Summer in Indiana practically begs for a cone in your hand, and this state has some seriously good spots to make that happen. From a 100-plus flavor list in a small college town to a soda fountain that has been running for more than a century, these shops each bring something different to the table.
Some are old-fashioned parlors with real history, others are modern boutiques dishing out creative flavors and dairy-free picks. Whether you are on a road trip, planning a family night, or just chasing the best scoop nearby, this list is worth saving.
Here are eight Indiana ice cream shops that make the drive feel like part of the fun.
1. Zaharakos, Columbus, IN
Step into a building that has been serving scoops since 1900, and you get more than dessert. Carved oak, stained glass, and a marble soda fountain give this downtown Columbus parlor the feel of a place frozen in the best possible way.
The old-fashioned sodas are part of the draw here. Root beer floats, ice cream sodas, milkshakes, and malts share the menu with sundaes and a classic banana split.
Hungry for more than sweets? The Hometown Tenderloin and breaded pork tenderloin sandwich with fries round out a full lunch or dinner.
There is even a small museum inside, complete with working orchestrions, so you can browse a bit of history between bites.
You will find it at 329 Washington St in the heart of downtown Columbus. It runs Wednesday through Sunday, closes on Mondays and Tuesdays, and street parking can fill up fast on busy Saturday afternoons.
2. Ivanhoes, Upland, IN
One hundred shakes and one hundred sundaes. That is the number that keeps this Upland spot buzzing, and it is exactly the kind of menu that makes deciding half the fun.
Beyond the towering treat list, the food holds its own. The hand-breaded tenderloin, grilled chicken salad, and cheddar bacon cheeseburger keep the savory side simple and satisfying.
Sitting in the small East Central Indiana town of Upland, Ivanhoes has become a favorite for college students and families alike. Counter service keeps things moving, though a wait is common when the crowds roll in.
Find it at 979 S Main St. It stays open until 10 PM most nights and 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, with plenty of free parking to make the stop easy.
3. Valpo Velvet Ice Cream, Valparaiso, IN
Scooping since 1947, this northwest Indiana shop has earned true institution status in Valparaiso. The velvety texture is what put it on the map, and freshness is the name of the game.
Colorful decor and fun themes make the parlor as cheerful as the menu. Beyond double scoops and banana splits, you can grab an old-fashioned ice cream soda or a light bite like a Velvet Sub or a BLT.
The ice cream has become such a local staple that you can even spot it stocked at a nearby grocery store. Still, tasting it fresh at the source is the way to go.
Located at 57 Monroe St, the shop is closed on Mondays and keeps varied hours through the week. It is a quick, casual stop with parking close by.
4. Mrs. Curl Ice Cream Shop, Greenwood, IN
A walk-up stand that has been in business since 1962 has a way of feeling both timeless and welcoming. This Greenwood favorite keeps prices friendly and the soft serve flowing.
The flavor options run deep, from a pint of Flavor Burst to the chocolate crunch cone that regulars swear by. There is a classic strawberry shortcake and banana split for those who want the full dessert experience.
It is not just sweets, either. Hot dogs, fries, and a tenderloin sandwich mean you can turn a quick treat into a light meal, all from a simple stand with cute outdoor seating.
You will find it at 259 S Meridian St, just south of Indianapolis. It can get packed, but the line tends to move quickly.
Note there is no restroom on site, so plan accordingly.
5. The Chocolate Moose, Bloomington, IN
Signature flavors with playful names set this Bloomington spot apart. Moose Dream mixes peanut butter and chocolate, and the bright blue Blue Moon has its own loyal following.
Homemade is the key word here. The lineup includes butter pecan, a Chocolate Explosion sundae, and a Dole Whip banana split, plus vegan and dairy-free options like a pineapple soft serve for guests who need them.
It is more than ice cream too. Chili dogs, burgers, frappes, and coffee round out the menu in a spacious, modern counter-serve setting with room to spread out and outdoor seating for warm evenings.
Parked at 405 S Walnut St near the Indiana University campus, it stays open daily from 11 AM all the way to 11 PM. That late close makes it a solid choice for a post-dinner treat.
6. Just Cream Ice Cream Boutique, Fort Wayne, IN
Real fruit in the fruit flavors is a small detail that makes a big difference. That is one of the things that helps this Fort Wayne boutique stand out from the crowd.
The hand-dipped selection is large and leans creative, with picks like an Oreo Fudge Crust and a lemon meringue that earns quiet praise. Mix-and-match combos give you room to build your own perfect scoop.
Prices sit on the reasonable side, and the sprinkles are free, which is a nice touch for kids and grown-ups alike. The shop is clean, cute, and easygoing, with free wi-fi and seating if you want to linger.
Head to 338 E Dupont Rd in northeast Indiana. It keeps generous daily hours from noon to 10 PM, so there is plenty of time to squeeze in a visit.
7. Milk & Sugar Scoop Shoppe, Evansville, IN
Generous scoops are the calling card at this Evansville shop, and a tasting policy means you can sample your way to the right pick before committing.
The flavor variety runs wide, including the crowd-pleasing Fat Elvis and fresh edible cookie dough. A hand-made waffle cone takes any order up a notch, and vegan options keep more guests in the mix.
Attached to a cute little boutique, the space has a relaxed feel with both indoor charm and outdoor seating. Prices stay competitive, which makes it an easy stop for the whole family.
Look for it at 2027 W Franklin St Unit B along historic West Franklin Street in southwest Indiana. It opens daily at noon and stretches to 10 PM on weekends, with free parking to keep the visit simple.
8. Fat Boys Creamery, South Bend, IN
Craving a scoop at midnight? This South Bend creamery is one of the rare spots that can make it happen, with hours stretching all the way to 2 AM every day.
Hard-serve, hand-dipped cones are the specialty, and you can pick from cake, sugar, or waffle cones. The flavor list is long enough that sampling is encouraged before you settle on one.
It is not only about ice cream, either. The menu branches into tacos, smoothies, and crepes, so there is more than dessert waiting inside this bright, clean shop.
Set at 1239 King St in northern South Bend, it is an easy grab for takeout or delivery. Banana pudding ice cream and shakes are among the standouts if you want a place to start.
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