Top 10 Best Ice Cream Places in Colorado Springs
Top 10 Best Ice Cream Places in Colorado Springs
As the days get longer and the temps keep climbing, there’s no better way to cool off than with a scoop (or two) of ice cream! Colorado Springs may be known for its blue skies and mountain views, but the ice cream scene is seriously underrated. Whether you’re craving classic soft serve, rich frozen custard, authentic gelato, or creative handcrafted flavors, the Pikes Peak Region has plenty of excellent, locally-owned options.
To celebrate National Ice Cream Day – and to help you discover your next favorite frozen treat – we’re counting down our picks for the 10 best ice cream shops in Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs.
Quick List: Best Ice Cream Shops in Colorado Springs
- Rizuto’s
- Colorado City Creamery
- Colorado Custard Company
- BJ’s Velvet Freez
- Ice Cream Mill
- Caffeinated Cow
- Josh & John’s
- Starving Crêperie & Homemade Ice Cream
- Frozen Gold
- The Drive-In Tasty Freeze
10. The Drive-In Tasty Freeze
This old-fashioned drive in has been a staple of Colorado Springs summers for over 70 years. They serve burgers, hot dogs and fries, but the dipped cones and classic sundaes are what keep people coming back. They even host the occasional live band, making it a fun stop on a summer evening.
Why visit: One of the city’s longest-running drive-ins, famous for nostalgic summer vibes and chocolate-dipped soft serve.
Local Recommendation: Try a dipped cone! Their delicious, freshly-made ice cream is perfectly complimented by that crunchy, candy shell.
Closest to: Shooks Run Trail, Old North End, Downtown Colorado Springs
9. Frozen Gold
As part of the Atomic Cowboy complex in Downtown Colorado Springs, Frozen Gold is a little more classy than your typical ice cream experience. The atmosphere is cool enough on its own, but their fancy soft-serve cones are downright chilly! Their handcrafted cones feature creative toppings, monthly rotating flavors, and vegan options, so there’s always something new to try.
Why Visit: Gourmet soft serve with rotating seasonal flavors in the heart of downtown.
Local Recommendation: Try the Salted Caramel Latte! A delicious caffeinated treat in ice cream form, with vanilla soft serve, local coffee streusel and a salted caramel core.
Closest to: Downtown Colorado Springs, US Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
8. Starving Crêperie & Homemade Ice Cream
Crêpes and ice cream…need I say more? Located in the heart of Manitou Springs, Starving Crêperie serves both sweet and savory crêpes alongside homemade ice cream in flavors you won’t find just anywhere. It’s the perfect stop after a day on Pikes Peak, a visit to the Penny Arcade, or an afternoon exploring town.
Why Visit: Homemade ice cream paired with creative crêpes and one-of-a-kind flavors.
Local Recommendation: Try the Basil with Blackberry Swirl! The sweetness of the blackberry perfectly complements the savory basil – it’s a delicious and refreshing summer treat.
Closest to: Manitou Springs, Manitou Penny Arcade, Miramont Castle, Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Cave of the Winds, Manitou Cliff Dwellings
7. Josh & John’s
Josh & John’s first opened in Downtown Colorado Springs during the 1980s, and while they’ve since expanded across Colorado, they never lost their hometown feel. Their creative flavor combinations have made them one of the state’s most recognizable local ice cream brands.
Why Visit: A Colorado favorite known for inventive flavors and consistently great ice cream.
Local Recommendation: Try the Purple Mountain Majesty! Taro and raspberry with chocolate truffles – I guarantee you’ve never tasted anything like it!
Closest to: Downtown Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
6. Caffeinated Cow
Sometimes you don’t have to choose between coffee and ice cream. Caffeinated Cow serves both exceptionally well, pairing specialty coffee drinks with unique ice cream flavors that rotate daily. Don’t forget to leave a tip for a bovine surprise…
Why Visit: A local favorite for coffee lovers who also happen to love ice cream.
Local Recommendation: Try the Coffee Crunch! They’re known for their coffee, so it’s no surprise they make some of the best coffee ice cream in town.
Closest to: Seven Falls, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Ivywild School
5. Ice Cream Mill
This western-themed ice cream joint is the definition of mom and pop. Opened in 2024 by retirees Rick and Cindi Hinds, the Ice Cream Mill was created to bring people together while serving more than 25 flavors of ice cream, including dairy-free and vegan options. They even take special flavor requests from time to time.
Why Visit: A family-owned shop with a welcoming atmosphere, unique flavors, and western charm.
Local Recommendation: Try the Sarsaparilla Float! Think of it as a more flavorful twist on a root beer float – it’s something you won’t find anywhere else.
