50 States, 50 Scoops
Craving something sweet? We’ve scooped our way across the country to find the best ice cream parlor in every state. From classic creameries with decades of history to quirky spots serving up wild flavors, this list has a little bit of everything for ice cream lovers.
Alabama
Big Spoon Creamery is an artisan ice cream company. They specialize in small batch ice cream using only local and seasonal ingredients, creating inventive flavors while still catering to traditional tastes.
Reviews rave about the “top notch flavors”, the rotating menu, and the kid-friendly atmosphere.
Show 823B Big Spoon Creamery, Simply Southern
Alaska
Wild Scoops is a must-visit. They started off with nothing more than a chest freezer at a farmer’s market in 2015 and have since grown into a local favorite establishment. Wild Scoops has handcrafted thousands of small batches of ice cream, with flavors that celebrate Alaskan ingredients sourced by local growers and vendors.
According to multiple reviews, people line up in the snow for this place. They have vegan options, and an abundance of toppings—including toasted marshmallow!
Is the world's best ice cream shop in...ALASKA?! | INDIE ALASKA, Indie Alaska
Arkansas
Loblolly Creamery in Little Rock is a one-stop shop for all things sweet. Aside from their 25+ ice cream flavors, Loblolly Creamery also offers baked goods, handcrafted soda malts, milkshakes, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, and a variety of warm beverages.
While it can be busy at times, one yelp review calls it a “magnet for happy, smiling people”.
Profiles: Loblolly Creamery, ArkansasSBTDC
Arizona
Novel Ice Cream in Phoenix is said to be “the ultimate destination for ice cream aficionados”. They’re known for their inventive creations—including the “Dough Melt”: a warm, freshly-baked donut bun with a generous scoop of artisan ice cream. But that’s not all they have. Reviews rave about the waffle sandwiches and the tantalizing toppings.
Come prepared though, some reviews claim they don’t take cash.
I Bought An Ice Cream Shop — Now It Brings In $1.2 Million A Year, CNBC Make It
California
Confetti Italian Ice & Custard in Costa Mesa is a family-owned business that started in 2012. What makes this parlor top the list is their dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan options—in addition to their traditional ice cream treats. You’ll find a variety of Italian ice, ice cream, soft serve, and frozen custard—all made right in store.
Aside from the delicious flavors, reviews can’t seem to get enough of the “seriously sweet” owners. Oh, and the custard is apparently the “best custard in SoCal”.
eatwithtwEATie - Confetti Italian Ice & Custard, eatwithtweatie
Colorado
I Scream Gelato – Lowry in Denver was established only a few years back, in 2021, but it was a near-instant success. I Scream Gelato offers gourmet, handcrafted desserts made with fresh ingredients straight from Italy. Everything is made from scratch daily. They even have alcohol-infused gelato and vegan options.
Yelp reviews rave about the incredible menu that also features pancakes and waffles. Enjoy a sweet treat after a long and exhilarating hike at Colorado's famous Manitou Incline.
I Scream Gelato | Franchise Short Introduction | Better Than Any Ice Cream!, I Scream Gelato
Connecticut
Arethusa Farm Dairy is located in New Haven and they pride themselves on old-fashioned flavor. Not only that, their ice cream is 16% butterfat—which earns them the title of “super premium”.
The ice cream parlor itself is adorably decorated with a white and black cow theme, of course. Reviews boast about the “smooth quality” of the ice cream the most.
Cruisin’ Connecticut – Ice Cream Week: Arethusa Farm Dairy, WTNH News8
Delaware
Hopkins Farm Creamery in Lewes boasts an authentic dairy farm environment, which includes that fresh farm smell in the air. Though apparently, this doesn’t stop people from standing in line for what some consider “Delaware’s best ice cream”.
Since it’s located on a dairy farm, patrons can sit and watch the cows roam as children play at the playground.
Get the Scoop on an Exciting Upcoming Event at Hopkins Farm Creamery, CoastLife
Florida
The Magic Cow in Davie, Florida offers a wide variety of frozen treats, including dairy-free and vegan options. The parlor itself is small and doesn’t look like much from the outside, but reviews claim “once you’re inside you’ll be surprised how good this place is”.
Reviews go on and on about the warm customer service, the kid-friendly environment, and the outstanding quality of the ice cream itself. If you're vacationing in Florida this summer, make a pit stop at The Magic Cow, you won't regret it.
