The Ozarks Ice Cream Trail: Where to Cool Off This Summer

Published on June 12, 2025

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Summer in the Ozarks is all about creekside hangs, sun‑washed trails, and indulging in frozen nostalgia. If you're visiting The Ozarker Lodge, there's a sweet trail calling your name. Here’s our curated “Ozarks Ice Cream Trail”—seven local spots within easy reach, offering charm, flavor, and family moments to savor one scoop at a time.

1. Mr. B’s Ice Cream Parlor
102 S Business 65, Historic Downtown Branson
417.544.0604

A true Branson classic, Mr. B’s is often called the city’s oldest ice cream shop. It serves generous scoops, banana splits, malts, and house‑made cobblers topped with ice cream.

  • Must-try: Their banana split—a nostalgic favorite.
  • Why go: Vintage vibe, checkered floors, and real Americana.
  • Insider tip: After your treat, stroll downtown or take the trolley—located just a block from Trolley Stop #5 .

2. Cakes‑n‑Creams 50’s Diner
2805 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson
417.334.4929

Step back into the '50s at Cakes‑n‑Creams. This locally owned diner is surfer‑neon bright, serving burgers, pizza, and of course—funnel cake and ice cream sundaes.

  • Must-try: The funnel cake supreme with a scoop of ice cream.
  • Why go: Retro décor, vintage tunes, arcade games—with smiles included.
  • Local tip: Family‑friendly mini‑golf out back keeps the fun going.

3. Sammy Lane’s Sweets ’N Treats
5581 W 76 Country Blvd (Shepherd of the Hills Farm)
417.334.4191

This charming spot celebrates Sammy Lane of Shepherd of the Hills fame. It’s packed with homemade ice cream, fudge, and coffee—all on the historic farm grounds.

  • Must-try: Seasonal homemade flavors like Baldknobber Blue or raspberry cheesecake.
  • Why go: Cozy setting, fresh fudge, perfect ice‑cream‑and‑show stop.
  • Fun twist: Kids love watching the fudge-making while you wait.

4. Sweet Susie’s Frozen Treats
3000 Green Mountain Dr #101, Branson
417.544.9069

Sweet Susie’s stands out with gelato, sorbet, froyo—and 45+ toppings. Must-try: Gelato or frozen yogurt with fresh fruit and candy toppings.

  • Why go: Blend of flavor and flair—plus healthier frozen options.
  • Tip: Great family‑friendly summer treat—top it with fruit for a refreshing twist.

5. Andy’s Frozen Custard
3415 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson
417.337.5501

A Midwest staple, Andy’s offers dense, creamy custard in seasonal flavors like chocolate chip cookie dough and mint chip.

  • Must-try: Jackhammer custard blended with espresso or hot fudge.
  • Why go: Quick, cool, and perfect post-show treat.
  • Family tip: Great for a refreshing stop between attractions.

6. Mel’s Hard Luck Dine
2800 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson

Featured in Food & Wine More than a place to eat—it's a live music venue where the singing servers perform in rotation during the duration of your meal! Mel’s features ice cream sundaes like their over-the-top 14-scoop 'Avalanche'

  • Must-try: The Avalanche or classic shakes
  • Why go: Delicious fun—dessert and entertainment in one.
  • Pro tip: Kids love the theatrics; adults enjoy rich nostalgia.

Planning Your Ice Cream Trail

Starting Base: Make The Ozarker Lodge your home base. Located just off MO‑165, it's centrally placed for easy trail access.

One-day sample itinerary:

  • AM: Hike nearby, then cool off at Andy’s Custard.
  • Lunch: Head to Shepherd Farm and enjoy a sunny scoop at Sammy Lane’s.
  • Afternoon: Explore the '50s charm at Cakes‑n‑Creams.
  • Evening: Stroll Branson Landing or downtown and stop at Mr. B’s.
  • Nightcap: Return to the lodge to cool off, jump in the pool, or for s’mores by the creek!

Pro Tips:

  • Double-check the accuracy of content on this page, because sometimes business hours, menus, and locations change!
  • Pack wipes—sticky happens fast.
  • Take a family photo at each stop—create a sweet memory album.
  • Hydrate with water between treats.
  • Let kids rate each shop for extra fun and bragging rights back home.

Final Scoop

Sometimes, the best moments are the simplest—a scoop, a smile, and sunshine. The Ozarks Ice Cream Trail is a sweet way to explore Branson, embrace summer, and craft family memories that melt slowly—just like your treats. Bring an appetite, a camera, and your sense of adventure. We’ll see you dripping in sugar and sunshine.

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