Ice Cream in Des Moines, Iowa

Summer (and any time of year really) is perfect for ice cream. Eating a sweet treat and supporting locals is the way to go. We have gathered some of our favorite places to grab an ice cream in Des Moines, Iowa. What is your favorite ice cream treat?

Al’s Dairy Freeze

1220 NE Station Crossing Dr. Grimes, Iowa

Al’s Dairy Freeze is a fun and yummy ice cream shop located in Grimes, Iowa near the new Heritage area. A must-stop!

Black Cat Ice Cream

2511 Cottage Grove Ave. Des Moines

Serving hand-crafted small-batch artisanal ice cream! Grass-fed natural dairy and ingredients sourced from local producers are used to create bold flavors! View their website here.

Classic Frozen Custard

4000 SE 14th Street, Des Moines

I had completely forgotten about this gem until recently. I remember stopping here when I was little and had to have their Lemon Custard! It was so rich and creamy. Make sure you are following Classic Frozen Custard on Facebook, where they announce special deals and flavors.

the Creamery

221 West Broadway, Polk City

the Creamery has become a super popular hot spot! They offer ice cream, frozen yogurt, and the newly announced Pineapple Dole Whip. If you are out near Saylorville Lake and Big Creek this is a must-stop after a day of fun in the sun. Take a look at their hours and updates here.

Heavenly Delights

105 E 1st Street, Grimes

Heavenly Delights is a small ice cream shop located in Grimes, Iowa. They offer some amazing flavors and it is a classic small-town ice cream store. Definitely, a must if you are in the Grimes area.

Home Sweet Cone Ice Cream

1188 SE University Ave, Waukee, Iowa

Home Sweet Cone Ice Cream, also known as Home Sweet Cone, is an ice cream shop featuring homemade, premium hard ice cream in Waukee, Iowa.

Marble Slab Creamery

2310 SE Delaware Avenue Suite O, Ankeny

Marble Slab Creamery is very similar to Cold Stone Creamery, but I think it’s better. They have homemade ice cream, yogurt or sorbet; amazing choices of mix-ins, and yummy waffle cones! If you are in Ankeny, this is where you need to go for your ice cream treat! Check out their website for deals.

The Outside Scoop

602 N Jefferson Way, Indianola

2410 SW White Birch Dr. Suite 100, Ankeny

So, not only is The Outside Scoop Ice Cream Shop and Restaurant located in Indianola and Ankeny, but they also have a FOOD TRUCK. I tasted them at the Food Truck Throwdown and fell in love. They have some interesting combos including Maple Bacon & Goat Cheese with Roasted Cherries. Make sure you follow their Facebook page to see when and where their food truck is.

Over the Top

955 NE 56th Street, Pleasant Hill

Located in Pleasant Hill, Over the Top is more than an ice cream shop. They also offer lunch, chocolate, and truffles. This local business makes their ice cream and chocolates right in the shop. They offer a huge window where you can see them make the ice cream right there! Check out their website here.

Snookie’s Malt Shop

1810 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines

Snookie’s is located in the Beaverdale area and is a class ma and pop ice cream store! Not only do they serve ice cream, but they also have shakes and malts. They will even give your dog a FREE pup cone when you bring him or her along. They have lots of outdoor seating, where you can enjoy your tasty treat. They are only open for the warmer season, so you definitely want to make sure you check them out this Summer. Also, follow Snookies Malt Shop on Facebook to keep up-to-date.

Smokey Row

1910 Cottage Grove Avenue, Des Moines

1520 SW Vintage Pkwy, Ankeny

639 Franklin Street, Pella

111 E. Monroe Street, Pleasantville

109 S. Market Street, Oskaloosa

Not a lot of people think of or remember Smokey Row as a stop for ice cream, I do all the time! This local, coffee shop is much more than just a coffee shop. They offer yummy sandwiches, salads, treats, and ICE CREAM. They offer old fashions shakes & malts, sundaes, banana splits, root beer floats, tornadoes (similar to a blizzard), coffee-ice cream drinks, and more! This is the perfect place to stop if you are looking for ice cream AND a caffeine boost, which is me on most days 🙂 For their complete menu check here.

Thelma’s Treats

505 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines

Yes, this is on the top of my list because I have a slight obsession 🙂 What is better than just an ice cream cone? Ice cream in between TWO cookies! They place Anderson Erickson’s ice cream between two yummy, homemade cookies. Yes, it’s to die for and if you have not tried Thelma’s, you are missing out. Fortunately, Thelma’s is sold in a lot of the local Hy-Vees, Fairways, and some restaurants. Check out all of their awesome combos and where you can buy them here!

Van Dee’s Ice Cream Shoppe

5915 Merle Hay Road, Johnston

Another cute ma and pop ice cream store! These are my favorite. Not only because the ice cream treats are delish, but you get to know the staff when you visit frequently. This is another ice cream shop that is only open for the Summer months, so make sure you check it out while it’s hot out. They offer weekly flavors and specials also. Follow them on Facebook here.