Indulge in Indy: Discover the Dreamiest Ice Cream Indianapolis Hotspots

When I think of summer, I think of sunshine on my face, cooling off in any water I can find, and rounding the day out with the perfect ice cream treat. Indy has so many great options for frozen treats to indulge your sweet tooth. We are serving up the most delicious list of places to get the best ice cream Indianapolis has to offer, just in time for summer! Don’t forget National Ice Cream Day – celebrated on the third Sunday of July every year.

The Best Ice Cream Indianapolis Locals Love

BRICs Broad Ripple

901 E 64th St, Indianapolis

Located directly on the Monon Trail in an adorable old train station, BRICS Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station has been a local favorite since 2010. Offering well-loved flavors, vegan options, and one-of-a-kind, creamy possibilities – BRICS has something for everyone! They anticipate you may not be able to decide on just one flavor so you can opt for a Tour de Bric’s and explore four flavors (we loved Bananas Foster and Monon Tracks). After a hot day on the Monon, BRICs is the perfect stop for your family in Broad Ripple.

Sundae’s

9922 E 79th St, Indianapolis

Sundae’s is a homemade and locally sourced ice cream shop offering 32 rotating flavors on the border of Geist & Lawrence. Sundae’s is a gem and an ideal stop after a visit to nearby Fort Harrison State Park. Upon entering you’ll smell more than just ice cream as Sundae’s has mastered coffee roasting as well. Get a scoop of one of their specialties or delight in a perfectly crafted sundae.

Chris’s Ice Cream and Mexican

1484 E 86th St, Indianapolis

While this article’s focus is ice cream, you should plan to grab a meal as well as dessert when you stop at Chris’s. This unassuming shop in Nora near 86th and Westfield Boulevard has a dedicated fan base that loves its classic enchiladas, tortas, tacos, and deliciously creamy homemade ice cream. The flavors rotate, but favorites you may find on the menu include Oreo, coconut, mango, coffee, and White Russian.

Rita’s Italian Ice

Multiple Locations

Rita’s Italian Ice is a chain based out of Pennsylvania and the Indy-area is lucky enough to have locations in Fishers, Carmel, and McCordsville. What sets Rita’s apart is not only the refreshing Italian Ice and Creamy Custard but the ability to mix both for a smooth gelati. There are numerous ways you can order your treats here including sugar-free and dairy-free options.

Nicey Treat

833 East Westfield Boulevard, Indianapolis
11547 Yard Street, Fishers

Visit Nicey Treat and prepare to have your definition of “popsicle” elevated forever. These gourmet frozen treats feature all-natural ingredients and plenty of vegan options in addition to creamy, dairy-based varieties. Order unique flavors like Pineapple Basil, Arnold Palmer, Thai Coffee, Cookie Butter, and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt. You can also often find Nicey Treat at local farmer’s markets, including the Broad Ripple and Zionsville markets.

SubZero Nitrogen

Multiple Locations

Anyone who’s been will tell you SubZero Nitrogen is more than ice cream. It’s an experience! You can create your own concoctions with a variety of flavors and mix-ins or stick with one of their suggested creations. There are sugar-free, dairy-free, and low-fat options available, so everyone can partake here. Your ice cream begins in liquid form and you’ll watch it solidify right before your eyes through the process of flash freezing with liquid nitrogen. The fog rolls across the counter and “oohs” & “ahhs” begin. The end product is smooth and creamy. Curious kids and adults alike will love being able to watch the transformation. Find it in Carmel Arts District, Castleton Square Mall, or Mass Ave.

Big Hoffa’s Freezery

802 E Main St, Westfield

This freezery is the brainchild and expansion of the popular Big Hoffa’s BBQ site in Westfield and it’s located in the same artsy barn. The Freezery is trending for having ridiculously amazing, over-the-top shakes available! Make sure your kids are prepared to share because they definitely take 2+ people to finish. Hand-dipped ice cream by the scoop is also available. Due to the nature of the shakes, allow extra time for them to be made!

Teejay’s Sweet Tooth

8660 Purdue Rd, Indianapolis

Teejay’s was founded in 2018 by two dental hygienists who have a knack for sweets. Currently, Teejay’s serves 16 rotating ice cream flavors with the option to stuff these scoops between warm glazed donuts or a fruity pebble sandwich! Teejay’s is closed on Mondays, but they offer afternoon and evening hours the rest of the week and are located off W 86th Street & Michigan Road. They are currently drive-thru only.

