The Best Ice Cream Shops in Des Moines

Des Moines takes its frozen treats seriously, offering everything from century-old institutions to modern, experimental creameries. Whether you are looking for a massive “monster” shake or a sophisticated scoop of locally sourced honey lavender, these shops define the city’s sweet side.

🍦 The Timeless Classic: Bauder’s Pharmacy

Bauder’s Pharmacy is a quintessential slice of Americana located in the Ingersoll neighborhood. It’s an old-school drug store with a soda fountain that has been serving the community since 1916, offering a nostalgic atmosphere that feels virtually unchanged by time.

• Signature Move: The Bauder Bar is legendary—a thick slice of peppermint bar ice cream sandwiched between fudge and a cookie crust, famously served at the Iowa State Market.
• The Experience: Visitors often enjoy sitting at the original counter stools to watch their malt or phosphate being made by hand.
• Price & Parking: $ | There is a small shared lot in the back and easy street parking along Ingersoll.

🐮 The Farm-to-Cone Authority: Black Cat Ice Cream

For those who crave bold, artisanal flavors, Black Cat Ice Cream is a must-visit. Located behind the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, this shop is known for its small-batch approach and high butterfat content, resulting in some of the richest ice cream in the Midwest.

• Local Flavors: They specialize in unique combinations like Brown Butter Toasted Marshmallow, Strawberry Balsamic, and Honey Lavender.
• Repeatable Move: Their menu rotates almost daily, but any flavor featuring their house-made “goop” (swirls of fudge or caramel) is a crowd favorite.
• Price & Parking: $$ | Street parking is available around the Sculpture Park; it’s a perfect “walk-and-eat” destination.

🐉 The Hidden Gem: Snookies Malt Shop

Snookies Malt Shop is a seasonal Beaverdale staple that marks the official start of summer for many locals. It’s a walk-up window shop where the lines often wrap around the block, but the efficient service keeps the wait short and the vibe festive.

• The Ritual: They are famous for providing a free “pup cup” (a tiny soft-serve cone with a dog biscuit) to every four-legged visitor.
• Top Pick: Their malts are considered the best in the city—thick enough to require a spoon and made with real malted milk powder.
• Price & Parking: $ | Located in a residential area, so parking is primarily found on the surrounding side streets.

🌈 The Modern Favorite: Outside Scoops

What started as a popular food truck has grown into a beloved brick-and-mortar destination. Outside Scoops brings a bright, contemporary energy to the ice cream scene, focusing on fun, colorful toppings and a very “Instagrammable” aesthetic.

• Visual Shopping: They are known for their Monster Shakes and “flight” options that allow you to try four different scoops at once.
• Feature: They often collaborate with other local businesses for limited-run flavors, such as using coffee from nearby roasters.
• Price & Parking: $$ | Their Ankeny and Indianola locations offer large, dedicated parking lots.

🛡️ Safety & Dietary Disclaimer

Allergy Awareness: Many of these local shops use shared equipment for flavors containing nuts, dairy, and gluten. If you have a severe allergy,Black Cat Ice Cream and Outside Scoops typically offer excellent dairy-free/vegan sorbets or coconut-based options—just be sure to ask the staff for the most current ingredient lists.

✨ Outro

From the historic stools of Bauder’s to the experimental batches at Black Cat, Des Moines offers an ice cream experience for every mood. These shops aren’t just about the sugar; they are about the local community that gathers at the counter every summer.