The Official 20 Stop Ohio Ice Cream Trail And The Central Ohio Shops You Can’t Miss

Creamy scoops crown waffle cones, chill fog curls from cups, and the first lick tastes like summer remembered. Across Ohio, family creameries and frozen custard stands churn traditions into fresh ideas, pairing rich dairy with playful swirls and seasonal riffs.

Roadside counters ring with bell orders. Counters gleam, mixers hum, and flavors move from classic vanilla to bold Ohio originals. Map your cravings, follow the sweet signs, and let each stop remind you why this state takes ice cream so seriously.

1. Toft’s – Sandusky

Founded in 1900, this Sandusky institution has been crafting premium ice cream for over a century. Families have been making the pilgrimage here for generations, drawn by classic flavors and a nostalgic atmosphere.

The shop still uses time-tested recipes that highlight quality dairy from local farms. Visitors can tour the production facility and watch how their favorite treats come to life.

2. Mason’s Creamery – Cleveland

This Ohio City gem brings a modern twist to traditional ice cream making with inventive seasonal flavors. The small-batch approach means every scoop is crafted with attention to detail and fresh ingredients.

From bourbon butterscotch to black raspberry chip, the rotating menu keeps regulars coming back to try something new. The cozy neighborhood vibe makes it a perfect stop after exploring Cleveland’s west side.

3. Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Cleveland

Starting as a single shop in Ohio City, Mitchell’s has grown into a Cleveland favorite known for bold flavors and quality ingredients. The founders still make everything from scratch, honoring their original commitment to handcrafted treats.

Unique offerings like lavender honey and peanut butter Oreo stand alongside classic vanilla and chocolate. Multiple locations across Cleveland make it easy to find your fix.

4. Honey Hut Ice Cream – Cleveland

Since 1974, this beloved chain has been serving Clevelanders creamy soft-serve and hand-dipped flavors at multiple locations. The signature honey-sweetened ice cream sets it apart from typical parlors.

Warm summer evenings find lines wrapping around the building as locals grab cones and sundaes. The old-fashioned charm and consistently smooth texture have built a loyal following across generations.

5. Rosati’s Frozen Custard – Northfield Center

Frozen custard fans know the difference, and Rosati’s delivers the rich, dense texture that makes this treat special. The higher egg content creates a silky smoothness that regular ice cream can’t match.

Fresh fruit toppings and homemade hot fudge complement the custard perfectly. Located near Akron, this spot has become a destination for anyone seeking authentic frozen custard in Northeast Ohio.

6. Dietsch Brothers – Findlay

Operating since 1937, this Findlay landmark combines an old-fashioned soda fountain with handmade chocolates and premium ice cream. The vintage atmosphere transports visitors back to simpler times.

Homemade waffle cones fill the air with sweet vanilla scent while customers debate between dozens of flavors. The attached candy shop tempts with hand-dipped chocolates and nostalgic treats that make perfect souvenirs.

7. Bluffton Dari Freeze – Bluffton

This classic small-town drive-in has been a Bluffton tradition for decades, serving soft-serve and hand-dipped treats. The casual outdoor setting and friendly service create a relaxed summer evening vibe.

Generous portions and affordable prices keep families returning throughout the season. Local residents consider a trip here an essential part of warm-weather routines, gathering at picnic tables to enjoy their cones.

8. Hartzler Family Dairy’s Ice Cream Shoppe – Wooster

Farm-fresh takes on new meaning at this Wooster dairy where the milk comes straight from the family’s own cows. The connection between pasture and parlor ensures exceptional freshness in every scoop.

Simple, honest flavors let the quality cream shine through without unnecessary additives. Visiting the farm shop offers a glimpse into sustainable dairy farming while enjoying some of Ohio’s finest ice cream.

9. Milk & Honey – Canton

Canton’s answer to artisan ice cream brings creative flavor combinations and a commitment to local ingredients. The shop’s modern aesthetic matches its innovative approach to classic frozen desserts.

Seasonal menus change with what’s available from nearby farms and producers. The result is ice cream that tastes distinctly of Ohio, celebrating regional flavors in unexpected ways that surprise and delight.

10. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt – Youngstown

Born in Youngstown in 1945, Handel’s has expanded nationwide while keeping its heart in Ohio. The original location still draws crowds with its made-fresh-daily philosophy and generous portions.

Over 100 flavors rotate through the year, from simple vanilla to elaborate mix-ins and seasonal specialties. The success story started right here, making this location a pilgrimage site for ice cream enthusiasts.

11. The Creamery – Delphos

Small-town charm defines this Delphos favorite where everyone seems to know each other by name. The friendly atmosphere makes newcomers feel like regulars from their first visit.

Classic flavors and reliable quality have built a reputation that extends beyond this Allen County community. Simple pleasures like a perfectly scooped cone on a summer evening never go out of style here.

12. Lake City Creamery – Celina

Positioned near Grand Lake St. Marys, this creamery serves as the perfect ending to a day on the water. Boaters and beachgoers stop by for cool treats after soaking up the sun.

The location captures that vacation feeling even for locals just out for an evening stroll. Hand-dipped cones taste even better with a lakeside breeze and the sound of waves nearby.

13. Velvet Ice Cream (Ye Olde Mill) – Utica

Housed in a restored 1817 mill, Velvet Ice Cream offers more than just frozen treats—it’s a destination experience. The scenic setting along the Licking River adds historical charm to every visit.

Tours show how this Ohio company has been making premium ice cream since 1914. The combination of history, beautiful grounds, and delicious ice cream makes Ye Olde Mill a must-visit attraction.

14. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – Columbus

What started as a single Columbus scoop shop has become a national sensation known for unexpected flavor combinations. Founder Jeni Britton Bauer revolutionized American ice cream with her creative approach and commitment to quality ingredients.

Flavors like brown butter almond brittle and goat cheese with red cherries challenge traditional expectations. The original North Market location remains a Columbus landmark and proud Ohio success story.

15. Johnson’s Real Ice Cream – Bexley

This Bexley institution has been a gathering spot for Columbus-area families since 1950. The unchanged recipes and timeless atmosphere create a comforting consistency that generations appreciate.

Real ingredients and no shortcuts define the Johnson’s philosophy. The crowded parking lot on summer evenings proves that quality and tradition still matter in a world of constant change and quick trends.

16. Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl – Zanesville

Open since 1948, Tom’s combines ice cream with a unique bowling theme that makes it a Zanesville landmark. The retro interior and classic menu create a time capsule experience.

Homemade ice cream served in a nostalgic setting draws visitors from across Southeast Ohio. The friendly service and enormous sundaes have made Tom’s a beloved tradition for families celebrating special occasions and ordinary days alike.

17. Young’s Jersey Dairy – Yellow Springs

More than just an ice cream shop, Young’s is a working dairy farm offering mini golf, batting cages, and farm animals. Families can spend hours here beyond just grabbing a cone.

The ice cream comes from their own Jersey cows, ensuring farm-to-cone freshness. This combination of entertainment and exceptional dairy products has made Young’s a beloved Ohio destination for over 60 years.

18. Whit’s Frozen Custard – Athens

Founded in 2007 in Athens, Whit’s has grown from a college town favorite to a regional chain. The signature frozen custard recipe delivers that perfect creamy texture that keeps customers returning.

Late hours accommodate Ohio University students seeking late-night sweets. The success proves that quality frozen custard and friendly service create a winning combination that appeals to all ages and backgrounds.

19. Aglamesis Brothers – Cincinnati

Since 1913, Aglamesis Brothers has been crafting ice cream and chocolates in the same Cincinnati locations. The ornate interiors and marble counters transport visitors to a more elegant era.

Greek immigrant brothers founded this business, and their dedication to quality continues today. The combination of old-world craftsmanship and timeless flavors makes every visit feel special and memorable.

20. Graeter’s – Cincinnati

Cincinnati’s most famous ice cream export started in 1870 and still uses the French Pot process for small-batch perfection. The signature chocolate chips are actually huge chunks created by pouring melted chocolate into cold ice cream.

Oprah once called it the best ice cream she’s ever tasted, bringing national attention to this Ohio treasure. Multiple Cincinnati locations serve this legendary treat daily.