Long before drive-thrus and app orders, Hoosiers gathered at soda fountains for a cold treat and a friendly chat. The surprising part is how many of these old-fashioned counters are still going strong in small Indiana towns.
From a 1900s parlor with a working music machine to a candy shop that pours handmade sodas, these eight spots keep the tradition alive. Here is where to find a real scoop of nostalgia across the state.
1. Zaharakos, Columbus, IN
Step onto historic Washington Street in Columbus and you find one of the most detailed soda fountains left in the state. Zaharakos fills a 100-year-old building with carved oak, stained glass, and original artifacts, some dating back to 1904.
The setting doubles as a museum. Antique soda fountain machines line the room, and a coin-operated mechanical orchestra plays for anyone curious enough to drop in a coin.
The menu keeps things classic and customizable. You can build a single-scoop sundae with your choice of sauce, split a banana split, or sip a root beer float or an ice cream soda made right at the counter.
It is not just dessert either. The kitchen serves comfort food like the Hometown Tenderloin and a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich with fries, so you can turn a treat into a full lunch or dinner.
Hours run Wednesday through Sunday, so plan around the midweek closures. Street parking is available but can fill up quickly on busy weekends.
2. South Side Soda Shop, Goshen, IN
Pie lovers and soda fountain fans get the best of both worlds along South Main Street in Goshen. South Side Soda Shop is a restored diner with a dining car and a 1940s soda fountain, and the atmosphere leans full-on nostalgic.
Homemade pies are a signature draw, with options like pecan and lemon meringue rounding out the dessert case. But the real crossover treat is the turtle sundae, a favorite for anyone with a sweet tooth.
The lunch and dinner side holds its own too. Philly cheesesteaks, spiral fries, and the locally beloved snapping turtle soup share the menu with the ice cream selection.
Families do well here. Kids’ meals come with a scoop of ice cream, which makes the decision easy for younger diners.
Open Wednesday through Saturday, the shop keeps limited hours, so check before you go. Reservations are accepted, and there is a parking lot plus street parking nearby.
3. Ivanhoes, Upland, IN
One hundred is the magic number in Upland. Ivanhoes built its reputation on an extensive list of 100 shake and sundae flavors, and that lineup is what keeps people coming back to this small university town.
The vibe is funky and old-time, with counter service instead of table service. You order at the counter, grab a spot, and dig into a treat that can get creatively large.
Beyond the famous frozen creations, there is real food on the menu. Hand-breaded tenderloins, third-pound hamburgers, taco salads, and grilled chicken salads give you a solid meal before dessert.
Do not worry if 100 flavors feels overwhelming. Basic soft serve and hand-dipped ice cream are available too, so simpler orders are welcome.
It is open all seven days, with late hours on weekends. There is usually a wait during busy stretches, but parking is generally plentiful in this quieter corner of Grant County.
4. McCord Candies, Lafayette, IN
Chocolates and sodas share one address on Main Street in downtown Lafayette. McCord Candies has been a fixture since 1912, selling homemade candies and chocolates alongside an old-style soda fountain.
The fountain is the twist that sets it apart from a typical sweet shop. You can order sundaes, shakes, malts, and handmade sodas, including phosphate-style options poured to your custom flavor.
The old candy shop aesthetic adds to the fun. Between the confections and the fountain counter, it is easy to spend a little while browsing and snacking.
This one leans toward a quick visit rather than a sit-down meal, so think of it as a treat stop while you explore downtown.
It is open every day of the week, with shorter Monday and Sunday hours. Free wi-fi is available if you want to linger over a soda.
5. Doc’s Soda Fountain, La Porte, IN
Set within a rural park setting in La Porte County, Doc’s Soda Fountain keeps the classic experience wonderfully simple. It sits near the Hesston heritage grounds, so a stop here pairs nicely with a day out.
The details are what make it feel authentic. Old wrought iron chairs with the loop on the back give the space a genuine vintage look you do not see much anymore.
Ice cream is the main event, with plenty of options to choose from, including an ice cream flight if you want to sample. Light lunch and coffee round out the menu for a quick bite.
The atmosphere stays casual and friendly, and it works well for groups or a solo treat.
Plan on dine-in only, with free parking in the lot and on the street. Calling ahead is a smart move since it sits within the seasonal heritage grounds.
6. Haines Hallmark Gift Shop and Soda Fountain, Winchester, IN
Here is a combination you do not run into often: a Hallmark gift shop with a working soda fountain inside. Haines sits on the courthouse street in Winchester, a small rural town, and blends gift shopping with a taste of the past.
The fountain is the surprise. Order a freshly made Vanilla Coke and the whole setup feels like a step back to the 1960s.
On the retail side, you will find greeting cards, gift wrap, ornaments, and gifts for pretty much any occasion. The seasonal Christmas open house is a good time to wander and see everything on display.
Fountain drinks and ice cream treats make it easy to grab something cold while you browse for a card or a present.
Note the schedule carefully. It is open Tuesday through Saturday only, so a Monday or Sunday trip means a closed door.
Free parking is available in the lot and on the street.
7. The Igloo Ice Cream Shop, Silver Lake, IN
In a village of around 900 people, a cheerful ice cream counter can become the center of summer. The Igloo Ice Cream Shop on Main Street in Silver Lake delivers exactly that with a big menu and reasonable prices.
Choice is the whole point here. Hand-dipped ice cream comes in over 25 flavors, plus soft serve and homemade ice cream for good measure.
The frozen lineup goes well beyond cones. Sundaes, banana splits, slushies and shaved ice, floats, and thick blended avalanche treats give everyone something to order.
Playful flavor names like Exhausted Parent and Latte Da add a little fun to the board. There is even ice cream for four-legged visitors, and dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating.
It is open all seven days with generous evening hours. Plan on a quick, casual stop, and enjoy the plentiful outdoor seats when the weather cooperates.
8. Hoosier Cupboard Candy, Snacks and Ice Cream, Franklin, IN
A historic train depot in downtown Franklin now houses one of the friendliest sweet stops around. Hoosier Cupboard Candy, Snacks and Ice Cream leans into old-school charm along Jefferson Street.
The candy side is packed with nostalgic sweets and snacks, the kind that bring back memories with every glance at the shelves. Old-fashioned sodas add to the throwback appeal.
The ice cream is the standout for many who stop in. Scoops run generous, prices stay reasonable, and creative flavors give you a reason to try something new.
The owners keep the atmosphere warm and welcoming, which fits the small-town depot setting perfectly.
Hours are a bit shorter, so aim for the afternoon on weekdays and later mornings on Saturday. Free customer parking is available on-site and along the street.
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