Georgia
Suwansee, Georgia is home to Scoopjoy Ice Creamery, which has been labelled the “Best Ice Cream In Georgia” by Forbes. Every frozen treat is handcrafted using only fresh, natural ingredients. Their base is gluten-free, and lower in butterfat content than anywhere else.
Reviews boast about the hospitality, clean and welcoming environment—and the Banana Cream Pudding.
Hawaii
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice in Kihei has a near-perfect score on Yelp, and over 2,000 five-star reviews to back it up. Ululani's isn’t your typical ice cream shop, though. Their Hawaiian Shaved Ice is rated #1 in Maui and is said to be world-famous. It’s created using 100% pure cane sugar, natural fruit juices, high-quality purees and extracts, carefully selected concentrates, and of course, local ingredients.
Reviews absolutely rave about the shaved ice flavor combinations. But don’t worry, traditional ice cream is also available.
[4K] Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice 2/12/25 in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii #shaveice, Living In Hawaii
Iowa
Monarca Gourmet Paletas in Clive, Iowa is another family-owned ice cream parlor with a near-perfect score, as are most on this list. Monarca offers gourmet paletas (ice cream and fruit popsicles) made daily in-house.
The unique frozen treats make this place truly stand out, with reviews claiming the “pistachio dipped in hazelnut covered with sweetened condensed milk” to be a top-notch choice.
Idaho
Lovejoy’s Real Ice Cream offers premium butterfat ice cream packed full of natural and delicious ingredients. It’s all hand-made in-house in small batches.
While the lineup can easily wrap around the building, reviews claim the wait is absolutely worth it. The parlor offers ample seating and the portions are said to be “generous”.
Illinois
Chicago’s Vaca’s Creamery is a true gem as it is one of the few vegan soft-serve creameries around. According to Yelp reviews, even non-vegans are loyal to this place. Not only do they offer a wide variety of options, they do so from a cute little takeout window in a residential neighborhood.
Vegan Food Reviews Ep 35: Vaca's Creamery - Chicago, IL, Vegan Fooder
Indiana
TeeJay's Sweet Tooth blends high-quality ice cream with all your favorite candy. In fact, they’re the only place in Indiana where you’ll find a donut ice cream sandwich. They have 16 rotating flavors that can be combined with an array of sweet toppings including fruit pebbles, donuts, cookies, gummy candies, and so much more.
They also offer vegan and dairy-free options.
Kansas
The Golden Scoop in Overland Park is a highlight for many reasons. Aside from their amazing selection of high-quality ice cream, baked goods, and warm beverages, The Golden Scoop—which is a non-profit organization—employs individuals with developmental disabilities.
Most of the reviews can’t get enough of the wholesome environment, with one Yelp review saying this place is “good for the soul”.
Meet the team of super scoopers who work at The Golden Scoop in Kansas City, Very Local
Kentucky
Louisville Cream specializes in small back gourmet ice cream, using as many local ingredients as possible. They offer a wide range of unique flavors, as well as homemade pastries—including the ever-popular waffle cone that is continually made all day long.
One review goes into great depth about everything amazing this place has to offer, calling it a “full-blown, life-altering experience”, and going on to say, “one bite and I swear I saw my childhood flash before my eyes—except better, because past me had no idea ice cream could taste this elite”.
Enough said.
Louisiana
As stated on their website, Sweet Society in Baton Rouge offers “a twist of culture from behind the counter”. Each day, they serve new flavors of the Japanese sweet, taiyaki ice cream served in a fish-shaped waffle cone. From traditional flavors like red bean and custard to newfound favorites like Nutella, there's something for everyone. They also offer several refreshing drinks, such as Thai Tea and Cosmic Lemonade.
Reviews can’t get enough, with one saying, “I'm convinced that this place exists solely to fulfill my nostalgic cravings for Korean desserts”.
Massachusetts
In Mashpee, Massachusetts, there’s a cute little ice cream parlor boasting pink accents outside and colorful décor inside. Polar Cave Ice Cream Parlour makes only handmade, small batches on-site, catering to “old time favorite flavors” like Ginger, Grapenut, Frozen Pudding, Orange Pineapple, and Rum Raisin, to name a few.
According to reviews, the lineups are long because it’s definitely a popular spot, but its also kid-friendly, and offers generous sizes.
Best Of Mass ice cream: Judges swing by Polar Cave in the Cape, MassLive
Maryland
Carmen's Italian Ice & Café in Rockville offers homemade gourmet Italian ice frozen custard with an extensive topping bar, Gelati specialty shakes, and smoothies. They’re a family-owned business who have been around so long that they’ve become a staple in the community.