Danville Dips

101 S Washington St, Danville

Add to a casual stroll around the square in downtown Danville or celebrate a special occasion at Danville Dips. Choose from 24 flavors of Hershey’s ice cream or feel like you’re on vacation when you order soft-serve with a colorful flavor burst swirl.

Paradise Shaved Ice & Ice Cream

Multiple Locations

This place has been such a hit that they continue to open more locations. For now, you can find them in Noblesville, Fishers, Lebanon, Plainfield, Fortville, and Carmel! What makes Paradise stand out, aside from the tropical décor, is that they offer so many options of shaved ice, dole whip, and ice cream. With the ability to combine them, the flavor possibilities seem endless. You’ll definitely want to visit more than once!

Crave

11691 Fall Creek Rd UNIT 115, Indianapolis

Crave is located right off of Geist Reservoir in the Fishers/Indianapolis area. Here you can grab homemade ice cream sandwiches or even customize your own. They also offer Nicey Treats, baked goods, popcorn, and cute little knick-knacks! Crave’s outdoor seating is the best place to enjoy your treats.

Lick Ice Cream

906 Carrollton Ave suite 360 Indianapolis
1049 E 54th St Indianapolis

If you haven’t heard, Bottleworks District is home to The Garage Food Hall featuring local and boundary-breaking culinary experiences. Lick Ice Cream has been around since 2010 but has gained more popularity after opening up shop in the Garage. You can also find a shop in the SoBro neighborhood. The two sisters and co-owners of the shops have expertly crafted some truly interesting, and unique flavors made from homemade and locally sourced fruits, herbs, and spices. Some of the favorites are Cedar & Whisky, Gorgonzola Candied Pecan, and Gingersnap Lemon Curd. Take a pint home of your favorite or visit with family as The Garage Food Hall is very kid-friendly!

The Scoop

305 S Main St, Zionsville

The Scoop ice cream shop, located on Zionsville’s iconic brick-paved main street, encapsulates a sense of community as friends and family gather here to celebrate all the big and small moments of life. You’ll find delicious, familiar flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, as well as some fabulous sundae combinations.

Zaharakos

329 Washington St, Columbus

A little way out of Indy, we wanted to be sure you knew about a nostalgic ice cream shop called Zaharakos located in Columbus, Indiana. Zaharakos opened its stained-glass doors in 1900 and serves up delicious ice cream with an abundance of old-school charm. This place is packed with history and features a museum of collections. The ice cream has stood the test of time and is a great stop after visiting kidscommons or other local attractions. Just be sure to make the drive Wednesday-Sunday as they close on Monday & Tuesday.

Gordon’s Milkshakes

865 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis

Gordon opened his Milkshake Bar just a few months before stay-at-home orders were enacted due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Despite this timing, his Milkshake Bar is thriving. Lines are often seen coming out of the original Mass Ave establishment. Your wait will be rewarded with a top-notch treat. You can get ice cream by the scoop, or over nachos, but the rich and luscious milkshakes are what give Gordon’s its name. Vegan and dairy-free options are available, as well as picnic tables for seating.

Heartland Homemade Ice Cream

4911 S Emerson Ave, Indianapolis

Serving flavors like Cornbread, Jalepeno Popper, and Hot Honey, Heartland Homemade is an adventurous foodie’s dream. Don’t worry — they have plenty of tried-and-true classics as well, including cookie dough, butter pecan, and cookies and cream. This southside location opened in February 2024 and seems destined to become a local favorite.

Alexander’s on the Square

864 Logan St, Noblesville
369 West Jackson Street, Cicero

Alexander’s on the Square has been a long-standing staple in charming downtown Noblesville. The shop’s original location offers no less than 36 hand-dipped flavor options, as well as floats, sundaes, smoothies, and more. Looking for soft-serve? Head to Alexander’s on the Water for an even more extensive list of options, including 24 soft-serve flavors!

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We hope this list has given you some ice cream inspiration for your adventures this summer.

Let us know your favorite!

Dig into an amazing burger before getting ice cream for dessert!

Plan to host your child’s summer birthday party in your own backyard.

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