Summer in Arkansas practically begs for a cold cone in your hand, and this state has some serious talent when it comes to homemade ice cream. From tiny downtown shops to family-run creameries mixing up flavors you have never heard of, there is a lot more here than plain vanilla.
I pulled together eight spots across the state where the ice cream is made fresh, the flavors get creative, and the lines get long once the weather warms up. Some lean into vegan and dairy-free options, others go big on Mexican-style treats, and a few just do classic scoops better than anyone else.
Whether you are road-tripping through the Ozarks or just looking for a sweet excuse to get out of the house, keep this list handy. Your next favorite scoop might be closer than you think.
1. Loblolly Creamery – SoMa, Little Rock, AR
Flavors with names like Arkansas Mud, bourbon pecan, and strawberry mint tell you right away that this place is not playing it safe. Loblolly is a locally sourced creamery in Little Rock’s SoMa district that leans hard into fresh ingredients and partnerships with local food producers.
If you struggle to make up your mind, order a flight and sample six flavors at once. There are homemade waffle cones, including gluten-free options, plus a solid lineup of sorbets and vegan choices.
The menu stretches well past scoops, with affogatos, cold brew floats, oatmeal cream pie treats, milkshakes, and even a color-changing scoop for the fun of it. The space is casual, cozy, and welcoming to families and groups.
Open daily starting at noon, with later hours on Friday and Saturday. Free and paid street parking is available nearby.
Saturday afternoon is the busiest stretch, so an early evening visit tends to be calmer.
2. Mamoo’s Creamery, Hot Springs National Park, AR
Downtown Hot Springs already draws crowds for its historic buildings, and a stop near the Arlington Hotel makes the walk even sweeter. Mamoo’s Creamery serves made-from-scratch ice cream in generous scoops and homemade waffle cones.
Everything here starts with vanilla and chocolate bases that get spun into creative flavors. Butter pecan made from scratch, coffee, salted caramel, and red velvet all show up in the rotation, along with made-to-order shakes.
Dietary restrictions are taken seriously, which is a nice touch for a shop this small. Portions run generous, so one scoop usually does the trick.
Hours run 1 to 9 PM most days, with later Friday and Saturday closings, and the shop is closed on Tuesday. It is a quick, casual stop that fits easily into a day exploring Central Avenue and the bathhouse row.
3. Crème Ice Cream Co., Fayetteville, AR
Saffron pistachio and biscotti cream are not flavors you stumble on every day, but they are on the board here. Crème Ice Cream Co. in Fayetteville handcrafts thick, smooth ice cream and stacks the menu with flavors you will not find at a grocery store freezer.
Biscoff crumble and Ecuadorian chocolate are among the standouts, and you can order a flight of six to work your way through the lineup. Vegan and dairy-free options are part of the mix, and there are iced drinks and imported snacks too.
The Mangonada is a favorite for anyone who likes a fruity, tangy twist. The atmosphere stays light and casual, with free Wi-Fi and seating that makes it easy to linger.
Open late most nights until 11 PM, with a shorter Sunday schedule. Friday and Saturday evenings pull the biggest crowds, so weekday afternoons are your best bet for a quiet cup.
4. Pure Joy Ice Cream, Siloam Springs, AR
Bourbon caramel, honey, champagne, and watermelon may sound like a wild flavor wheel, but that range is exactly the point at this downtown Siloam Springs shop. Pure Joy makes homemade ice cream, sorbet, and gelato using locally sourced ingredients.
The all-natural approach means you know what is in your cup, and the portions are dialed in just right. Fans gravitate toward the batches mixed with brownies, while the frozen mango sorbet keeps the dairy-free crowd happy.
Its spot in the historic downtown makes it an easy add-on after a visit to the nearby park. The setting is quiet, cozy, and easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace.
Open Monday through Saturday until 10 PM and shorter on Sunday. Thursday and Saturday evenings tend to draw the most people, so plan around those if you prefer a calmer stop.
Dogs are welcome outside.
5. Paradice Cream, Mountain Home, AR
Free samples of any flavor you want is a hard offer to beat, and this Mountain Home shop makes good on it. Paradice Cream turns out homemade ice cream right in the back, with a creamy texture served in oversized homemade waffle cones that carry a hint of cinnamon.
The flavor board is deep, and there is a real effort to include everyone. Vegan, dairy-free, keto, and lower-sugar options all have a place here.
Being locally owned shows in the friendly service and fair pricing. It is the kind of easygoing stop where trying a few flavors before committing is encouraged rather than rushed.
Open every day from noon to 9 PM, with a free parking lot on site. Sunday, Friday, and Saturday evenings are the busiest windows.
Dogs are welcome inside and out, which is a nice bonus for travelers with pups along for the ride.
6. Las Delicias Conway OG, Conway, AR
A churro split is not something most people know they need until it lands in front of them, warm churros nestled right in the ice cream. Las Delicias in Conway is a lively shop built around homemade ice cream, popsicles, and Mexican-style sweets.
The selection goes far beyond scoops. Mangonadas, Piña Loca, elote loco, bionicos, and strawberry sweet creams share the menu with paletas and street snacks.
The colorful space has indoor seating plus tables outside, which comes in handy on a nice day. It sits close to UCA, making it a natural stop for anyone visiting campus.
Open daily from 10 AM, with later hours on Friday and Saturday. Sunday evening is the peak rush, and mornings early in the week stay quiet.
Coffee is on offer too if you want something warm alongside the cold treats.
7. Delilah’s Ice Cream, Jonesboro, AR
Avocado, cheese and blueberry, mango and milk. If those combinations raise an eyebrow, that is exactly the adventure Delilah’s in Jonesboro is going for.
This shop specializes in less traditional flavors, with fruit cups and nachos rounding out the menu.
The homemade Mexican-style ice cream is the main event, and the flavor list rewards the curious. There is plenty to sample if you want to work your way toward the unusual picks.
The setting is clean and comfortable, with good seating and free Wi-Fi for anyone who wants to slow down. It is a welcoming, community-minded spot with an inclusive, friendly atmosphere.
Hours run noon to 9 PM most days, later on Friday and Saturday, and closed on Tuesday. There is a free parking lot, and coffee is available if you want a warm counterpart to your scoop.
Sunday evening and Saturday afternoon see the most traffic.
8. La Nueva Michoacana Mexican Ice-Cream Factory, Fort Smith, AR
Rolled ice cream, aguas frescas, and tamales all under one roof make this Fort Smith spot more than just a dessert stop. La Nueva Michoacana is a colorful, family-run operation that makes its own ice cream using fresh fruit and quality ingredients.
The variety is where it shines. Cones and pops sit alongside snacks, mixed fruit waters, and street food, so you can build a whole little meal around your treat.
Samples are offered freely, which takes the pressure off choosing among so many flavors. The pricing is friendly, and the welcoming service keeps regulars coming back.
Open daily from 10 AM, staying open until 10 PM on Friday through Sunday. Weekend evenings are the busiest, while Friday mornings are the quietest.
Coffee is available too, and the casual, cozy setup makes it an easy stop for groups and kids.
Enjoyed this story?
Add Fast Food Club as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.