Aside from their delectable flavors and generous portions sizes, reviews rave about their discount days on the 8th of every month—such as “Jayden’s Day”.
Carmen's Italian Ice, MoCoCouncilMD
Maine
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream in Bar Harbor serves both ice cream and frozen yogurt in an array of flavors. It's all homemade with fresh and real ingredients and in small batches, ensuring only the best quality. They pride themselves on their "forward-thinking flavors"—and the reviews can back them up.
Yelp reviews claim it's "with no exaggeration, the best ice cream" they've ever had. One went on to say, "I hope every person can find the joy I found when eating the ice cream here".
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream | Washington, D.C. (Part 2), Wa Fa
Michigan
In Traverse City, Moomers is so popular that they offer merchandise, which includes T-shirts, ice cream scoops, stickers, and even playing cards with cows on them. The shop itself, which is located on the dairy farm, makes over 150 different flavors of homemade, premium ice cream, and frozen yogurt. They also make cakes and various holiday themed treats.
They're known for hiring local youth, using fresh, quality ingredients, and have even won a few awards, including Best Ice Cream in the Country by USA Today.
Moomers ice cream is an iconic northern Michigan treat, MLive
Minnesota
Treats Cereal Bar & Boba in St Paul, Minnesota is a treat utopia with a unique spin. Not only do they offer delicious ice cream—it's infused with cereal. That's right, sugary, crunchy cereal. Oh, and candy...lots of candy toppings.
In addition to the sugar-overloaded deserts, they also offer boba tea and various warm beverages, including chai and matcha.
Treats Cereal Bar bringing sweet vibes to Minneapolis, WCCO - CBS Minnesota
Missouri
Cookies and Creamery in Kansas City is a must-visit if you like a good ice cream sandwich. While sources claim their storefront location has recently closed, they remain open for events and online services. And according to Yelp reviews, this change hasn't hurt business one bit—they're that good.
Their ice cream sandwiches are generously sized and come in numerous flavors with an abundance of toppings. You can book them for weddings, birthday parties, business events, and more.
Cookies and Ice Cream at Famous Cookie Creamery, FOX 29 Philadelphia
Mississippi
In Bay Saint Louis, you'll find a local staple called Creole Creamery, and it offers everything from classic banana splits and sundaes to specialty creameries like the "sky scraper" or "I scream fudge!"
Reviews rave about the flavor options, generous servings, and excellent service.
NEW ORLEANS FOOD: Traditional Ice Cream Soda @ CREOLE CREAMERY • New Orleans Desserts, James Arey
Montana
Sweet Peaks in Whitefish, Montana is one worth standing in line for—and many people do. According to reviews, this ice cream parlor has die-hard fans that are willing to wait as long as needed for a scoop of the good stuff. Sweet Peaks offers between 16-18 different flavors that range from classic to creative. They take pride in using Montana dairy and quality ingredients from the mountains.
Reviews rave about the cones, the sundaes, the floats—and the fact that they hire local youth who apparently just rock at their job, keeping up with the near-constant rush of "Sweet Peaks Fans".
North Carolina
Surfin' Spoon in Nags Head is an adorable ice cream parlor with a modern rustic vibe and an impressive menu of frozen yogurt, gelato, vegan sorbet, vegan almond milk flavors, organic ice cream sandwiches, popsicles, and more.
It's also a great local spot to hangout as it offers free Wi-Fi, a games room, and a cozy corner that encourages a fun and safe atmosphere for all ages.
NEW ORLEANS FOOD: Traditional Ice Cream Soda @ CREOLE CREAMERY • New Orleans Desserts, James Arey
North Dakota
Silver Lining Creamery in Fargo offers homemade, 14% buffer fat ice cream with various seasonal and rotating flavors. Reviews rave about the quick and friendly service, the handmade waffle cones, and the "melt-in-your-mouth" ice cream.
Parking is close, seating is comfortable, prices are affordable, service is excellent, and the ice cream is delicious—what more could you want?
The Silver Lining Creamery at Main Street Square, Rapid City, NewsCenter1
Nebraska
In Omaha, Ted and Wally's takes it up a notch, offering ultra-premium 20% butter fat ice cream, made completely from scratch using all-natural ingredients and slow-churned the old fashioned way with rock salt & ice in antique century-old White Mountain freezers.
