Our Iowa ice cream trail starts in Des Moines and arcs west and north toward the Ice Cream Capital Of The World in Le Mars, and it will take you on an unforgettable trip that will leave your sweet tooth sated and happy for absolute ages. If you’re looking for the best ice cream in Iowa, you’re about to find it.

These five locations may not be in big towns, and they may not be ultra-fancy, but they do offer some of the most delicious ice creams in the land. All five of these locally-owned gems are worth a stop, whether you participate in our five-ice-cream day, or not. There’s no time of year better suited for ice cream than…any time of year! You can plan to hit up these Iowa classics from November to July and every month in-between.

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Best Ice Cream In Iowa

What is the most famous ice cream shop in Iowa?

It’s hard to choose the most famous ice cream shop in Iowa since there’s a number of world-famous parlors and eateries in the heart of the American Midwest. The best ice cream in Iowa is potentially found in multiple places, but most folks would claim the tip-top ice cream hot spot is Le Mars, known as the actual Ice Cream Capital of the World. Here, you’ll find the headquarters of Blue Bunny Ice Cream, and you can visit the world-famous ice cream parlor and indulge in everything from a cone to a sundae. It’s a favorite for folks of all ages.

Where can I find the best desserts in Iowa?

Iowa is in the heart of the American Midwest, which means comfort is of the essence and both sweet and savory treats are readily available. When there’s no sating a sweet tooth, a trip to Molly’s Cupcakes in Iowa City might help your cravings, or a pie from Cedar Rapids favorite Kathy’s Pies. Grandpa’s Homemade Ice Cream in Burlington, Iowa is known for its good old-fashioned ice cream options, and Over The Top in Pleasant Hill features more than 30 homemade ice cream flavors. Whether you’re looking for dense slices of cake or a refreshing ice cream cone, there are all sorts of options in Iowa.

Can I visit any drive-thru ice cream parlors in Iowa?

There aren’t many drive-thru ice cream parlors in Iowa, but there is a certain handful. Dariette in Fort Dodge, Iowa is located right in downtown and has an outdoor patio and drive-thru for folks looking to grab a soft-serve cone to-go. Viking Drive-Inn is located Ventura, and although it’s not a classic drive-thru you can drive-up and take your treats to-go. It’s the same set-up at the retro Snookies Malt Shop in Des Moines, where you can drive up, order, and indulge in your homemade shakes and malts on the go. If you’re looking for the best ice cream in Iowa, it just might be more easily available than you first thought.

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