Ice Cream in Des Moines, Iowa
A hot summer day (or any time of year really) is perfect for ice cream. Whether you enjoy standard flavors such as chocolate ice cream or vanilla ice cream, many local ice cream shops offer small batches with a variety of flavors. Eating a sweet treat and supporting a local ice cream shop is the way to go. There are so many great options to choose from in the Des Moines area, but we have gathered some of our favorite places to grab ice cream in Des Moines, Iowa. What is your favorite ice cream treat?
Al’s Dairy Freeze
1220 NE Station Crossing Dr. Grimes, Iowa
Al’s Dairy Freeze is a fun and yummy ice cream shop located in Grimes, Iowa near the new Heritage area. They serve soft-serve ice cream with some classic flavors and specialty flavors. A must-stop!
Black Cat Ice Cream
2511 Cottage Grove Ave. Des Moines
134 Fifth St. in West Des Moines
Black Cat Ice Cream is located in the Drake Neighborhood (and soon Valley Junction too!) and has something to offer for everyone’s taste buds. Serving hand-crafted small-batch artisanal ice cream. Grass-fed natural dairy and the freshest ingredients sourced from local producers are used to create bold flavors and unique flavors. View their website here.
Classic Frozen Custard
4000 SE 14th Street, Des Moines
I had completely forgotten about this gem until recently. I remember stopping here when I was little and having to have their Lemon Custard and to this day it is a local favorite. Make sure you are following Classic Frozen Custard on Facebook, where they announce special deals and the flavor of the week.
the Creamery
221 West Broadway, Polk City
the Creamery has become a super popular spot! They offer ice cream, frozen yogurt, and the newly announced Pineapple Dole Whip. If you are out near Saylorville Lake and Big Creek this is a must-stop after a day of fun in the sun. Take a look at their hours and updates here.
Dairy Zone
2219 E University Ave, Des Moines
Dairy Zone is an East Side tradition! They are located just down the road from the Iowa State Fair. Not only do they sell soft-serve ice cream but they also have different lunch specials. Follow them on social media to stay up to date on their offerings.
Heavenly Delights
105 E 1st Street, Grimes
Heavenly Delights is a small ice cream shop located in Grimes, Iowa. They offer some amazing flavors and it is a classic small-town ice cream store. A must if you are in the Grimes area.
Home Sweet Cone Ice Cream
1188 SE University Ave, Waukee, Iowa
5045 Bentley Drive, West Des Moines
Home Sweet Cone Ice Cream, also known as Home Sweet Cone, is an ice cream shop featuring homemade, premium hard ice cream. This Waukee ice cream shoppe is a gem and a must-stop.
Korner Kone Eats N’ Treats
502 14th Street, Dallas Center, Iowa
A cute ice cream shop located in small town Dallas Center right off the bike trail. Heading The Brenton Arboretum? This is a fun place to stop for lunch or a sweet treat. Take a look at their Facebook page for daily specials.
Marble Slab Creamery
2310 SE Delaware Avenue Suite O, Ankeny
Marble Slab Creamery is similar to Cold Stone Creamery, but I think it’s better. They have homemade ice cream, yogurt, or sorbet; amazing choices of mix-ins, and yummy waffle cones! If you are in Ankeny, this is where you need to go for your ice cream treat! Check out their website for deals.
Molly’s Frozen
322 E Court Ave Suite 105, Des Moines
Are you a fan of Molly’s Cupcakes? Then you will LOVE Molly’s new ice cream concept. They specialize in hard-packed ice cream, sorbet, build-your-own sandwiches, “Molly’s Mashups”, floats, and more.
The Outside Scoop
602 N Jefferson Way, Indianola
2410 SW White Birch Drive, Suite 100, Ankeny
So, not only is The Outside Scoop Ice Cream Shop and Restaurant located in Indianola and Ankeny, but they also have an ice cream truck that you may find at various events. I tasted them at the Food Truck Throwdown and fell in love. They have some interesting combos including Maple Bacon & Goat Cheese with Roasted Cherries or try the best flavor of them all, Dutch Letter ice cream. Make sure you follow their Facebook page to see when and where their food truck is.
Over the Top
955 NE 56th Street, Pleasant Hill
Over the Top is more than an ice cream shop located in Pleasant Hill. They also offer lunch, chocolate, and truffles. This local business makes its ice cream and chocolates right in the shop. They offer a huge window where you can see them make the ice cream right there! Check out their website here.
Snookie’s Malt Shop
1810 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines
Snookie’s is located in the Beaverdale area and is a classic ma-and-pop ice cream store! Not only do they serve ice cream, but they also have shakes and malts. They will even give your dog a FREE pup cone when you bring him or her along. They have lots of outdoor seating to enjoy your tasty treat. They are only open for the warmer season, so you want to make sure you check them out this Summer. Also, follow Snookies Malt Shop on Facebook to keep up-to-date.
Smokey Row
1910 Cottage Grove Avenue, Des Moines
1520 SW Vintage Pkwy, Ankeny
639 Franklin Street, Pella
111 E. Monroe Street, Pleasantville
109 S. Market Street, Oskaloosa
Not a lot of people think of or remember Smokey Row as a stop for ice cream, I do all the time! This local, coffee shop is much more than just a coffee shop. They offer yummy sandwiches, salads, treats, and ICE CREAM. They offer old-fashioned shakes & malts, sundaes, banana splits, root beer floats, tornadoes (similar to a blizzard), coffee-ice cream drinks, and more! This is the perfect place to stop if you are looking for ice cream AND a caffeine boost, which is me on most days 🙂 For their complete menu check here.
Thelma’s Treats
In various stores all over.
Yes, this is on the top of my list because I have a slight obsession 🙂 What is better than just an ice cream cone? Ice cream in between TWO cookies! They place Anderson Erickson’s ice cream between two yummy, homemade cookies. Yes, it’s to die for and if you have not tried Thelma’s, you are missing out. Fortunately, Thelma’s is sold in many of the local Hy-Vees, Fairways, and some restaurants. Check out all of their awesome combos and where you can buy them here!
Uptown Dairy
617 SW 3rd St #105, Ankeny
Uptown Dairy is located right next to the High Trestle Bike Trail. The perfect spot to rest after a day of bike riding! They offer classic hard-scoop ice cream, cones, milkshakes, malts, floats, affogatos, and pints to go. Take a look and give it a try!
Van Dee’s Ice Cream Shoppe
5915 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
Another cute ma and pop ice cream store! These are my favorite. Not only because the ice cream treats are delish, but you get to know the staff when you visit frequently. This is another ice cream shop that is only open for the Summer months, so make sure you check it out while it’s hot out. They offer weekly flavors and specials also. Follow them on Facebook here.