Closest to: Western Museum of Mining & Industry, Air Force Academy
4. BJ’s Velvet Freez
BJ’s comes from the age of drive-ins and sock hops, and you’ll feel like you’ve driven back in time the moment you pull up to their 50’s style drive thru. This classic drive-in has been serving Colorado Springs for generations with old-school recipes, burgers, sandwiches, thick shakes, and towering ice cream creations.
Why Visit: A nostalgic drive-in experience with classic frozen treats and comfort food.
Local Recommendation: Try the Peanut Delight! Whole peanuts, ice cream, whipped cream and not one, but TWO layers of fudge – yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds.
Closest to: Patty Jewett Golf Course, Old North End, Memorial Park, Downtown Colorado Springs
3. Colorado Custard Company
For generations of Manitou Springs locals, the Colorado Custard Company has been the go-to stop after school, during events on Manitou Avenue, or just while exploring town. Owned by local legend Matt Carpenter for 12 years, it was sold in 2024 to Manitou locals Jon and Cheri Matas who have kept its friendly atmosphere alive while continuing to serve the same rich frozen custard that kept locals coming back.
Why Visit: Rich frozen custard and famous Avalanche desserts in the heart of Manitou Springs.
Local Recommendation: Try the Mountaineer! Fresh vanilla custard blended with raspberries and hot fudge into one unforgettable Avalanche.
Closest to: Manitou Springs, Manitou Penny Arcade, Miramont Castle, Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Cave of the Winds, Manitou Cliff Dwellings
2. Colorado City Creamery
This beloved local ice cream shop has been serving the West Side for almost 50 years, and chances are you’ve enjoyed their ice cream even if you didn’t realize it! In addition to their Old Colorado City location, they also supply several local attractions, including the Garden of the Gods Trading Post and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Why Visit: A longtime local favorite whose ice cream can be found at several of the region’s most popular attractions.
Try the Sweet Cream: Their base recipe is so good, it doesn’t need to be smothered in toppings to shine.
Closest to: Old Colorado City, Garden of the Gods Trading Post, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
1. Rizuto’s
For more than 20 years, Rizuto’s has been proving that a great neighborhood ice cream shop is about more than just dessert. This family-owned business has built a loyal following by combining that tight-knit community feel with an incredible variety of frozen treats, including soft serve, hard-packed ice cream, authentic Italian gelato, and creative homemade specialties from founder Chip Rizuto himself.
There’s a reason Rizuto’s has been recognized as the #1 Best Ice Cream Shop in Colorado and one of the Top 10 Ice Cream Shops in the United States. Whether you’re trying a classic cone or something completely new, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Why Visit: One of Colorado’s most celebrated ice cream shops, offering the region’s widest variety of frozen treats.
Local Recommendation: Try the Mangonada! Sweet mango soft serve topped with tamarind candy, chamoy and tajin for a bit of a kick.
Closest to: ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Space Foundation Discovery Center, Flying W Ranch
Best Ice Cream Stops Near Popular Colorado Springs Attractions
| If you’re visiting… | Stop for ice cream at… |
| Pikes Peak | Colorado Custard Company or Starving Crêperie |
| Garden of the Gods | Colorado City Creamery or Josh & John’s |
| Downtown Colorado Springs | Frozen Gold or Josh & John’s |
| Manitou Springs | Colorado Custard Company or Starving Crêperie |
| Northeast Colorado Springs | Rizuto’s or Ice Cream Mill |
| Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | Caffeinated Cow or Josh & John’s |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ice cream shop in Colorado Springs?
Our top pick is Rizuto’s, thanks to its huge variety of soft serve, hard-packed ice cream, authentic Italian gelato, and creative specialty desserts. Other local favorites include Colorado City Creamery, Colorado Custard Company, and Josh & John’s.
Where can I get frozen custard in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Custard Company in Manitou Springs specializes in frozen custard and is especially well known for its signature Avalanche desserts.
Where can I find gelato in Colorado Springs?
Rizuto’s serves authentic Italian gelato alongside its extensive selection of traditional ice cream and soft serve.
Which Colorado Springs ice cream shops have vegan options?
Frozen Gold and Ice Cream Mill regularly offer vegan and dairy-free options. Availability may vary by season.
What are the best ice cream shops in Manitou Springs?
Colorado Custard Company and Starving Crêperie & Homemade Ice Cream are two of the most popular places to grab a frozen treat while exploring downtown Manitou Springs.
Which ice cream shop should I visit after Garden of the Gods?
Colorado City Creamery is an excellent choice. In fact, you’ll also find their ice cream at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, making it an easy stop before or after visiting the park.
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