15 Must-Try Ice Creams And Frozen Desserts In Minnesota
Minnesota may be known for its snowy winters, but that has never stopped locals from craving a frozen scoop. Ice cream here is a year-round love story.
From old-school parlors to modern creameries experimenting with bold flavors, every cone tells part of the state’s food history. Local dairy, seasonal fruit, and pure Midwestern imagination come together in these desserts.
Whether you’re in the Twin Cities or exploring small-town gems, these frozen favorites are worth bundling up for.
1. Sebastian Joe’s (Minneapolis)
Step into this Minneapolis institution and you’ll smell waffle cones baking before you even order. Known for quirky names like Nicollet Avenue Pothole and rich, nutty flavors, it has a reputation for indulgence. Chocolate lovers rave about the dense cocoa scoops, while fruit fans appreciate fresh raspberry or mango swirls.
The parlor has been family-owned since the 1980s, keeping the craft personal and the flavors playful. Locals often insist no Minneapolis summer feels complete without at least one Joe’s cone.
2. Izzy’s Ice Cream (St. Paul & Minneapolis)
What sets this shop apart is its signature “Izzy Scoop”—a tiny bonus scoop perched atop every order. Flavors range from classic vanilla bean to inventive creations like Norwegian Chai or Maple Nut. Seasonal specialties draw from regional farms, making each visit a little different.
Both Minneapolis and St. Paul locations became community favorites for their friendly feel and playful presentation. The Izzy Scoop, small as it is, has turned countless customers into lifelong fans.
3. Milkjam Creamery (Minneapolis)
Here, creativity rules the menu. Flavors like Cereal Killer (fruity cereal milk) or Black (deep cocoa with salted caramel) turn heads. Vegan options get equal care, crafted with coconut milk and bold global spices.
The atmosphere matches the menu—modern, edgy, and adventurous. For those who like ice cream with personality, this spot delivers both flavor and attitude.
4. Grand Ole Creamery (St. Paul)
Since 1984, this St. Paul landmark has been scooping cones nearly the size of your head. Their malted waffle cones are hand-rolled daily, giving a crunchy contrast to the creamy scoops. Signature flavors like Black Hills Gold or Sweet Cream Banana keep regulars coming back.
Presidents and celebrities have stopped in, but the neighborhood vibe remains unchanged. Families gather here not just for dessert but for tradition.
5. Nelson’s Ice Cream (Stillwater & St. Paul)
A single scoop here could feed two people. Known for gigantic portions, Nelson’s is practically a rite of passage for Minnesotans. The menu features over 40 flavors, ranging from rum black cherry to bubblegum.
The parlor’s challenge-size cones inspire awe, with names like Lumberjack signaling massive stacks. Whether shared or conquered alone, Nelson’s promises both excess and fun.
6. Pumphouse Creamery (Minneapolis)
Organic ingredients and seasonal flavors define this neighborhood creamery. Think rhubarb crisp in spring, pumpkin spice in fall, and blueberry lemon during summer. Dairy comes from small Minnesota farms, keeping flavors authentic and fresh.
Cones and cups here feel rustic yet refined, with every scoop crafted thoughtfully. It’s the place to taste what the season in Minnesota actually feels like.
7. Honey & Mackie’s (Plymouth)
This suburban gem pairs small-batch ice cream with hand-cut fries, a combination that quickly earned a cult following. Flavors like Brown Butter Bourbon Truffle or Honey Lavender highlight its creativity. Seasonal sorbets provide refreshing alternatives for lighter tastes.
Family-owned and focused on kids as much as adults, the shop feels playful and welcoming. The salty-sweet combo of fries and scoops makes it especially addictive.
8. La La Homemade Ice Cream (Minneapolis)
Homemade is more than a name here, but the heart of the shop. Small batches mean flavors stay vibrant and carefully balanced. Favorites include pistachio, almond, and creamy espresso.
Every detail feels personal, from the cozy space to the thoughtful recipes. For those seeking artisanal scoops with an intimate touch, La La delivers.
9. FrozBroz Ice Cream (Twin Cities Pop-Ups)
Instead of a permanent shop, this brand thrives on surprise. Weekly experimental flavors, like malted milk ball or lemon basil, appear at pop-ups across the Twin Cities. The rotating creativity keeps fans constantly curious.
Pints often sell out quickly, proof of the cult following FrozBroz has built. In Minnesota, missing a drop feels like missing an event.
10. Adele’s Frozen Custard (Excelsior)
Thick, creamy custard is the specialty at Adele’s, where texture takes center stage. Daily rotating flavors range from Butter Brickle to tart cherry. Toppings are simple but generous, letting the custard shine.
Its lakeside location makes it a summer magnet, with long lines forming on warm evenings. The reward is worth every minute of waiting.
11. Conny’s Creamy Cone (St. Paul)
Soft-serve fans flock here for towering swirls dipped in candy shells. Flavors range from classic chocolate to blueberry or pistachio. Conny’s also offers sundaes with toppings piled high.
The retro vibe and bright exterior make it impossible to miss. For many St. Paul locals, Conny’s signals the start of summer.
12. Bridgeman’s Ice Cream (Various Minnesota Locations)
Once a statewide chain, Bridgeman’s survives as a beloved legacy brand. Scoops are rich, creamy, and deeply nostalgic. Turtle sundaes, malted shakes, and banana splits keep traditions alive.
Even after decades, the name still sparks memories of childhood outings. Today, Bridgeman’s remains a sweet thread tying generations together.
13. Big River Scoop (Bemidji)
This lakeside spot pairs local pride with inventive flavors. Scoops might include Paul Bunyan-sized portions of blueberry cheesecake or fudge swirls. Tourists and locals alike crowd in after walks along the lake.
The charm comes from its small-town energy—friendly service, big servings, and plenty of joy. Bemidji wouldn’t taste the same without it.
14. Dairy Queen (Roseville)
Though founded in Illinois, the very first Dairy Queen opened in Minnesota, cementing its place in state pride. Blizzards, sundaes, and cones remain nostalgic staples.
Generations remember trips to Dairy Queen as the highlight of summer. The chain’s Midwestern roots still make it feel local, even worldwide.
15. Sonny’s Ice Cream Café (Minneapolis)
Old-world charm sets Sonny’s apart. Flavors lean Italian-inspired, with rich gelatos and sorbettos made in small batches. Seating feels European café-style, perfect for lingering.
The experience is about slowing down and savoring. In a city filled with ice cream choices, Sonny’s stands out for its romance.
