There’s nothing quite like cooling off with a scoop (or two) of ice cream in Indiana’s Amish Country. As the summer sun warms the countryside, treat yourself to a sweet, creamy indulgence while taking in the peaceful rhythm of life, where the clip-clop of horse-drawn buggies echoes down quiet lanes and friendly faces greet you at every turn. From hand-dipped cones to old-fashioned sundaes, and even mile-high soft serve, enjoying ice cream here isn’t just a dessert; it’s part of the experience. Grab a cone, find a shady spot, and let the simple pleasures of having ice cream in Shipshewana’s Amish Country make your day a little sweeter.
Discover the Sweet Side of Shipshewana
When the Indiana sun is shining and the horse-drawn buggies are clip-clopping down the lane, there’s no better way to cool off than with a sweet treat in Shipshewana. Start your ice cream adventure at Vanilla Bean Creamery, where you can build your own ice cream flight: four mini scoops of handcrafted flavors, perfect for sampling something new or sharing with a friend. Just down the road, Wana Cup Restaurant delivers serious old-school vibes with its classic diner feel, soft-serve cones, and even homemade Amish root beer on tap. Mom’s Ice Cream keeps things cozy and heartfelt with that small-town charm and Velvet Ice Cream scoops that taste like they came straight from Mom’s kitchen. If you’re craving something extra creamy, swing by North Park Campground for Amish frozen custard that’s thick, rich, and perfect after a day of adventuring. For a blast from the past (with air conditioning!), head to the Blue Gate Garden Inn, where a vintage soda fountain serves up floats, shakes, and malts that taste like a trip back in time. And don’t forget Shawna Rae’s. This sweet spot lets you grab a scoop and pair it with a cupcake or slice of cheesecake from their tempting bakery case. These spots are particularly enjoyable during the summer months when the weather is warm and the sun is shining.
Scoops, Snacks, and Small-Town Fun in Middlebury
Middlebury in Indiana’s Amish Country is a sweet spot for ice cream lovers, with local stops that each offer something unique and memorable. Start your ice cream adventure at Creamery on Main, where the old-fashioned charm of a classic parlor meets a fun community vibe. Here you’ll find scoops alongside BBQ, pretzels, and even specialty coffee, all under one roof. For that nostalgic drive-in feel, head over to Yup’s Dairyland, where soft-serve cones, banana splits, and hand-dipped favorites are served with a side of small-town charm under the shade of picnic tables. Just outside of town, Mooey’s Ice Cream is a must-visit, especially for families. It’s part ice cream shop, part petting zoo, with hard and soft serve options and homemade pretzels that are worth the drive. Finally, pop into Danny’s Ice Cream, located inside Danny’s Diner downtown, where you can grab a scoop of Vic’s Ice Cream after a hearty grinder or breakfast pizza. Each stop brings its own flavor literally and figuratively, making Middlebury a delicious destination for anyone looking to cool off with a scoop in hand.
Shipshe Pro tip: The Pumpkinvine Trail connects Shipshewana and Middlebury. You can rent a bike at Otto’s Bike Shop in Shipshewana and ride to Mooey’s and back. Enjoy the treat even more since you worked it off!
Ice Cream Stops Off the Beaten Path
Some of the best ice cream adventures in Indiana’s Amish Country are the ones you find off the beaten path, those sweet little gems tucked along scenic backroads where the pace slows down and the views include rolling farmland and the gentle clip-clop of horse and buggies passing by. In Wolcottville, pull over at Cowlick’s or Lickity Splitz Ice Cream & Coffee, both local favorites known for creamy scoops. Grab your cone, find a shady spot, and sit a spell. You might just make a few new friends while you’re there. Over in Topeka, it’s all about the unexpected ice cream stops inside local eateries. At Tiffany’s Restaurant, known for hearty Amish meals, you can wrap up your dinner with a scoop of ice cream or a decadent milkshake. Topeka Pizza might serve up slices first, but don’t miss their frozen treats tucked behind the counter. And in LaGrange, Howie’s Ice Cream and Lucy’s Vedie Twist are your go-to stops for classic cones with a side of nostalgia. Howe is home to Happiness is Ice Cream, where they put happy smiles on the faces of everyone who orders, whether soft serve or hand-dipped deliciousness! These are the kind of places you stumble on during a backroad drive and never forget, so roll down the windows, take the scenic route, and treat yourself to something sweet along the way.
Shipshe Pro-tip: Utilize the Off the Beaten Path audio driving tour while cruising for ice cream and check out the 120 Amish cottage shops along the way. This tour provides insightful commentary about the local area and its attractions, making your ice cream adventure even more enjoyable.
Indiana’s Amish Country offers more than just beautiful scenery and quiet charm—it’s also home to some truly memorable ice cream stops. From creative flights and vintage soda fountains to soft-serve roadside stands and family-run shops, there’s a sweet treat waiting around every corner. These local favorites give you a taste of the region’s flavor and hospitality, making your visit even more enjoyable. Take a break from your backroad drive, enjoy a cool scoop, and discover just how refreshing a day in Amish Country can be.
