3. Molly's Frozen Artisan Ice Cream
322 East Court Avenue
4. La Premium Michoacana Artisan Ice Cream
1434 Des Moines St Ste 10
7. Snookies Malt Shop Artisan Ice Cream
1810 Beaver Avenue
8. La Ventanita Snack Bar Artisan Ice Cream
3802 6th Ave
9. Granny's Sweet Freeze Artisan Ice Cream
3417 Hubbell Ave
10. LJ's Burgers and Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream
3702 2nd Avenue
11. Kaleidoscoops Artisan Ice Cream
2929 Merle Hay Rd
12. Nothing Major Artisan Ice Cream
608 Locust Street
13. The Dairy Barn Soft Serve
Rock Is
16. The Creamery Artisan Ice Cream
424 East Locust Street
17. La Premium Michoacana Artisan Ice Cream
1434 Des Moines Street
18. Paleteria La Michoacana Artisan Ice Cream
1552 East Grand Avenue
20. Menchie's Frozen Yogurt Frozen Yogurt
2105 Ingersoll Ave
21. Baskin-Robbins Artisan Ice Cream
4221 Fleur Dr
22. Dairy Queen Soft Serve
5814 Hickman Rd
23. Dairy Queen Soft Serve
5415 Douglas Ave 5415 Douglas Ave
24. Dairy Queen Soft Serve
3520 1st St
25. Menchie's Frozen Yogurt
2105 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, IA
Ice cream shops in Des Moines, IA: a local guide
We currently track 25 ice cream shops and parlors serving Des Moines, IA in Polk County.
What ice cream costs in Des Moines
A single scoop in Des Moines usually runs about $4-$7, with specialty sundaes, shakes, and pints higher. Small-batch and locally made ice cream costs a little more than soft-serve chains.
What to look for in an ice cream shop in Des Moines
- Look for house-made or small-batch ice cream — Des Moines shops that churn their own usually taste fresher.
- Check for dairy-free, vegan, or no-sugar-added options if you need them.
- Ask what's seasonal or local — the best shops rotate flavors and use local dairy or fruit.
- Read reviews for portion size and freshness, not just the flavor list.
- Check hours and seasonality — many Des Moines scoop shops keep shorter winter hours.
Questions to ask before you go
- What are your hours this time of year?
- Do you have gluten-free cones or toppings?
- Do you make your ice cream in-house?
- What dairy-free or vegan options do you have?
- Which flavors are seasonal or local right now?
Many Des Moines listings also serve hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, gelato, sorbet, and dairy-free options.
Frequently asked questions
How much does ice cream cost in Des Moines?
A single scoop in Des Moines usually runs about $4 to $7, with sundaes, shakes, and pints higher. Small-batch and locally made ice cream costs a bit more than soft-serve chains.
Where can I find dairy-free or vegan ice cream in Des Moines?
Many Des Moines shops now carry dairy-free, vegan, or sorbet options. Check the listings above and ask, since offerings change with the season.
What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?
Gelato has less fat and less air than ice cream, so it is denser with more intense flavor. Several Des Moines shops serve both.
Are Des Moines ice cream shops open year-round?
Some keep shorter winter hours or close seasonally. Check the hours for the shop you have in mind before you go.
Ice cream in Des Moines: the local scoop
Where's the best ice cream in Des Moines?
The shops above are the independent, small-batch spots in and around Des Moines — no chains. The order reflects community ratings, so the more people rate, the better it gets. Tried one? Give it a rating.
Gelato, custard, or classic scoop?
Use the category chips to filter Des Moines shops by gelato, frozen custard, soft serve, sorbet and dairy-free, and rolled ice cream — whatever you're craving.
Know a spot we're missing?
This directory is built from open data and grows with the community. If a great Des Moines scoop shop isn't listed, add it here.
GelatoFrozen CustardSoft ServeFrozen YogurtSorbet & VeganRolled Ice CreamIce Cream CakesItalian Ice
Scoops near Des Moines
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About Des Moines
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