They're a small, family-owned business taking ice cream back to the original recipe—and it's so good that people apparently travel several miles for a quick cone.
CHEAP EATS: Ted & Wally's, KMTV 3 News Now
New Hampshire
Tricks and Treats in North Conway is a "wild and wacky place" that specializes in "all things that make children and adults smile". Basically, they go beyond ice cream and offer an abundance of candy, toys, games, and various holiday themed activities and events—particularly Halloween. The owner has a love for the spooky season and they celebrate it all year round!
Aside from the interactive Halloween atmosphere, reviews also rave about the unique and extravagant ice cream creations that are both generously sized and sugar loaded. There is no shortage of sweetness at Tricks and Treats, that's for sure.
New Jersey
Kubo Coffee and Creamery in Nutley is a cute little parlor with a black and white, Insta-worthy interior that boasts pops of purple in both their decor as well as their desserts. Kubo is said to have a cozy, Zen, low-key vibe. It's a small space, but they have a swinging sofa and a free photobooth!
According to YouTube, they're famous for their ube flavored soft serve and special cracked coffee.
New Mexico
Caliche's Frozen Custard in Las Cruces is a "hometown favorite" for sweet treats. While they're obviously famous for their delicious frozen custard concoctions, they also offer other desserts like brownies and pie, and fast food—particularly several kinds of hot dogs, turkey sandwiches, and nachos.
Reviews boast equally about the creative custard options as they do about the intriguing hot dog topping combinations.
Caliche's Exclusive Quickbite! - New Mexico Food Tour!, Will Vlog For Food
Nevada
The Paleta Bar in Las Vegas has a near perfect 5-star rating on Yelp—which is honestly well deserved. If you don't know, "paletas" are Spanish for "ice pops". And this gourmet Mexican ice pop bar prepares their paletas handmade daily using only the finest ingredients, including natural fruits. They come in a variety of flavors with an array of toppings.
Reviews rave about the customization option, making your paletas exactly how you want them.
The Paleta Bar Las Vegas 🍦❄️, Nicole Of Course
New York
Ample Hills Creamery is a cute little ice cream parlor in Brooklyn that is so good it's managed to acquire a cult following. While they've had some changes to ownership and menu in recent years, they've managed to stay just as famous as before.
One of the most popular new additions to the menu is The Old Ballgame, which is infused with popcorn and peanut brittle.
Ample Hills Ice Cream Sundae - NYC, No Leftovers
Ohio
Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream in Cleveland is a small, family-owned business that was founded by brothers who had a simple love for ice cream. Each batch of delicious handcrafted ice cream is made in their Ohio City Kitchen—which offers viewing windows so you can watch how it's made.
From scoops and sundaes to malts, floats, cakes and pies, Mitchell's is a popular choice all year round.
Mitchell's homemade ice cream shop in Cleveland, Ohio, Greg The Great
Oklahoma
Rose Rock Microcreamery in Tulsa offers a unique twist on traditional ice cream. Their premium small batch ice cream creations are handcrafted using only the finest quality, all-natural ingredients that create "adventurous" flavors and intriguing combinations.
Reviews rave about the Rose Rock flavor, the Toasted Marshmallow flavor, and the "truly tasty vegan options".
Rose Rock Microcreamery, DiscoverOklahoma
Oregon
Bontà Gelato in Bend is another ice cream parlor with a near perfect 5-star rating on Yelp, though truthfully, most on this list are. At Bontà Gelato, they blend fresh ingredients with those of more "exotic locales" into small, handcrafted batches of creamy, fresh gelato.
While this location can be pretty busy at times, according to reviews, fans are willing to wait—especially for the Mascarpone flavor.
Bonta Natural Artisan Gelato - Ice Cream in Bend Oregon, NextStop.TV
Pennsylvania
Treat - Ice Cream and Liege Waffles in Pittsburgh serves both "boutique style" ice cream and authentic Belgian Liege waffles. With over 30 different flavors of premium local ice cream, there is certainly a treat here for everyone.
Reviews can't get enough of the warm, crispy waffles and the creative flavor combinations offered.
How to make traditional liege waffles, Ashlee Marie
Rhode Island
Tricycle Ice Cream in Providence started as a cute little cooler on the back of a three-wheeled bicycle—hence the name. In 2019, they opened a storefront and have been growing in business ever since.
Their flavor options are inspired by childhood memories, with fan favorites including ice cream sandwiches, tacos, cones, and even sorbet push-pops.
