For a Sugary Dose of Nostalgia, Swing By The Little Man Ice Cream Can for One of the Best Ice Cream Sundaes in Colorado

An iconic Denver treat, Little Man Ice Cream's original location, situated in a 28-foot-tall vintage milk can, recently celebrated its 17th birthday. This spot has been a favorite for locals and visitors alike since it first opened its doors on July 4th, 2008, and has only grown and expanded in popularity since then. Little Man creates and serves some of Denver’s tastiest (and freshest) homemade ice cream sundaes and other delicious treats, evoking a sense of antique American nostalgia, right in the Lower Highlands neighborhood, across the bridge from downtown Denver. 

You can’t go wrong ordering anything at this dreamy, creamy destination. And you won’t be disappointed, because the sundaes are exceptionally special. Choose one, two or three flavors to pile high (and you can try as many flavors as you desire before committing to a choice, which is excellent, because the rotating seasonal flavors never disappoint). Then, decide which toppings you’d like, ranging from classics like hot fudge or caramel, mini M&Ms, oreo pieces, gummy bears, sprinkles (rainbow and chocolate!), and more. It’s every kid's—and kid at heart’s—summer fantasy. 

The backstory of Little Man is just as sweet as the ice cream they serve. The original milk can location was inspired by those vintage Coney Island hot dog-shaped stands. So, it’s only fitting that Denver’s flagship business location was constructed and is conducted from a twenty-eight-foot-tall, 14,000-pound metal ice cream can. 

Visitors should be wary that no matter what time of day or night, I can say as a Denverite, I’ve never not waited in line to get a scoop here. Even when it’s 28 degrees Fahrenheit in the height of winter weather, there’s almost guaranteed to be a line of eager ice cream enthusiasts waiting to get their treat. It’s fantastic ice cream, and a fun experience to visit, overall. 

Signature flavors include Space Junkie (my favorite), which is a thick black raspberry ice cream base loaded with gooey marshmallow swirls and chunky brownie bits. There’s also banana pudding, with bits of marshmallow and vanilla wafers, as well as classics like cookie dough and salted oreos. Additionally, there are always at least a few vegan and gluten-free options available. 

Little Man aims to serve more than just ice cream. The business wants to bring together the local community and visitors for a memorable experience beyond the cone. The plaza where the giant ice cream cone is located acts as a hub for regular events and hosted neighborhood happenings, such as swing dancing, movie nights, and a Thursday summer concert series. 

Visiting this enormous vintage ice cream stand and grabbing a treat can feel like getting a dose of pure 21st-century nostalgia. It’s like traveling back to a simpler and more whimsical time, inspired by the ice cream of the 1920s to 1950s. Step back into an era when quintessential American treats like donuts, hot dogs, and ice cream sundaes were celebrated and enjoyed together in a simpler and purer way. And you don’t have to go far in Denver to do this. Just visit Little Man’s giant "ice cream can," and be prepared to spend some time in line. Trust us—it’s well worth the wait. 

Sweet tooths seeking additional ice cream havens to explore in the Centennial State can't miss the soft serve at Happy Cones Co. in the Edgewater Public Market, which serves "New Zealand-style ice cream"—a blend of soft serve ice cream and fresh fruit. There's also the award-winning Rizuto’s Ice Cream in Colorado Springs, which serves the most enormous ice cream cones in the region. No matter where you go to grab a sundae, cone, or hand-crafted ice cream creation in Colorado, it's bound to be an exceptional experience.