Minnesota’s Must-Try Ice Cream Spots (The Ultimate Scoop Guide)
The Best Ice Cream Shops by City – Twin Cities, Suburbs, and Small Town Gems
Ice cream in Minnesota isn’t just a summer treat—it’s a year-round tradition. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot July day or indulging during a snowy night, there’s always a reason for a scoop.
From nostalgic neighborhood parlors to creative small-batch makers, Minnesota’s ice cream scene is full of flavor, charm, and personality.
As a local in the Twin Cities and a self-proclaimed ice cream enthusiast, I’ve spent countless weekends with my husband chasing down the sweetest spots. We’ve discovered cozy classics, bold innovators, and everything in between.
This guide is a roundup of our favorite ice cream finds across the state—organized by city to help you plan your next treat-filled adventure.
Twin Cities Favorites
The ice cream scene in Minneapolis and St. Paul is full of personality. Whether you’re into classic scoops or wild flavors, the Twin Cities delivers.
Minneapolis
Bebe Zito – Minneapolis
Known for its artistic, ever-changing flavors and cool vibes, Bebe Zito is where ice cream meets edgy creativity. Expect both vegan and indulgent options, eccentric décor, and exciting limited editions.
📍 2925 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Sebastian Joe’s – Minneapolis
A Lake Harriet favorite, Sebastian Joe’s is cozy and comforting with house-made ice cream and a charming patio. Their all-natural ingredients and community feel make it a Minneapolis classic.
📍 4321 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Milkjam Creamery – Minneapolis
Bold, boozy, and totally Instagram-worthy. Milkjam’s rotating menu features dairy-free picks and decadent flavor flights. It’s perfect for those who love a little adventure in their dessert.
📍 2743 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
La La Homemade Ice Cream – Minneapolis
Located in Longfellow, this small-batch shop serves up seasonal flavors and organic ingredients. It’s low-key, thoughtful, and a local favorite for mindful indulgence.
📍 3421 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN
Wonders Ice Cream – Minneapolis
Rolled ice cream made before your eyes? Yes, please. Wonders delivers a fun, interactive dessert experience with tons of toppings and vibrant flair.
📍 800 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN
Bridgeman’s Ice Cream Parlor – Minneapolis
Step into a vintage soda fountain. Bridgeman’s serves sundaes, floats, and retro treats with a side of nostalgia.
📍 916 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN
Ben & Jerry’s – Minneapolis
A classic with a local feel. Chunky scoops, colorful murals, and friendly faces make this location a reliable treat stop near the heart of the city.
📍 3001 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Fletcher’s Ice Cream – Minneapolis
Northeast’s elevated scoop shop. Small-batch, seasonal flavors and a minimalist setting make this a refined and satisfying spot.
📍 306 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Treats Cereal Bar & Ice Cream – Minneapolis
Cereal lovers, this is your dream. Treats combines nostalgic breakfast favorites with over-the-top sundaes in a colorful, energetic space.
📍 15 E 4th St, Minneapolis, MN
Sonny’s Ice Cream – Minneapolis
A romantic European-style gelato café with a charming patio. It’s the kind of place you go to slow down, sip espresso, and savor each spoonful.
📍 3403 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
St. Paul
Grand Ole Creamery – St. Paul
An old-school gem with hand-rolled waffle cones and cozy vibes. It’s a family tradition for many and a classic for a reason.
📍 750 Grand Ave, St. Paul, MN
2 Scoops Ice Cream Eatery – St. Paul
Simple, warm, and welcoming. 2 Scoops delivers big scoops, friendly faces, and no-frills charm.
📍 921 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN
Twin Cities Suburbs
Looking for amazing ice cream just outside the metro? These suburban shops are worth the detour.
Honey & Mackie’s – Plymouth
A cheerful scoop shop with small-batch flavors and a fun twist: fries with your ice cream!
📍 16725 County Rd 24, Plymouth, MN
Amore Ice Cream – Elk River
Gelato with a side of elegance. Amore brings a taste of Italy to Elk River with smooth scoops and a cozy vibe.
