cream parlors in the state. In fact, people actually camp outside in the parking lot to be first in line on opening day! Enjoy one of their signature dipped ones or one topped with candy - and you’ll enjoy the animal cracker that comes with each cone, too.Address: 1810 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Facebook / Van Dee’s Ice Cream
Van Dee’s Ice Cream Shoppe is known for having a huge variety of soft serve flavors! Each cone comes with a pair of candy eyes, making Van Dee’s one of the most unique spots for a sweet treat.Address: 5915 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131
Facebook /The Outside Scoop
Facebook / The Outside Scoop
The Outside Scoop is a one-of-a-kind ice cream truck that makes their own flavors by hand. Try their homemade cookies for an ice cream sandwich that will satisfy any craving.Click here to follow the truck.
Facebook / Wilton Candy Kitchen
Wilton’s Candy Kitchen was founded in 1867, and is the oldest continuously run candy kitchen in the country. It has been in the same spot for over 100 years, and you’ll know why they’ve got the best reputation after just one visit. Address: 310 Cedar St, Wilton, IA 52778
Google Local / Stephanie Dietz
Google Local / Melanie Worley
Goldie’s is an Iowa institution! Not only can you get a delicious homemade sundae here, but you can enjoy one of the best tenderloins in the Midwest, too. Goldie’s has won awards for pretty much everything they’ve ever served up.Address: 8578, 304 W 2nd St, Prairie City, IA 50228
Google Local / mtjnre
Facebook / Grandpa’s Homemade Ice Cream
Grandpa’s is a simple ice cream parlor in the charming town of Burlington. Try an old fashioned sundae with their homemade ice cream and your sweet tooth will be delighted.Address: 600 S Roosevelt Ave, Burlington, IA 52601
Facebook / The Sweet Spot
The Sweet Spot is one of the best ice cream parlors for kids! Try a sundae overloaded with tasty candy toppings to trigger a sugar rush that will remind you of your childhood.Address: 300 W Burlington Ave, Fairfield, IA 52556
If you’re more of a cookie person, visit The Iowa Bakery In The Middle Of Nowhere That’s One Of The Best On Earth.
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