Celebrate National Ice Cream Day This Weekend in DSM

This weekend, the Greater Des Moines Partnership invites you to celebrate one of summer’s most cherished treats — ice cream! On Sunday, July 17, National Ice Cream Day, visit local sweet shops that offer the cool treat in your favorite flavors.

Local Celebrations

Pleasant Hill’s Over the Top is more than ready to celebrate. Starting at Noon on Sunday, July 17, patrons have the chance to win free t-shirts, future scoops and other Over the Top prizes.

And while National Ice Cream Day is something to celebrate, so is a local business’ first anniversary. On Saturday, July 30, Home Sweet Cone Ice Cream in Waukee will have balloon animals, music performed by Andrew Hoyt and even the chance to win free ice cream for a year. The fun starts at 12:30 p.m. so don’t miss out and celebrate this local ice cream business’ success in #DSMUSA.

Other Ice Cream Businesses to Visit This Weekend

In Adel, try out a premium sundae — “Banana Cream” or “Cherry Cheesecake” will do! — at Billy’s Ice Cream Store. Minis are also available, including a soft serve for just $1.50. If you’re looking for family owned, stop by the Waukee Ice Cream Shoppe, where more than 40 flavors await. From “Bubble Gum” to “Dragon Fruit” to “Toffee Crunch,” you won’t be disappointed after your visit to The Shoppe.

SORTEDfood called it “The Best Ice Cream on Earth” and with its evolving menu that includes gluten-free options, Black Cat Ice Cream is one of Des Moines’ best. Try flavors like “Honey Lavender” or “Hawaiian Punch Sorbet.” In Ankeny and Bondurant, try out rolled ice cream from Sweet Swirls Rolled Ice Cream, where customers pick their flavor, up to two mix-ins and sauce. Shakes are also available in five flavors. Grinnell’s Dari Barn boasts popular items like the “Jessie Cyclone,” “Elvis Sundae” and more, while Newton’s Cardinal Corner is a neighborhood staple that loads up its flurries.

And after your order, check out this Reader’s Digest article to find out what your favorite flavor says about your personality. You might be surprised about what it means that you like to order the standard vanilla cone!

Find The Partnership’s list of ice cream locations here.

When dining out — or in — in Greater Des Moines (DSM), locally-owned restaurants, craft breweries, local wineries, coffee shops and more have this foodie scene covered. Find out more about the region’s most popular restaurants and new additions here.