Unearth The Voyage
Pennsylvania has earned a sweet reputation as one of the best places in America to find incredible ice cream. From family-owned dairy farms to beloved neighborhood parlors, the Keystone State offers frozen treats that keep locals coming back year after year. Whether you’re craving classic soft serve, rich homemade flavors, or creamy frozen custard, these time-tested stands deliver unforgettable experiences worth every mile of the drive.
1. Penn State Berkey Creamery
Located right on Penn State’s campus in University Park, this legendary creamery has been churning out award-winning ice cream since 1865. Students, alumni, and visitors flock here for flavors like Peachy Paterno and Death by Chocolate.
The creamery uses milk from the university’s own dairy herd, guaranteeing freshness in every scoop. Tours let you peek behind the scenes at the ice cream-making process.
Long lines during football weekends prove its popularity, but the wait is always worthwhile. Grab a cone and stroll around campus to soak in the college atmosphere while enjoying your treat.
2. The Meadows Original Frozen Custard
Since opening its doors in 1950, this Duncansville treasure has perfected the art of frozen custard. The original stand still operates today, serving the same rich, creamy custard that made it famous decades ago.
Real egg yolks give the custard its signature velvety texture that sets it apart from regular ice cream. Locals swear by the classic vanilla swirl and seasonal fruit flavors.
The nostalgic roadside atmosphere takes you back to simpler times when grabbing custard was the highlight of summer evenings. Families have been making memories here for three generations, and the tradition shows no signs of slowing down.
3. Page Dairy Mart
Tucked in Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood, Page Dairy Mart has been a community fixture serving hand-dipped ice cream and classic treats since the 1950s. The walk-up window and outdoor picnic tables create a casual, friendly vibe.
Their generous portions and reasonable prices keep neighbors coming back week after week. Specialty sundaes piled high with toppings are local favorites, especially the hot fudge creation.
Kids love the colorful sprinkle options, while adults appreciate the nostalgic atmosphere that hasn’t changed much over the decades. It’s the kind of place where you bump into friends and strike up conversations while waiting for your order.
4. Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor
Step inside this Strip District gem and you’ll feel transported to the 1920s. Originally an apothecary, Klavon’s still features its original marble soda fountain and wooden booths that have served generations of Pittsburghers.
The menu includes classic ice cream sodas, phosphates, and towering sundaes made the old-fashioned way. Hand-dipped cones come in flavors ranging from traditional vanilla to creative seasonal options.
Authentic vintage decor isn’t just for show; this place genuinely preserves ice cream parlor history. Visiting Klavon’s means experiencing a slice of Pittsburgh’s past while enjoying treats made with the same care and quality as always.
5. Dave & Andy’s Homemade Ice Cream
After a brief closure, this Oakland institution reopened in September 2024 to the delight of loyal fans who had missed their favorite homemade flavors. The shop has been an Oakland staple, especially popular with students and families.
Every batch gets made in-house using quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations you won’t find anywhere else. The Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk consistently ranks as a top seller.
Small-batch production means flavors rotate regularly, giving you new reasons to visit often. The cozy shop atmosphere and friendly staff create a welcoming environment where ice cream lovers gather to indulge their sweet tooth and catch up with neighbors.
6. Merrymead Farm
Fresh doesn’t get any better than this Lansdale dairy farm, where the cows you see grazing outside provide the milk for your ice cream. Merrymead has been family-operated for generations, maintaining traditional farming values.
The farm’s dairy store offers ice cream made right on the property, ensuring peak freshness and flavor. Seasonal flavors highlight local ingredients and celebrate Pennsylvania agriculture.
Visiting feels like a mini farm adventure, especially for city kids who rarely see where their food comes from. The farm-to-cone experience creates connections between agriculture and treats, making each visit both delicious and educational for the whole family.
7. Perrydell Farm & Dairy
York County’s Perrydell Farm produces and sells its own ice cream without it ever leaving the property. The on-site dairy operation means ultimate freshness, with milk going from cow to cone in record time.
Farm tours let visitors understand the entire process, from milking to mixing flavors. Kids especially love meeting the cows responsible for their treats.
The rustic barn setting adds authentic charm that chain shops can’t replicate. Seasonal hours follow farming rhythms, so checking ahead ensures you don’t miss out on these farm-fresh scoops during your visit to Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
8. Lapp Valley Farm Creamery & Café
Nestled in Lancaster County’s beautiful farmland between New Holland and Leola, this creamery brings together fresh dairy and Amish Country hospitality. The café setting offers more than just ice cream, with farm-fresh meals and baked goods too.
