5 Of The Best Ice Cream Shops in Des Moines
There’s nothing better on a hot summer day than an ice cream cone. I always have to plan an ice cream stop on a summer road trip, so if you’re the same way, keep reading because I’ve got some great ice cream shops for you to try…if you’re going to be in Des Moines. Whether you’re just passing through or planning a weekend to the city, you won’t want to miss a stop at any of these ice cream shops in Des Moines!
UPDATED: This post was first published in 2021 and has been updated in April 2026 following relocations, new openings, and closures.
1. Classic Frozen Custard
There’s a reason that the slogan at Classic Frozen Custard is “once you lick it, you’ll love it.” This southside custard shop has a rotating menu of flavors that are made fresh daily. Ice cream lovers can order custard in cones, shakes, sundaes and malts, but come hungry: The portions at Classic Frozen Custard are notoriously large.
Classic Frozen Custard, 4000 SE 14th St., Des Moines
2. Black Cat Ice Cream
While Black Cat Ice Cream got its start as a hole-in-the-wall ice cream window inside the Gaslamp in downtown Des Moines, bigger things are in its future. After a period of time without a storefront, the fan favorite craft ice cream makers are moving into a new location in the Drake neighborhood.
With unique flavors like Saturday Cereal and Chocolate Ghost Chili, Black Cat Ice Cream is a shop worth visiting. Plus, if you’re feeling indecisive, they also offer ice cream flights.
Black Cat Ice Cream Downtown, 1301 Locust St., Suite D, Des Moines and Black Cat Valley Junction, 134 Fifth St., West Des Moines
3. Snookies Malt Shop
One of the first signs of spring in Des Moines is the day that Snookies Malt Shop opens for the season. This Beaverdale favorite serves up classic soft serve ice cream with a range of dips, toppings and sundae combinations available. On a summer evening, it’s not uncommon for the line at this popular shop to wrap around the building. Snookies also serves free pup cones for your furry friend!
Snookies Malt Shop, 1810 Beaver Ave., Des Moines
4. Dairy Zone
Opened in 1990, Dairy Zone is an eastside favorite for frozen treats of all kinds. From classic cones to ice cream tornados with a variety of mix-ins available, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth here.
Dairy Zone, 2219 E. University Ave., Des Moines
5. The Outside Scoop
While they have brick-and-mortar locations in Indianola and Ankeny, The Outside Scoop got its start as a bright pink ice cream truck. This local favorite makes small batch ice cream from scratch and can be found parked around downtown or at special events across the metro. The Outside Scoop pairs classic flavors alongside funkier options like goat cheese with roasted cherry so this truck has something for everyone.
The Outside Scoop, 602 N. Jefferson Way, Indianola, and 2410 SW White Birch Drive, Ankeny
