Seven Locally Owned Ice Cream Parlors in Kansas
Is your household screaming for ice cream? Treat your family to cold, creamy goodness from a locally owned parlor. Not only are the ingredients often fresher than those used at national chains, but popping into a small business stimulates the local economy and puts a smile on the owner’s face. Check out these seven shops across Kansas.
Dagney’s Ice Cream (Salina)
After purchasing a building in downtown Salina for their chiropractic business, the Dagney family wondered how best to use the extra space. Luckily for locals, they researched ice cream production and even visited shops across the country to learn best practices of the craft. In 2017, Dagney’s Ice Cream was born with a commitment to making “the freshest and best tasting ice cream in the world.”
Fairway Creamery (Fairway)
Fairway Creamery is a sweet tooth’s dream. Their menu consists of ice cream (soft serve and traditional), doughnuts and artisanal chocolates. Using fresh ingredients and striving to have fun along the way, this shop accepts preorders so you’re sure to get exactly what you’re craving.
Gibson Health Mart (WaKeeney)
If you’re on the hunt for nostalgia, pop into Gibson Health Mart. Boasting the original soda fountain from 1892, you’ll find more than 100 different flavors to try. And don’t worry, there are plenty of frozen desserts too. Whether you’re in the mood for a malt, shake or classic ice cream scoop, Gibson Health Mart’s menu delivers.
Old Mill Tasty Shop (Wichita)
This Wichita staple has been open since 1932. With a smorgasbord of flavors and toppings (plus homemade desserts like carrot cake and bread pudding), Old Mill Tasty Shop will satisfy any appetite.
School Creek Scoops (St. George)
Co-founders Garin and Ashley Beam churn School Creek Scoops’ ice cream in 1.5-gallon batches. Based on a family recipe dating back more than 50 years, they pride themselves on creating a smooth (never hard or icy) product. If you’re looking to spread the silky joy, School Creek Scoops offers a mobile ice cream truck available to rent for parties.
Sylas and Maddy’s (Olathe and Lawrence)
Owned and operated by three generations of the same family, Sylas and Maddy’s first opened in 1997. They make their waffle cones fresh daily — there’s nothing like that sweet smell! — and use only the best ingredients. The shop happily accepts flavor suggestions from customers, and they promise a “very yummy special surprise” if the recommendation is used.
The Golden Scoop (Overland Park)
Dig into delicious ice cream and feel especially good about doing so at The Golden Scoop. This nonprofit shop is on a mission to employ people with disabilities and foster a community of inclusion. With two locations, a variety of events and volunteer opportunities, there are many ways to support their work (while enjoying a tasty treat).
We don’t know about you, but we’re drooling and dreaming about all these shops. (Road trip, anyone?!) If you’re lucky enough to hit one of the parlors above, we’d love to see! Post your Instagram-worthy ice cream and tag @KSFarmFood so we can live vicariously through your bites.
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