What’s the Scoop?
Cool down with the hottest stops in Idaho’s ice cream scene
By Jane Carlton
When heat waves roll across Idaho, nothing cools you down quite like a delicious ice cream cone. Check out nine sweet destinations throughout the state to savor cones, old-fashioned sodas, shakes, candy, baked goods and more. That’s not all there is to take on in these stops—you’ll also find recommendations for hotels, resorts and even glamping to accommodate your post-sugar rush stay.
Corner Drug Soda Fountain
Corner Drug Soda Fountain | Driggs
For a dose of nostalgia along with your ice cream, walk into the Corner Drug Soda Fountain in Driggs. This location is a throwback to a simpler time, serving up a variety of ice cream, milkshakes, malts and freezes. Along with classics, you can try the daily featured flavors along with fun options like a Purple Monster Shake (Oreo and huckleberry) or an Orange Fanta Float. Pull up a stool at the marble-topped counter and enjoy your scoop before you head out. Visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day to order the famous Fresh Lime Freeze—made from a secret recipe. With so many choices, you may want to stop in more than once. Stay at nearby Teton Peaks Resort for stunning mountain views and the rustic charm of its lodge suites, tiny homes or glamping options.
Skalicky’s Sweet Sensations Bakery
Skalicky’s Sweet Sensations Bakery | Lewiston
No matter your dietary restrictions, you’ll find a delicacy to devour at Skalicky’s Sweet Sensations Bakery in Lewiston. This small family business specializes in gluten-free and keto options as well as traditional desserts. With croissants, coffee cakes, biscotti and handmade candies to choose from, Skalicky’s deserves more than one visit. Spend a night or two at Hells Canyon Grand Hotel and marvel at the gorgeous views from the patio, or go for a dip in the beautiful outdoor pool.
Cloverleaf Creamery
Cloverleaf Creamery | Buhl
At the Cloverleaf Creamery in Buhl, the secret to its outstanding dairy products is in the milk, or rather, the cows. Sourced from its small herd of pedigreed Holsteins, Cloverleaf’s homemade ice cream proves that humane farming practices do make food taste better. Every flavor of all-natural ice cream is worth trying at this family-owned dairy. Round out the trip by reserving a comfortable room at the Oregon Trail Inn.
Reed’s Dairy | Idaho Falls
At Reed’s Dairy in Idaho Falls, be ready to choose between more than 80 flavors of ice cream. This farm-to-table, family-owned dairy has 250 Holstein cows, and all its ice cream is produced on-site. Often, its products are sold within hours of the cows being milked, so look no further for fresh taste! Sumptuous and rich, Reed’s Dairy ice cream is handmade from cream, milk and sugar. While you’re there, relish your cool concoction while visiting the cows, or stop by the petting zoo. Check in at the Hilton Garden Inn, where riverside views and a gorgeous patio await. It doesn’t stop there—Idaho Falls is waiting for you to explore (after your next snack break, of course)!
Rainey Creek Country Store
Huck’s Rainey Creek Country Store | Swan Valley
Visit Huck’s Rainey Creek Country Store in Swan Valley for ice cream like you’ve never seen before! Famous for its square scoops, Huck’s has been serving up its specially shaped ice cream since 1946. Try its best-selling flavor, Huckleberry, or opt for more standard fare. Adventure into all that Swan Valley has to offer—starting with a stay at Moose Creek Ranch, a glamping destination. With mountain views, a babbling creek and a plethora of nearby outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty to do besides just eating ice cream (but that would still be pretty cool)!
Panhandle Cone & Coffee
Panhandle Cone & Coffee | Sandpoint
Serving up seasonal ice cream flavors as well as novelties like Salted Caramel and Brown Butter Cookie, Panhandle Cone & Coffee elevates frozen dessert to another level. Started in Sandpoint in 2015, this family-owned business strives to provide a place for everyone to slow down, take a breath and chow down on a sweet treat. With a focus on creativity, Panhandle’s flavor combinations will draw you back time again. A short distance away, Hotel Ruby offers visitors a chance to take a dip in its pool and hot tubs, relax on its fabulous patio or launch off for one of many local outdoor adventures.
Kristen Brockel
Ice Cream Alley | McCall
In historic downtown McCall, drop by Ice Cream Alley for a fabulous frozen snack. Try flavors like Lemon Pie, Espresso Explosion and Huckleberry at this locally owned ice creamery that has been in business for more than 40 years. Jump into your ice cream treat on the patio, or take a stroll around Payette Lake, just steps away. Even with the generous servings, you’ll want to try more of its 20+ flavors. While you experience McCall, book a room at the gorgeous Scandia Inn—a replica of Scandinavian ski cabins. The newly renovated Scandia’s luxurious rooms offer every amenity.
Ameran Link
Goody’s Soda Fountain and Candy Store | Boise
Visit Goody’s Soda Fountain and Candy Store for handmade, creamy goodness in a classic setting. Nestled in the heart of Boise’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood, Goody’s is steeped in nostalgia. With banana splits, turtle sundaes, ice cream sodas, shakes and malts, Goody’s will have you coming back for more. Order its premium ice cream served up in a timeless glass dish, and eat your treat on a bar stool overlooking jar after jar of old-fashioned candy. Extend your time in Boise at the Modern Hotel, where a fleet of bikes is available to guests, and pedal your way to local attractions—or just to more ice cream.
Black Swan Inn
The Jungle ReTreat Ice Cream | Pocatello
For a treat with a twist, swing into The Jungle ReTreat Ice Cream shop in Pocatello. Its jungle theme is sure to indulge the kid in everyone, and the 34 flavors offer plenty of options for your taste buds, too. Indulge in your dessert in the ambiance of the Jungle Party Room, complete with tropical foliage and plenty of bamboo. This stop is a uniquely fun place to savor your sugary delights. Extend your themed getaway with a stay at The Black Swan Inn, where each room takes you into a new world, complete with murals and sculptures to ignite the imagination.
