Beat the Heat with Delicious Ice Cream in Central Iowa

A Guide to Ice Cream Shops in Central Iowa

As the summer heat sets in, Iowans are naturally drawn to their favorite ice cream spots. Whether it's a local gem or a new place to explore, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to frozen treats. For those looking to discover new flavors or plan an ice cream tour across central Iowa, this list offers over 30 local shops worth visiting.

While well-known chains like Baskin-Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery, Culver's, Dairy Queen, and Menchie's may not be included here, they often have online store locators for easy access. If you know of a local ice cream shop that should be on this list, consider reaching out to share the information.

Local Ice Cream Shops in Central Iowa

Here is a comprehensive list of local ice cream shops in central Iowa, including their addresses, hours, and websites:

• Al's Dairy Freeze
  Address: 1220 NE Station Crossing Dr., Grimes
  Hours: Noon-9 p.m. Monday-Sunday
  Website: Al's Dairy Freeze

• Billy's Ice Cream Store
  Address: 308 Nile Kinnick Dr. S, Adel
  Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 2 p.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
  Website: Billy's Ice Cream Store

• Black Cat Ice Cream
  Address: 134 5th St., West Des Moines
  Hours: Noon-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; closed Monday
  Website: Black Cat Ice Cream

• Cardinal Corner
  Address: 321 S 2nd Ave. W, Newton
  Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; Noon-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
  Website: Cardinal Corner

• Classic Frozen Custard
  Address: 4000 SE 14th St., Des Moines
  Hours: Noon-10 p.m. Monday-Sunday
  Facebook: Classic Frozen Custard

• Cratty Shack
  Address: 21 E State St., Colfax
  Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-9 a.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
  Facebook: Cratty Shack

• Dari Barn
  Address: 1810 6th Ave., Grinnell
  Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Sunday
  Website: Dari Barn

• Dariette
  Address: 1242 2nd Ave. S, Fort Dodge
  Hours: 2 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Sunday
  Facebook: Dariette

• Dairy Mart
  Address: 325 E 9th St., Glidden
  Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Sunday
  Facebook: Dairy Mart

• Dairy Shoppe
  Address: 617 1st St., Redfield
  Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
  Facebook: Dairy Shoppe

• Dairy Zone
  Address: 2219 E University Ave, Des Moines
  Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Noon-9 p.m. Sunday
  Facebook: Dairy Zone

• De Scoop
  Address: 600 Main St., Pella
  Hours: 1 p.m.-9 p.m. daily
  Facebook: De Scoop

• Fiss'
  Address: 120 Highway 5, Carlisle
  Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
  Facebook: Fiss'

• Frostee's
  Address: 101 E Green St., Winterset
  Hours: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; Noon-9 p.m. Sunday
  Facebook: Frostee's

• The Frosty Udder
  Address: 215 Hwy 432, Oskaloosa
  Hours: 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
  Facebook: The Frosty Udder

• Goldie's Ice Cream Shoppe
  Address: 304 W 2nd St., Prairie City
  Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. every day
  Website: Goldie's Ice Cream Shoppe

• Graham's Dairy Freez
  Address: 627 W 2nd St., Ottumwa
  Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Sunday
  Website: Graham's Dairy Freez

• Granny's Sweet Freeze
  Address: 3417 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines
  Hours: Noon-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
  Facebook: Granny's Sweet Freeze

• Heavenly Delights
  Address: 105 E 1st St., Grimes
  Hours: Noon-9 p.m. Monday-Sunday
  Facebook: Heavenly Delights

• The Hideout
  Address: 105 S. Main, Baxter
  Hours: 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Monday; Noon-6 p.m. Tuesday; 2 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday; Noon-7 p.m. Thursday; 2 p.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Closed Sunday
  Facebook: The Hideout

• Home Sweet Cone
  Address: 1188 SE University Ave., Waukee; 5045 Bentley Drive, West Des Moines.
  Hours: 2 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 2 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; Noon-9 p.m. Sunday
  Website: Home Sweet Cone

• I Scream Treats and More
  Address: 3800 Merle Hay Rd., Merle Hay Mall, Des Moines
  Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Noon-5:30 p.m. Sunday
  Facebook: I Scream Treats and More

• Jersey Freeze
  Address: 103 Ralph St., Monroe
  Hours: Noon-9 p.m. Monday-Sunday
  Facebook: Jersey Freeze

• Kone Korner
  Address: 405 W. Pleasant St., Knoxville
  Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
  Facebook: Kone Korner

• Korner Kone Eats N' Treats
  Address: 504 14th St., Dallas Center
  Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1 p.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
  Facebook: Korner Kone Eats N' Treats

• LJ's Burgers and Ice Cream
  Address: 3702 2nd Ave., Des Moines
  Hours: 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; Noon-6 p.m. Sunday
  Facebook: LJ's Burgers and Ice Cream

