Ice Cream in Des Moines

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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?

Ice Cream, Des Moines, Iowa, ice cream shop, local, local ice cream

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

Black Cat Ice Cream is located in the Drake Neighborhood 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

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 a lot of the local Hy-Vees, Fairways, and some restaurants. Check out all of their awesome combos and where you can buy them here!

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

Ice Cream, Des Moines, Iowa, ice cream shop, local, local ice cream
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Erin Huiatt

Erin is a reliable resource and stepping stone for women and families to find support and make connections within our community. She wants families to feel confident to reach out and ask for help and advice to get pointed in the right direction. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her two children in tow!