When the sun hangs around until around 9 p.m., it’s time we talk ice cream and our favorite ice cream shops around the Des Moines metro. We’ve listed our must-stop locations from Des Moines classics like Snookies, to creameries like Black Cat and Home Sweet Cone. No matter where you beat the heat, we guarantee these sweet treats will leave you feeling refreshed!

Favorite Ice Cream Shops

Home Sweet Cone

  • 1188 SE University Avenue, Waukee, IA 50263 and 5045 Bentley Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50265
  • 12 – 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 12 – 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Home Sweet Cone opened in 2021 and it’s sure to deliver on it’s promise of premium, hard ice cream made right in Waukee and more recently in West Des Moines. With flavors like red velvet cake and salted Oreo, we know there will be some new favorites we love. They will also have a few coconut cream-based vegan scoops available, which is great for our vegan and dairy-free friends! Especially the brown sugar base with oatmeal cookie crumble. They even cater to gluten free individuals with gf waffle cones and denotations of gf options. We’ve tried them. Chef’s kiss.  You truly can’t go wrong. Home Sweet Cone is woman and veteran-owned. We’re partnered with them to help revamp this guide. 

Follow along for updates here.
 

Source: Snookies Malt Shop Facebook

Snookies Malt Shop

  • 1810 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310
  • Monday – Sunday, 1 – 9 p.m. 

A Des Moines classic, Snookies Malt Shop has been a favorite with locals for over 30 years. Known for their turtle sundaes, soft serve, malts, and puppy cones, Snookies is a hit for everyone in the family. We love the timeless feel of hanging out on the patio at Snookies Malt Shop!

Check out the full menu here.

Source: Van Dee’s Ice Cream Shoppe Facebook

Van Dee’s Ice Cream Shoppe

  • 5915 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131
  • Open Monday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday 11:00 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 9 p.m

Known in the Johnston area for their “big chipper” ice cream sandwich and putting eyes on their soft-serve ice cream cones, Van Dee’s is the perfect place to grab an ice cream cone with the family. Enjoy traditional flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or twist cones, or try the flavor of the week. Enjoy the nostalgia while you enjoy your frozen treat.

Check out the full menu here.
 

Black Cat Ice Cream

  • 2511 Cottage Grove Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
  • Open Tuesday – Sunday 12:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Black Cat Ice Cream is a favorite in the heart of the Drake neighborhood. Specializing in small-batch artisanal ice cream, you can find a variety of flavors ranging from cookie monster to cream cheese lemon cake. If you’re lucky, you may even get to try their special ice cream nuggets. Looking for vegan options? We recommend visiting their Facebook page each week to see what is being offered each week.

Latest flavors + learn more.

Photography credit: Theresa McDonald

The Creamery

  • 221 West Broadway, Polk City, IA 50226 
  • 100 Main St. Suite 103, Bondurant, IA 50035
  • Monday – Sunday, 12 – 9 p.m.  
Located in Polk City and now Bondurant, The Creamery hits the spot for the perfect ice cream shop. Stop in for a cone of their premium handmade ice cream, soft serve, sundaes, frozen yogurt, and more. This cute creamery has the perfect outdoor seating so you can grab a cone with your family and friends while you enjoy the Iowa nights.
Check out the full menu here.

Source: The Outside Scoop Ankeny Facebook

The Outside Scoop

  • Indianola: 602 N. Jefferson Way, Indianola, IA 50125 , 11 – 10 p.m. every day 
  • Ankeny: 2410 SW White Birch Drive Ankeny, IA 50023, 11 – 10 p.m. every day 

You’ve probably seen the pink trucks posted up at your favorite outdoor event, but did you know The Outside Scoop has two brick and mortar locations around the Des Moines metro? Using local ingredients, The Outside Scoop offers a selection of handmade ice cream you can’t beat. Over 24 flavors rotate in-store, with 12 classic flavors like cake batter, chocolate oreo cookie dough, salty caramel, and coffee toffee. There’s always something on the menu to satisfy your sweet tooth. Be sure to check out their Facebook pages to see which of your new favorite flavors are on rotation before your next visit.

Follow their Facebook page for updates.
 

Monarca Paletas

  • 9901 University Ave, Suite 150, Clive, IA 50325
  • Monday – Saturday 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. & Sunday 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. 

If you’re looking for a fun twist on your next frozen treat, we recommend checking out Monarca Paletas in Clive, Iowa. This photo-worthy shop offers equally Instagramable treats. Ranging in flavors from traditional Mexican paletas like watermelon and coconut, to more savory treats like banana filled with Nutella and the dulce de leche. Want to take your paleta to the next level? Try wrapping it in a waffle cone burrito or adding the S’mores topping roasted in front of you. We can’t wait for their second location to open in Waukee soon!

Learn more and check out the menu.

Granny’s Sweet Freeze Shop

  • 3417 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
  • Monday – Saturday: 12 – 10 p.m. & Sunday: 1 – 10 p.m. 

This cute shop tucked on the north east side comes highly recommended from to two of our contributors for soft serve. Andrea says try the puppy chow shake for the peanut butter lovers. Or, be like Andrea, and get 4 minis to try different flavors. 

Learn more and check out the menu.

Ready to tackle our favorite patios this summer?

Plan your summer hangs on these patios that have caught our eye while we’ve got the nice weather. 

Check them out.