There’s something magical about ice cream. Whether it’s a nostalgic treat from childhood, a refreshing escape on a hot summer day, or an indulgent dessert after a great meal, ice cream brings people together in a way few foods can.
Every state across the U.S. has its own special take on this beloved frozen delight, from old-fashioned creameries that have been serving up scoops for generations to modern, artisanal shops crafting innovative and unexpected flavors.
No matter where you are in the country, there’s a scoop (or two, or three) worth savoring. Maybe it’s a small-batch creamery sourcing local ingredients to create fresh, farm-to-cone flavors. Or perhaps it’s a historic shop known for its decadent sundaes and extra-thick milkshakes.
Whether you’re looking for a must-stop destination on your next vacation or just curious about where to find the best ice cream near you, this list is your go-to resource for the top frozen treats in the country.
1. Alabama: Big Spoon Creamery
In the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, Big Spoon Creamery crafts artisanal ice cream with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Their vibrant and welcoming shop invites you to indulge in flavors that reflect the community’s essence.
Enjoy a rotating menu that offers something fresh and exciting every visit. Whether it’s a classic vanilla or a creative seasonal blend, each scoop tells a story of dedication and flavor.
2. Alaska: Wild Scoops
Wild Scoops specializes in small-batch ice cream that captures Alaska’s rich natural bounty. Each scoop is crafted with local Alaskan add-ins and all-natural ingredients, ensuring every bite is a taste of the Last Frontier.
The shop’s intimate setting creates a cozy atmosphere where ice cream enthusiasts can savor unique flavors while appreciating the care and quality that goes into every batch.
3. Arizona: Novel Ice Cream
Phoenix’s Novel Ice Cream is known for its innovative take on your favorite treat. With small-batch handcrafted ice cream, they offer a playful twist with their famous doughnut melt, combining sweet flavors in a delightful way.
4. Arkansas: Loblolly Creamery
In Little Rock, Loblolly Creamery stands out with its commitment to unique flavors made from scratch using local ingredients. This charming shop invites visitors to experience flavors that are both innovative and comforting.
5. California: Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co.
Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co. in Alhambra, California, has been a staple since 1919, known for its old-fashioned charm and unique flavors like Macapuno and Lemon Custard. As you step into this historic shop, you’re greeted by the nostalgic aroma of traditional ice cream making.
Each scoop at Fosselman’s is a delicious journey through time, where classic meets contemporary in every creamy, delightful bite.
6. Colorado: Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
Denver’s Bonnie Brae Ice Cream is an iconic destination for ice cream lovers, offering over 120 handmade flavors. This old-fashioned shop captures the essence of nostalgia while delivering a diverse array of tastes.
Each visit is an opportunity to explore new combinations and old favorites.
7. Connecticut: Arethusa Farm Dairy
Nestled in Bantam, Connecticut, Arethusa Farm Dairy offers rich, farm-fresh ice cream made from their own dairy cows. This dedication to quality ensures each scoop is filled with authentic flavor.
The serene farm setting enhances the experience, making every visit feel like a retreat to the countryside.
8. Delaware: Vanderwende Farm Creamery
Greenwood, Delaware, is home to Vanderwende Farm Creamery, where homemade, farm-fresh ice cream is the highlight. The farm setting provides a picturesque backdrop for enjoying your treat, where quality and tradition are the key ingredients in every scoop.
9. Florida: Sea Maids Creamery
In Tampa, Florida, Sea Maids Creamery brings a splash of creativity to your ice cream experience. With unique flavors like Beach Bum and Sirens Love Potion, their menu is a vibrant mix of innovation and taste. Add delectable sundaes to the mix, and you have a treat worth savoring.
10. Georgia: Leopold’s Ice Cream
Leopold’s Ice Cream in Savannah, Georgia, is a historic gem renowned for its homemade flavors like Savannah Socialite and Chocolate Chewies and Cream. Established in 1919, this charming shop offers a nostalgic atmosphere that makes every visit a trip back in time.
The dedication to tradition and quality is evident in every scoop, where each flavor serves as a tribute to the art of ice cream making.
11. Hawaii: Black Sheep Cream Co.
Honolulu’s Black Sheep Cream Co. is a destination for those seeking unique and locally inspired flavors. With a modern twist on traditional ice cream, this shop offers an innovative approach to classic treats.
