Ice Cream Parlors in Iowa

Open year-round, this Dairy Queen offers eat-in, carry-out and drive-thru service. Food offerings range from hot dogs and chili dogs to shrimp baskets and burgers. After a meal, customers can enjoy one of the more than 20 flavored blizzards, an ice cream sundae or a delicious shake or malt. Dairy Queen also offers its famous soft-serve ice cream, crowned with its trademark curl. Gift cards and Dairy Queen cakes are available at this location as well.

Menchie's is a nationwide chain of frozen yogurt shops with a location based on EP True Parkway in West Des Moines. The store offers all types of self-serve frozen yogurt selections, including more than 100 rotating flavors and rotating toppings, such as rainbow sprinkles, hot fudge, crushed candy, nuts and fruit. Some flavors include pistachio, chocolate, banana, raspberry, mint, strawberry as well as specialty flavors like coconut, dark chocolate, chai tea and cappuccino. Additional options include waffle bowls, no-sugar, gluten-free and low-carb flavors.

Culver's has become a  favorite in Marion largely due to its "flavor of the day" ice cream selection. People also love its Butter Burgers, fish, chicken and shrimp meals. The restaurant has daily food specials, so make sure you ask about it when you go in. Frozen cakes are available in the lobby's freezer display case so you can pick one up on the way home.