Local dairy farmers supply the milk, keeping everything community-focused and supporting nearby agriculture. The creamery’s commitment to quality ingredients shines through in every creamy spoonful.
Surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, the location itself provides half the experience. Tourists exploring Amish Country and locals alike appreciate the peaceful setting and genuinely delicious treats that showcase Lancaster County’s agricultural heritage beautifully.
9. Fox Meadows Creamery
With locations in both Ephrata and Leola, Fox Meadows makes it convenient to grab exceptional ice cream while exploring Lancaster County. The creamery prides itself on small-batch production and creative flavor development.
Farm-fresh ingredients and careful attention to recipes result in consistently excellent ice cream. Unique flavors rotate seasonally, giving regulars something new to discover.
The bright, welcoming shops invite you to linger and savor your treats rather than rushing off. Friendly staff members happily offer samples, helping you choose among the tempting options displayed behind the counter.
10. Crystal Spring Farm
Five generations of the same family have operated this Schnecksville dairy farm, making it a true Lehigh Valley treasure. Crystal Spring maintains traditional farming practices while producing modern, delicious ice cream flavors.
The multi-generational expertise shows in every aspect, from cow care to flavor creation. Visiting supports a local family business that has weathered challenges and changes over more than a century.
The farm’s longevity speaks to quality and community trust built over decades. Fresh milk from their own herd guarantees richness and flavor that factory-produced ice cream simply cannot match, making every visit special.
11. Kerber’s Dairy
North Huntingdon’s Kerber’s Dairy combines delicious ice cream with family entertainment, creating an all-day destination. The farm features attractions beyond the dairy store, including animals to visit and seasonal activities.
Fresh ice cream made on-site tastes even better after exploring the farm. Kids burn energy playing while parents relax knowing wholesome fun awaits.
The dairy has expanded thoughtfully over the years, adding attractions without losing its farm charm. Birthday parties and group visits are popular, making Kerber’s a community gathering spot where memories form around good food and simple pleasures that never go out of style.
12. Jim Mack’s Ice Cream
Located between Hellam and Wrightsville in York County, Jim Mack’s has been a summer tradition for decades. The stand combines great ice cream with mini golf, creating the perfect evening activity.
Soft serve swirls and hand-dipped flavors please every taste, while generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry. The casual, outdoor atmosphere captures everything wonderful about summer nights.
Families make it a weekly ritual, and couples enjoy it as a laid-back date spot. The mini golf adds entertainment value, turning a simple ice cream run into a complete outing that stretches summer evenings into cherished memories.
13. Leo’s Homemade Ice Cream
Carlisle’s Leo’s Homemade Ice Cream lives up to its name with truly handcrafted flavors made in small batches. The shop’s creative approach means you’ll find unexpected combinations alongside classic favorites.
Quality ingredients and careful preparation create ice cream with exceptional texture and taste. The rotating selection encourages repeat visits to try new flavors.
Bright, cheerful decor matches the fun flavors available. Staff enthusiasm for their products is contagious, making recommendations you can trust. Leo’s proves that homemade ice cream isn’t just a marketing term but a genuine commitment to craft and quality that customers taste in every single spoonful.
14. Owowcow Creamery
Bucks County’s Owowcow Creamery in Ottsville takes artisan ice cream seriously, using grass-fed dairy and natural ingredients. The commitment to quality and sustainability attracts customers who care about what they eat.
Inventive flavors push boundaries while respecting classic ice cream traditions. The creamery’s small size means attention to detail in every batch produced.
The charming Ottsville location adds to the experience, nestled in scenic Bucks County countryside. Tourists discovering the area and devoted locals both appreciate the care taken with each recipe, making Owowcow a destination worth seeking out for genuinely exceptional ice cream.
15. The Lands at Hillside Farms Dairy Store
Located in the Shavertown and Dallas area of Luzerne County, this working farm’s dairy store offers ice cream made from milk produced right on the property. The pastoral setting provides a peaceful escape from busy life.
Farm-to-cone freshness defines the experience here, with genuine agricultural roots visible all around. Supporting this dairy store means supporting local farming and sustainable food systems.
The store’s connection to the working farm creates authenticity that customers value and trust. Seasonal changes on the farm influence available flavors, connecting treats to the natural rhythms of agriculture in beautiful northeastern Pennsylvania.