12. Idaho: Goody’s Soda Fountain
Boise’s Goody’s Soda Fountain is a nostalgic nod to classic ice cream treats, offering a delightful experience in a historic setting. As you step inside, the ambiance of a bygone era surrounds you, with creamy scoops and fizzy sodas enhancing the charm.
13. Illinois: Margie’s Candies
Margie’s Candies in Chicago is a historic spot that has delighted generations with its generous sundaes and homemade chocolates. Each visit is a journey into a world of sweet indulgence, where the past and present merge in every delicious creation.
14. Indiana: BRICS
BRICS stands out with its wide selection of ice cream flavors housed in a charming, historic building. The shop’s ambiance is as inviting as its diverse menu, offering a delightful experience for all ages.
15. Iowa: Whitey’s Ice Cream
Davenport’s Whitey’s Ice Cream has been a local favorite since 1933, known for its rich and creamy ice cream. This beloved shop offers a comforting blend of tradition and taste, where each scoop is crafted with care and dedication.
16. Kansas: Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream
In Lawrence, Kansas, Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream offers a vibrant array of creative flavors made fresh daily. This charming shop invites you to embark on a flavorful adventure, where each scoop tells a story of innovation and quality.
17. Kentucky: Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream
Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream in Lexington, Kentucky, is known for its unique flavors like Bourbon & Honey and Blueberry Lime Cheesecake. Each scoop is a celebration of creativity and local ingredients, offering a taste experience that’s both delightful and unexpected.
18. Louisiana: Creole Creamery
In New Orleans, Creole Creamery stands out with its inventive flavors like Lavender Honey and Creole Cream Cheese. This vibrant shop offers a taste of the city’s culinary creativity, where every scoop is a fusion of tradition and innovation.
19. Maine: Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium
Bar Harbor’s Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium is famous for its homemade ice creams, including the adventurous lobster flavor. This charming emporium invites you to explore a world of taste, where creativity meets quality in every scoop.
The friendly atmosphere and unique offerings make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable ice cream experience in the picturesque setting of Maine.
20. Maryland: The Charmery
Baltimore’s The Charmery offers ice cream lovers a chance to explore creative flavors inspired by local ingredients and traditions. Each scoop is a tribute to the city’s vibrant culinary scene, providing a unique taste experience in a welcoming environment.
21. Massachusetts: Toscanini’s Ice Cream
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, Toscanini’s Ice Cream is renowned for its creative flavors and has been a local favorite since 1981. The dedication to quality and taste ensures that each visit is a memorable experience.
22. Michigan: House of Flavors
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the House of Flavors in Ludington is a third-generation ice cream shop known for its rich history and delicious flavors. This charming location offers a taste of tradition in a scenic setting, where each scoop is a tribute to the family’s dedication to quality and taste.
23. Minnesota: Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream Café
Minneapolis’ Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream Café offers a cozy setting with a variety of homemade ice cream flavors. This beloved local spot invites you to savor each scoop in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
24. Mississippi: Area 51 Ice Cream
Hernando’s Area 51 Ice Cream is known for its handcrafted ice cream and a rotating menu of inventive flavors. Each visit offers a new taste adventure while welcoming atmosphere and commitment to innovation make it a beloved destination for ice cream enthusiasts.
25. Missouri: The Fountain on Locust
The Fountain on Locust is renowned for its handcrafted ice cream served in a retro ambiance. This unique shop offers a delightful blend of nostalgia and taste.
26. Montana: Big Dipper Ice Cream
Missoula’s Big Dipper Ice Cream has earned the title “Best Ice Cream in America” with its delicious offerings made from locally sourced ingredients. This beloved shop invites you to savor flavors that reflect Montana’s natural bounty.
The inviting atmosphere and commitment to quality make Big Dipper a favorite destination for ice cream lovers seeking excellence in every bite.
27. Nebraska: Ted & Wally’s Ultra-Premium Homemade Ice Cream
In Omaha, Ted & Wally’s Ultra-Premium Homemade Ice Cream offers a delightful array of flavors made with all-natural ingredients. This charming shop invites you to explore the creative combinations that make each scoop a unique experience.
28. Nevada: Lappert’s Ice Cream
Las Vegas’ Lappert’s Ice Cream offers a taste of Hawaii with its tropical flavors and a variety of other unique options. Each scoop is a journey to paradise.
