5 Hot Spots for a Cool Summer Treat in Des Moines

Are you screaming for ice cream? No need for a meltdown, because we’ve put together a list of places where you can enjoy a scoop or two in Des Moines. From an old-fashioned ice cream parlor to a hip artisanal ice cream joint there’s something for everyone. Here’s five hot spots where you can enjoy a cool summer treat in Des Moines.

Bauder’s

3802 Ingersoll Avenue • Des Moines • (515) 255-1124

There’s a reason why this vintage ice cream parlor has stood the test of time. You just can’t beat the sweet goodness of the concoctions created behind the soda fountain. Take a seat at the counter and take your time perusing the ice cream menu. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, no worries, ask them and I’ll bet they can make it. Some of our favorite things to order is the fresh strawberry malt, a peppermint shake and one of my personal favs is an old-fashioned chocolate soda with vanilla ice cream.

You can also find them at the Iowa State Fair selling their iconic Peppermint Bars, which you can now purchase along with pints of your favorite ice cream flavors from the Ingersoll location.

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 6:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; and Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Black Cat Ice Cream

2511 Cottage Grove Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50311• (515) 720-2672

Black Cat Ice Cream is churning out some small batch artisanal ice cream with creative flavors like Georgia Peach Molasses, Butterscotcharoo, Blueberry Lemonade Sorbet and other tasty combos. They use grass fed natural dairy and ingredients sourced from local producers to create their bold flavors. They’ve moved to a new location where you can buy a cup, sugar cone or cake cone with your favorite flavor.

You can also order pints on their Facebook Page and have them delivered right to your doorstep.

Hours: Sunday through Saturday 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm. They are CLOSED on Mondays.

Funky Cow

7025 Douglas Avenue • Urbandale • (515) 278-8258

Urbandale locals have headed to this location for cups, cones and milkshakes for decades, as a DQ has been at this location since the early 70s. The business has recently been sold to a new family, who is taking up the cone to keep serving up creamy cold treats to the community. They are currently serving up traditional soft serve favorites, like dip cones, sundaes and a Blast, which features fun mix-ins. They also make smoothies and hot dogs, which can be enjoyed inside or outside on their patio.

The Funky Cow has coolers inside, where you can pick up ice cream cakes and other novelties to go.

Hours: Monday through Saturday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm.

Picket Fence Creamery

14583 S Avenue • Woodward • (515) 438-2697

This local creamery is using cream from their pasture raised Jersey cows to produce over twenty flavors of ice cream and other dairy products. My son and husband’s favorite flavor is hands down the Maple Bacon Ice Cream. Other tempting flavors include: strawberry, chocolate malt, thin mint and many more. You can purchase pints at their farm store or from local grocers like Fareway, Gateway Market, Hy-Vee and Price Chopper.

If you’re looking for a fun Sunday outing, Picket Fence Creamery opens their door and hosts Sample Sunday each month. They generally serve ice cream treats like root beer floats and you can purchase ice cream along with their other dairy products. They also feature and sell many other Iowa food products.

Hours: Monday through Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. CLOSED Sunday. Visit their website for Sample Sunday dates, when they are open from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm.

Thelma’s Treats

505 East Grand Suite #104 • Des Moines • (515) 343-7388

Ice cream and cookie aficionados will both love Thelma’s Handmade Ice Cream sandwiches. Made with sweet Anderson Erickson ice cream smushed between two fresh homemade cookies they will satisfy any sweet tooth. They offer several fun flavor combos like Peanut Butter with Banana Ice Cream and Double Chocolate Mint, but it’s hard to beat the classic chocolate chip cookie and vanilla ice cream combo.

You can pick up Thelma’s Treats from their location in the RAYGUN Building or at your local grocer. You can also find them at the Downtown Farmer’s Market and at other businesses and events around town.

Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. CLOSED Saturday and Sunday.

Where’s your favorite spot for cool treats in Des Moines? Scream it out!