• Lori's Ice Cream Shoppe
  Address: 107 Brown St., Runnells
  Hours: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 3 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
  Facebook: Lori's Ice Cream Shoppe

• Marmalade Moon
  Address: 207 Main St., Ames
  Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday; Noon-4 p.m. Sunday
  Facebook: Marmalade Moon

• Molly's Cupcakes
  Address: 215 E 3rd St., Des Moines
  Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday
  Website: Molly's Cupcakes

• Molly's Frozen
  Address: 322 E Court Ave., Des Moines
  Hours: 2 p.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday; 12:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; 12:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
  Facebook: Molly's Frozen

• Monarca Gourmet Paletas
  Address: 9901 University Ave., Clive; 2856 Grand Prairie Pkwy., Waukee
  Hours: 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1 p.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
  Website: Monarca Gourmet Paletas

• Over the Top
  Address: 955 NE 56th St., Pleasant Hill
  Hours: Noon-9 p.m. Monday-Sunday
  Website: Over the Top

• Paleteria La Michoacana
  Address: 1552 E Grand Ave., Des Moines
  Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday
  Facebook | Website: Paleteria La Michoacana

• Picket Fence Creamery
  Address: 14583 S Ave., Woodward
  Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
  Website: Picket Fence Creamery

• Smokey Row Coffee
  Addresses: 1910 Cottage Grove, Des Moines; 111 East Monroe St., Pleasantville; 639 Franklin St., Pella; 840 School St., Carlisle; 109 South Market St., Oskaloosa; 1530 SW Vintage Pkwy, Ankeny
  Hours: Vary by location. Check their website for more information.
  Website: Smokey Row Coffee

• Snack Shack Treats N Eats
  Address: 11 S. 16th St., Fort Dodge
  Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; Noon.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
  Facebook: Snack Shack Treats N Eats

• Sno Biz
  Address: 205 North E St., Oskaloosa
  Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Sunday
  Facebook: Sno Biz

• Snookies Malt Shop
  Address: 1810 Beaver Ave, Des Moines
  Hours: 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
  Facebook: Snookies Malt Shop

• Steburger's
  Address: 1103 S. 22nd St., Fort Dodge
  Hours: 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; Noon-7 p.m. Saturday
  Facebook: Steburger's

• The Stuart Scoop
  Address: 117 NE 2nd Street, Stuart
  Hours: Closed Monday; 4-8 p.m. Tuesday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday
  Facebook: The Stuart Scoop

• Sweet Swirls Rolled Ice Cream
  Address: 303 SW School St., Ankeny
  Hours: 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday; Noon-10 p.m. Saturday; Noon-9 p.m. Sunday
  Website: Sweet Swirls Rolled Ice Cream

• Sweet Treats Ice Cream Company
  Address: 918 Edwards St., Jewell
  Hours: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Sunday
  Website: Sweet Treats Ice Cream Company

• The Creamery
  Address: 221 W Broadway St., Polk City; 100 Main St. SE, Suite 103, Bondurant
  Hours: 4-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; noon-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
  Facebook: The Creamery

• The Filling Station
  Address: 129 S Water St., Madrid
  Hours: 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
  Facebook: The Filling Station

• The Outside Scoop
  Addresses: 602 N Jefferson Way, Indianola; 2410 SW White Birch Dr., Ankeny
  Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Noon-9 p.m. Sunday
  Website: The Outside Scoop

• The Scoop's Udder Place
  Addresses: 2310 SE Delaware Ave., Ankeny
  Hours: 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday; Noon-10 p.m. Saturday; Noon-9 p.m. Sunday
  Website: The Scoop's Udder Place

• Totally Rolled Ice Cream
  Address: 5545 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines
  Hours: 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 3 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; Noon-7 p.m. Sunday
  Website: Totally Rolled Ice Cream

• Uptown Dairy
  Address: 617 S.W. Third St. #105, Ankeny
  Hours: Noon-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; Noon-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
  Website: Uptown Dairy

• Van Dee's Ice Cream Shoppe
  Address: 5915 Merle Hay Rd., Johnston
  Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; Noon-9 p.m. Sunday
  Facebook: Van Dee's Ice Cream Shoppe

• Waukee Ice Cream Shoppe
  Address: 530 Walnut St, Waukee
  Hours: Noon-8 p.m. Monday-Sunday
  Website: Waukee Ice Cream Shoppe

• Wendy's Ice Cream Shop
  Address: 1043 Sunset Dr., Norwalk
  Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Noon-9 p.m. Sunday
  Facebook: Wendy's Ice Cream Shop

• Zombie Burger and Drink Lab
  Address: 300 E Grand Ave., Des Moines
  Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
  Website: Zombie Burger and Drink Lab

Whether you're a local or just visiting, these spots offer a wide variety of flavors and experiences. From traditional ice cream to unique rolled ice cream and paletas, there's something for everyone. So grab a cone and enjoy the sweet treat of summer in central Iowa.