29. New Hampshire: Annabelle’s Natural Ice Cream
In Portsmouth, Annabelle’s Natural Ice Cream has been serving all-natural ice cream since 1982. This charming shop is known for its seasonal offerings that capture the essence of New Hampshire’s changing landscape.
Each visit is an opportunity to savor flavors that are both fresh and nostalgic, making Annabelle’s a beloved destination for those seeking quality and taste in a picturesque seaside setting.
30. New Jersey: Hoffman’s Ice Cream
Hoffman’s Ice Cream in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, offers a delightful mix of classic and unique flavors in a family-friendly setting. The welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality make Hoffman’s a cherished destination for both locals and visitors seeking a sweet escape by the sea.
31. New Mexico: Taos Cow Ice Cream
Taos Cow Ice Cream offers all-natural ice cream with unique flavors like Pinon Caramel and Mexican Chocolate. This charming shop invites you to explore a world of taste.
32. New York: Ample Hills Creamery
Brooklyn’s Ample Hills Creamery is known for its playful flavors and high-quality ingredients. Each scoop is a delightful adventure, where creativity and taste come together in perfect harmony.
The vibrant atmosphere and commitment to excellence make Ample Hills a beloved destination for ice cream lovers seeking a unique and delicious experience in the heart of New York.
33. North Carolina: The Parlour
Durham’s The Parlour offers a variety of unique flavors made with local ingredients. The warm and welcoming atmosphere enhances the experience, making every visit a delightful journey.
34. North Dakota: Pride Dairy
In Bottineau, North Dakota, Pride Dairy is known for its old-fashioned ice cream and unique flavors like Juneberry.
35. Ohio: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Columbus’ Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams offers a variety of unique flavors made with high-quality ingredients. Commitment to excellence make Jeni’s a must-visit destination for ice cream lovers seeking a delicious and memorable experience.
36. Oklahoma: Roxy’s Ice Cream Social
A local gem in Oklahoma City, Roxy’s Ice Cream Social is a must-visit for anyone craving handcrafted, old-fashioned ice cream with a modern twist. Known for its rich, creamy texture and vibrant flavors, Roxy’s takes pride in using high-quality ingredients to create small-batch, made-from-scratch frozen treats.
Their menu features a mix of classic flavors like Vanilla Bean and Fresh Strawberry, alongside unique, rotating seasonal specials that keep customers coming back for more.
37. Oregon: Salt & Straw
If there’s one name that stands out in Oregon’s ice cream scene, it’s Salt & Straw. Born in Portland and now beloved nationwide, this artisanal ice cream shop is known for pushing the boundaries of flavor while maintaining a deep commitment to locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.
What makes Salt & Straw truly special is its dedication to unexpected, chef-driven flavors. Their menu features an ever-evolving selection of unique creations, such as Pear & Blue Cheese or the wildly popular Honey Lavender, infused with delicate floral notes.
They also collaborate with local producers to craft exclusive, seasonal flavors like Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper or Arbequina Olive Oil, showcasing their commitment to Oregon’s vibrant food culture.
38. Pennsylvania: Franklin Fountain
Philadelphia’s Franklin Fountain is a turn-of-the-century–style ice cream parlor known for its homemade ice cream and classic sundaes.
The experience at Franklin Fountain is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the ice cream. Employees dress in vintage soda jerk uniforms, the shop is adorned with antique decor, and the menu is brimming with nostalgic treats that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a bygone era.
39. Rhode Island: Brickley’s Ice Cream
What sets Brickley’s apart is its commitment to quality and tradition. Each scoop is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, thanks to their use of premium ingredients and time-tested recipes.
With over 45 flavors to choose from, there’s something for everyone—from classics like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Maple Walnut to unique, must-try options like Graham Central Station and Purple Cow (black raspberry with white and dark chocolate chips).
In addition to their legendary scoops, Brickley’s is known for its handmade waffle cones, which are baked fresh daily and fill the shop with an irresistible aroma.
40. South Carolina: Sweet Cream Company
Columbia’s Sweet Cream Company is a local favorite offering handcrafted ice cream with unique and seasonal flavors, made fresh in-house.
Whether you’re stopping in for a scoop, indulging in a handcrafted sundae, or taking home a pint of your favorite flavor, Sweet Cream Company delivers an unforgettable ice cream experience. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy creative, artisan ice cream with a Southern twist.