Tricycle Ice Cream in Providence, PragmaticMom - Mia Wenjen
South Carolina
Melt in Myrtle Beach is a must-visit ice cream parlor. According to reviews, their prices are affordable, their portions are generous, their options are endless, and their staff is fantastic.
Melt takes fresh, natural ingredients and turns them into "unique and unexpected flavors". In 2019, they were named "Best Ice Cream in South Carolina".
South Dakota
Leones' Creamery in Spearfish is another one with a near-perfect Yelp score. They specialize in hand-crafted, traditional and unique ice creams and frozen deserts. While reviews claim the line up is often out the door and around the block, it is apparently "well worth the wait".
The root beer floats and birthday cake flavored ice cream are huge winners.
Tennessee
Cruze Farm Ice Cream Downtown is a dairy farm in Knoxville where they milk Jersey cows and make fresh churned ice cream daily. In fact, they have a variety of types of milk, too. But when it comes to their ice cream, reviews claim they have the best, with one review adamant that Cruze Farm has "the best soft serve in the United States".
There is no shortage of dessert options, either. Try the Salted Caramel & Brownie Batter and a Strawberry Shake.
CRUZE FARM DAIRY ICE CREAM Sevierville Tn, J & B In The Hills
Texas
Connie's Frozen Custard in Houston is said to be the "best frozen custard money can buy". The base flavors are vanilla and chocolate, and they have an array of toppings including fresh fruit, candy, hot fudge, cream caramel, butterscotch, marshmallows, and more.
The only downfall to this place is that they do not carry any vegan or dairy-free options. But reviews claim the great prices, fast service, and excellent flavors are well worth the sacrifice.
Beat the heat at Connie’s Frozen Custard, Localish
Utah
Blacksmith Ice Cream in Bountiful, Utah has been at the top of many lists. They make small batch, seasonal, hand churned ice cream that is made in house daily using only fresh and local ingredients.
Reviews say the texture and flavor at Blacksmith far surpasses that of any other local ice cream establishment. A fan favorite includes the lavender flavor topped with crunchy bits of honeycomb.
Virginia
Bôn Tea House in Centerville is more of a tea shop than an ice cream parlor, but apparently they sell the best soft serve ice cream around. In fact, they're best known for their Matcha—both the drinks and the ice cream.
Many reviews claim they go there for their "matcha fix", and don't mind at all how busy it can get on weekends because it is "simply worth it". Servings are generous and affordable, too!
Vermont
Shy Guy Gelato in Burlington is a must-visit. They make small batches of Artisan Gelato from scratch daily. Each day offers a new selection of flavors made that morning. They also offer dairy-free and gluten-free gelato/sorbetto as well.
Reviews rave about the rotating menu options, going as far as stating, "I would pay double what they ask, it's that good". Keep in mind that this little shop only offers outdoor seating, and can be busy on weekends.
Interview With Paul Sansone, Secret_Turtle
Washington
Melon Seed Deli & Frozen Yogurt in Tacoma isn't just an ice cream parlor, but it's still worth mentioning. While they offer other delicious food, like Spiked Tuna Salad and Turkey Bacon Chutney, their desserts and froyo are the star of the show.
They have too many flavor options to mention, including dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. Their portions are great and prices are reasonable. The cheesecake flavors are a highlight in many Yelp reviews.
Business Matters Spotlight: Melon Seed Deli & Frozen Yogurt October 2017, CityofTacoma
Wisconsin
Kopp’s Frozen Custard in Greenfield is another popular custard place in the US. While they also sell food, such as "jumbo" burgers and grilled chicken, the frozen custard has become a local favorite—so much so, that the Wendy's next door is struggling to compete.
With great prices and intriguing flavor options (try the Turtle Sundae), this custard shop needs a spot on your bucket list.
Frozen Custard Is Thicker Than Ice Cream At This Wisconsin Shop | Legendary Eats, Insider Food
West Virginia
Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream in Charleston is best known for their homemade ice cream (but they also offer salads, soups, and wraps). Reviews absolutely rave about the unmatched customer service, claiming that customized flavor options are welcomed.
The top fan favorites include Banana Pudding, Coconut, and Black Raspberry.
Wyoming
Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream in Jackson has a cute name, and an even cuter shop. With lots of space and lots of options, be prepared for long line ups. They have an array of flavors, including Rum Raisin, Zonker Stout, Mint Chip, Sea Salt Caramel, Green Tea, and so much more.
Reviews claim the prices can be steep, but still "very much worth every penny".
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