If there’s one thing that nearly everyone can agree on, it’s ice cream. Cold, sweet, and creamy, it’s the ultimate indulgence we will always save some room for. Every state boasts its own popular ice cream stands where lines of patient customers dreaming of the first bite of their favorite flavor stretch out the door or around the block, no matter the season. Whether your preference is hard-packed or soft serve, a cup or a cone, or an over-the-top sundae, here are some of the most popular ice cream stands featuring the best ice cream in America.
1. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard – St. Louis, Missouri
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard has been a mainstay along Historic Route 66 in St. Louis, Missouri, for over 95 years. The first stand was opened in Florida in 1929 by tennis champion Ted Drewes Sr. The following year, he opened one in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, on Natural Bridge Road, followed by a second location on South Grand in 1931. It wasn’t until 1941 that the famous Chippewa stand was opened along Route 66 to the delight of locals and road trippers.
It was at this location that Ted Drewes Jr. developed the concrete, a custard so thick and creamy that it holds its shape when served upside down. Run by the fourth generation of the Drewes family, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard still draws crowds of people eager to try this legendary frozen treat. Visit the Ted Drewes website for a menu and location information
2. Kopp’s Frozen Custard – Glendale, Greenfield, and Brookfield, Wisconsin
With three stands in the Milwaukee area, those who live in the city are never too far from a Kopp’s Frozen Custard location. Founded by Elsa Kopp in 1950, Kopp’s success and popularity grew from its tasty frozen custard, made with quality ingredients. In 1960, Elsa began to develop a menu of creative and unusual flavors. Today, each Kopp’s Frozen Custard location offers a special “Flavor of the Day,” plus juicy burgers, and you’ll get a dose of nostalgia with each delicious bite.
Check the Kopp’s Frozen Custard website to view a menu, plus today’s featured flavors, the shake of the month, and the sundae of the month.
3. Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream – Skowhegan, Maine
The original Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream stand on Madison Avenue in Skowhegan sees long lines (don’t worry, they move quickly!) on hot summer days, and for good reason. Using locally sourced ingredients, Gifford’s has received numerous national and international awards, including World’s Best Vanilla and World’s Best Chocolate, as well as first place in the People’s Choice awards for its must-try flavor, Campfire S’mores…