Ice Cream in the Cedar Rapids Area

On a hot summer day in Cedar Rapids, there are usually two things you'll want to do. The first is a visit to the city pools, and the second option is a trip to the ice cream parlor of your choice. Luckily, Cedar Rapids has plenty of both. In this article, you'll find some of the ice cream establishments that are worth your time and your money.

The Kool Moo, located at 1020 Old Marion Road NE in Cedar Rapids, is a favorite, independently owned ice cream business. Many walk here on a summer's day from the neighboring houses, and of course, it's very close to Noelridge Pool, so swimmers often frequent the Kool Moo, also. They're famous for their swirly cones and friendly service.

Tastee Freez is open at 1396 42nd street NE, and this location is perfect if you're looking for many different ice cream varieties, as well as inexpensive prices. You can get a junior size cone for $2 - which comes to 6 inches of ice cream (above the cone!). They have lots to choose from, and you can either drive or walk through.

Cold Stone Creamery recently made its mark upon Cedar Rapids at its two separate locations. Both keep fairly busy all throughout the year, famous for their making your ice cream order exactly the way you like it. They have unique flavors like "Birthday Cake", and you can mix in almost anything you like. You're even offered choices of what you want to put the ice cream in - cone, chocolate dipped cone, etc. At Cold Stone, your options are limitless, and the locations are conveniently located near each of Cedar Rapids' malls - Westdale and Lindale.

There are many different Dairy Queens throughout town - and each one has their own following. There is one on Wilson Ave, 16th st, Mount Vernon Road, and the list goes on. Each DQ is known for their soft serve ice cream, and of course, their blizzards. Some locations called braziers are open all year long, like the location in Hiawatha. You can also get fast food at the brazier locations, and the service is friendly. Each location is numbered, for instance, Dairy Queen no. 9 even has it's own website. For a general website, you can visit:
www.dairyqueen.com

If you're looking to have a sit-down experience, the perfect place to go is Happy Joe's Pizza and Ice Cream Parlor. There two separate locations - one on 16th Ave, and one on Lindale Drive (near Lindale Mall). They serve excellent pizza, but their ice cream treats make for a perfect party or get-together. Their Hot Fudge Sundays are particularly renowned, and will make a lasting impression on any child. This a a fun place to spend an evening, and unique because it's locally owned. Try the taco pizza if you're really hungry.

Deb's Ice Cream and Deli, located on 3rd Ave (downtown) is a great place to go for a lunch break. The "Deb" that the establishment is named after is completely real - she'll serve you sandwiches, ice cream, or other café style food with a smile. Deb's has many regular customers, and the atmosphere is very comfortable. Her ice cream is amazing on a hot summer's day - as long as it's not Saturday! Deb's is closed on Saturdays, which makes it that much better during the weekdays. The business is extremely important to this particular store, because Deb's Ice Cream and Deli was one of the businesses that was affected by the flood that hit Cedar Rapids in June. Go downtown to get an inexpensive ice cream treat and good stories.

The last place you might want to look is Schwann's Ice Cream and Fine Food. They deliver their products to your home, so you can save money on gas. Their service is extremely reputable and convenient, and most importantly, their ice cream is delicious. Their main location is on Mount Vernon Road, but they deliver to all of Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha. You may have seen their yellow trucks driving around town, and might have wondered how to set up a delivery. If you're interested in the convenience Schwann's offers, call 319-895-8672.

Various locations around Cedar Rapids also offer ice cream - local Hy-Vee locations, Fairway grocery stores, and the Lindale Mall has a few vendors who sell ice cream, including TCBY, a local shopper's favorite.