📍 260 Carson St NW, Elk River, MN
Cold Stone Creamery – Maple Grove
Interactive and customizable. Watch your ice cream get mixed before your eyes—perfect for birthdays and casual treat nights.
📍 7890 Main St N, Maple Grove, MN
Cullens Ice Cream – Champlin
A retro-inspired parlor with classic shakes, cones, and a nostalgic setting. Family-friendly and full of charm.
📍 12435 Champlin Dr, Champlin, MN
Big Dipper Ice Cream – Blaine
Oversized scoops and simple pleasures. Big Dipper keeps it classic and community-focused.
📍 10650 Baltimore St NE, Blaine, MN
The Scoop – Eagan
A neighborhood gem with generous portions, rotating flavors, and a welcoming patio vibe.
📍 3340 Coachman Rd, Eagan, MN
Edina Creamery – Edina
A throwback scoop shop with cozy booths and old-school charm. Great for family outings or a casual cone date.
📍 50th & France, 5055 France Ave S, Edina, MN
Frio Frio – St. Louis Park
Mexican-style paletas done right. Bursting with fruit and vibrant flavor, these pops are cool, creative, and refreshing.
📍 St. Louis Park, MN
Waddup Dough – St. Anthony
Donuts + ice cream = magic. Waddup Dough creates unforgettable ice cream sandwiches inside a colorful dessert wonderland.
📍 2700 39th Ave NE Suite A108, St. Anthony, MN
Two Scoops – Osseo
A downtown favorite with fresh waffle cones, friendly service, and timeless treats.
📍 215 Central Ave, Osseo, MN
Cup & Cone – White Bear Lake
Soft-serve with small-town heart. This local staple has served happy scoops since 1973.
📍 2126 4th St, White Bear Lake, MN
Small Town Gems
Even the smallest Minnesota towns have big ice cream flavors waiting to be discovered.
MN Ice Cream – Stillwater
Bright soft-serve cones and fun toppings make this Main Street shop a whimsical stop near the river.
📍 306 S Main St, Stillwater, MN
Nelson’s Ice Cream – Stillwater
Legendary portions and classic vibes. Nelson’s is an icon for a reason—just try finishing one of their cones!
📍 920 Olive St W, Stillwater, MN
Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop – Stillwater
Vintage diner charm meets thick malts and sweet floats. Great food, even better dessert.
📍 131 Main St S, Stillwater, MN
Licks Unlimited – Excelsior
Scoops by the lake? Yes, please. Licks is right by Lake Minnetonka and packed with old-fashioned charm.
📍 31 Water St, Excelsior, MN
Schoolhouse Scoop – Hastings
Housed in a converted school, this shop mixes childhood nostalgia with creamy, delicious fun.
📍 415 N Washington St, Hastings, MN
FAQs – Ice Cream in Minnesota
When’s the best time for ice cream?
Honestly, anytime! Many shops stay open all year.
Are there vegan or dairy-free options?
Yes—check out Bebe Zito, Milkjam, and Fletcher’s.
Best for kids?
Wonders, Treats, Honey & Mackie’s, and Cup & Cone.
Most Instagrammable?
MN Ice Cream and Treats bring the glitter and color.
Biggest scoops?
Nelson’s. Trust us—you’ll need help finishing.
Most creative flavors?
Try Bebe Zito, Fletcher’s, or Milkjam.
Shops near lakes?
Licks Unlimited (Minnetonka), Nelson’s (St. Croix), and Sebastian Joe’s (Harriet).
The Final Scoop
From colorful soft-serve and chunky sundaes to elegant gelato and old-fashioned malts, Minnesota’s ice cream scene is full of character—and plenty of sugar.
Whether you’re grabbing a cone after dinner, going on a sweet date night, or planning an epic road trip with the family, there’s a scoop shop ready to make your day.
Did your favorite spot make the list?
I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @minnecravings if you share photos from your latest scoop or your favorite ice cream spot! You can also follow along on Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook for more Minnesota travel inspiration, foodie cravings, and weekend adventures.
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