41. South Dakota: Leones’ Creamery
Nestled in the charming town of Spearfish, South Dakota, Leones’ Creamery is a small-batch, locally loved ice cream shop that takes pride in using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to craft delicious, handcrafted flavors.
Leones’ menu features a rotating selection of both classic and adventurous flavors. Staples like Madagascar Vanilla and Dutch Chocolate keep traditionalists happy, while inventive flavors such as Honey Lavender, Bourbon Pecan, and Huckleberry offer something unique for the more adventurous ice cream lovers.
42. Tennessee: Mike’s Ice Cream
This locally loved shop has built a stellar reputation for its classic, hand-dipped flavors, welcoming atmosphere, and prime location on Broadway—perfect for cooling off after exploring Music City.
Mike’s menu boasts a delightful mix of traditional favorites and unique, Southern-inspired creations. You’ll find Butter Pecan, Espresso Fudge, and Cookies & Cream, but the real stars are flavors like Tennessee Fudge, Banana Pudding, and Whiskey Caramel—a perfect nod to Nashville’s deep-rooted flavors.
43. Texas: Amy’s Ice Creams
Founded in Austin in 1984, this funky, fun-loving ice cream shop is known for its creative flavors, high-energy staff, and “crush’n” mix-in technique, where toppings are folded into your scoop right before your eyes.
Amy’s offers a rotating menu of over 350 flavors, with around 36 available at any given time. Their signature flavor, Mexican Vanilla, is a must-try—an ultra-creamy, rich vanilla with a hint of spice that keeps customers coming back.
44. Utah: Normal® Ice Cream
This modern, avant-garde ice cream shop takes soft serve to the next level, offering a sleek, artistic take on a classic treat. With bold flavors, creative toppings, and a constantly evolving menu, Normal® is anything but ordinary.
Expect unique combinations like Brown Butter, Black Licorice, and Thai Tea, along with adventurous mix-ins such as coconut ash, miso caramel, and sesame brittle. Their innovative approach has turned simple soft serve into a chef-driven dessert experience.
45. Vermont: Ben & Jerry’s
Waterbury’s Ben & Jerry’s is the original location of the now-famous brand, offering factory tours and a full range of flavors. One of the best parts about visiting Ben & Jerry’s in Vermont is trying unique, small-batch flavors that never make it to grocery store shelves.
46. Virginia: Island Creamery
Island Creamery’s menu features a delicious mix of classic flavors and unique, island-inspired creations. Some of their most popular scoops include Wallops Rocket Fuel (a spicy cinnamon ice cream with brownie chunks), Marsh Mud (an intensely rich, dark chocolate), and Chincoteague Coffee (made with locally roasted coffee). T
hey also incorporate seasonal fruits, homemade baked goods, and locally sourced honey into their limited-time offerings, ensuring that each visit brings something new and exciting.
47. Washington: Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream
Molly Moon’s focuses on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, using organic milk and cream from Northwest farms, fair-trade chocolate, and seasonal produce from local growers. Their menu features a mix of fan-favorite staples and seasonal flavors that rotate throughout the year.
48. West Virginia: Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream
If you’re looking for the best small-batch ice cream in West Virginia, Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream in Charleston is a must-visit. Since opening in 1997, this cozy, locally owned shop has been serving up handcrafted, all-natural ice cream, making it a beloved staple in the community.
49. Wisconsin: Babcock Hall Dairy Store
In a state known for its dairy excellence, it’s no surprise that Wisconsin’s best ice cream comes straight from a university dairy program. Located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, Babcock Hall Dairy Store has been churning out some of the richest, creamiest ice cream in the state since 1951.
Made using locally sourced milk from the university’s own dairy farms, Babcock ice cream is known for its exceptionally smooth texture and deep, natural flavors.
50. Wyoming: Big Dipper Ice Cream
Big Dipper Ice Cream takes pride in using high-quality, natural ingredients, ensuring that every scoop is packed with flavor.
Their rotating menu includes a mix of classic favorites and creative, one-of-a-kind flavors, such as Cowboy Coffee (a bold, espresso-infused ice cream, perfect for coffee lovers), Huckleberry (a regional favorite with a sweet, tart berry flavor) and Maple Bacon (a must-try for those who love a mix of sweet and savory).
Leave a comment