7 Ohio Ice‑Cream Farms Perfect For Summer

Summer in Ohio brings long, sweltering days that practically demand a cool, creamy escape. And nothing satisfies quite like freshly churned ice cream, especially when it comes straight from the source, Ohio’s hardworking dairy farms and charming creameries.

Over the years, I’ve spent countless sunny afternoons with my kids on the ultimate sweet-tooth adventure, chasing the perfect scoop across the Buckeye State.

These seven ice cream destinations don’t just deliver unforgettable flavors, they offer the full experience, from scenic farm views to petting zoos and behind-the-scenes peeks at how the magic is made. Trust me, these stops are well worth the drive.

1. Century-Old Scoops at Toft’s Dairy

My taste buds still remember my first encounter with Toft’s Cedar Point Cotton Candy ice cream. The oldest dairy operation in Ohio (running strong for over 120 years) doesn’t just rest on tradition, they playfully experiment with 51 rotating flavors at their Sandusky flagship.

Walking into their parlor feels like stepping into an ice cream museum where history meets innovation. Their mammoth scoops require two hands to hold!

Families visiting Cedar Point amusement park often tell me stopping at Toft’s completes their Sandusky experience. I recommend trying Muddy’s Sea-Salt Slam, named after the Lake Erie Crushers’ mascot.

2. Creative Concoctions at Jubie’s Creamery

Whoever said small-batch means limited options never visited Jubie’s! This Fairborn gem completely changed my understanding of artisanal ice cream. The constantly rotating menu means every visit brings new flavor adventures.

During my last trip, they featured a honey lavender that transported me straight to a French countryside I’ve never actually visited. The owners remember regular customers by name and favorite flavors, a personal touch that makes each scoop special.

What makes Jubie’s stand out isn’t just quality ingredients but their willingness to take flavor risks. Where else could you find maple bacon alongside perfect vanilla in peaceful coexistence?

3. Lakeside Nostalgia at Whip-n-Dip

Picture this: Lake Erie waves crashing nearby, vintage arcade sounds in the distance, and the softest soft-serve melting faster than you can lick it. That’s the magic of Whip-n-Dip, my family’s annual summer pilgrimage destination.

Their weekly special flavors keep locals guessing, I once drove 40 minutes just to try their black raspberry swirl before it disappeared! The classic walk-up window hasn’t changed in decades, and honestly, I hope it never does.

The nostalgic boardwalk charm creates ice cream memories that stick with you longer than the cone drips down your hand. Pro tip: grab napkins. Lots of napkins.

4. Lakeside Indulgence at Lake City Creamery

“You haven’t lived until you’ve tried Cookie Monster while watching the sunset over Grand Lake St. Marys!” That’s what a local told me before my first visit to Lake City Creamery, and wow, was she right!

This small-town gem crafts homemade scoops that rival any big-city ice cream parlor. Their Buckeye flavor, peanut butter ice cream loaded with chocolate-covered peanut butter chunks, converted my chocolate-hating nephew into a believer.

The creamery’s picture windows frame perfect lake views, making your ice cream break feel like a mini-vacation. Their malts and floats transport you back to simpler times when summer meant nothing but sunshine and sweet treats.

5. Moo-velous Memories at Young’s Jersey Dairy

Last summer, my family stumbled upon this ice cream paradise purely by accident. Operating since 1869, Young’s transformed into an ice cream lover’s dream in 1981 when they started churning their own creations from their dairy cows.

The Black Cherry was so fresh I could taste sunshine in every bite! Beyond the creamy goodness, my kids went wild for the mini-golf and batting cages while I secretly enjoyed the petting zoo more than they did.

With over a million visitors yearly, you might face a line, but watching the production process through viewing windows makes the wait part of the fun.

6. Time-Capsule Treats at Aglamesis Bro’s

Stepping through Aglamesis Bro’s doors feels like time-traveling to 1908 when Greek immigrant brothers first opened this Cincinnati treasure. The pink-and-white striped awnings called to me from blocks away during my first visit.

Marble counters, wrought-iron chairs, and servers in bow ties create an atmosphere so authentic that Bon Appétit magazine called it one of America’s last true soda fountains. My daughter’s eyes widened at her first banana split, served in the same silver dishes they’ve used for generations.

Their French pot process creates ice cream so dense and creamy it defies physics. The chocolate-dipped treats displayed alongside ice cream showcase their dual mastery of confections.

7. Historic Mill Magic at Velvet Ice Cream

My grandpa first took me to Ye Olde Mill when I was seven, and I’ve continued the tradition with my own children. Founded in 1914, Velvet Ice Cream turned a historic mill into Ohio’s ice cream capital, complete with museum tours explaining how cream becomes dreams.

The mill’s water wheel still turns lazily beside the building, providing a hypnotic backdrop while you savor their signature flavors. Watching my kids run across the same grassy hills I once played on, ice cream dripping down their chins, creates perfect summer memories.

Their annual Utica Ice Cream Festival draws thousands each May, I mark my calendar a year in advance!