This Massive Ohio Ice Cream Shop Marries Frozen Treats With Mini Golf Adventure
I never expected to find my happy place at a dairy farm, but this place proved me wrong on my first visit. This special Yellow Springs spot combines everything you could want for a perfect day out.
Fresh ice cream made from their own cows, mini golf courses that actually challenge you, and farm animals you can feed and pet create an experience that goes way beyond your typical ice cream stop. The place buzzes with families, couples on dates, and groups of friends all discovering why this place has earned its reputation across Ohio.
What started as a simple dairy farm has grown into something much bigger, and after spending an afternoon there, I understood exactly why over 13,000 people have given it top ratings.
You pay only for what you actually do, which makes it easy to customize your visit without breaking the bank.
The Heart of Yellow Springs Agriculture
Young’s Jersey Dairy sits at 6880 Springfield Xenia Rd in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and the address tells only part of the story. This working farm has been producing fresh dairy products for generations, and you can still see the operation in action when you visit.
The farm-to-cone connection makes every scoop taste better. Knowing the ice cream comes from cows grazing just yards away adds something special to the experience.
You can even watch parts of the cheese-making process through viewing windows, which fascinates kids and adults equally.
The location off Springfield Xenia Road makes it easy to find, and the massive parking lot handles even the busiest weekend crowds. When the main lot fills up, they open grass parking areas so nobody gets turned away.
The farm spans enough acres to include all the attractions without feeling cramped, and the rural Ohio setting provides a peaceful backdrop that makes you forget how close you are to town.
Ice Cream That Actually Lives Up to the Hype
The ice cream at Young’s justifies the entire trip by itself. With dozens of flavors available at any time, plus rotating weekly specials, you could visit monthly and never try everything.
I went straight for their chocolate peanut butter, and one reviewer drove 54 minutes just for that specific flavor.
They encourage sampling before you commit, which shows confidence in their product. Staff members cheerfully offer spoons of any flavor you want to try, making the decision process part of the fun.
The weekly flavor special comes with two scoops for the price of one, which represents serious value.
One visitor raved about their cinnamon ice cream, calling it the best they had ever tasted with a strong, rich flavor that delivered exactly what it promised. The dairy-free options surprised me with their quality and variety, proving Young’s thinks about everyone.
Fresh ingredients from their own cows create a creaminess that store-bought versions simply cannot match, and you taste the difference immediately.
Udders and Putters Mini Golf Experience
The mini golf costs just seven dollars per course, and they offer two different 18-hole layouts. I played both courses during my visit, and each one presented unique challenges that kept things interesting.
The courses wind through landscaped areas with creative obstacles that require actual skill rather than just luck.
Families love how the difficulty level works for both kids and adults. Young children can still have fun while older players get genuinely challenged by some of the trickier holes.
The courses stay well-maintained, with smooth putting surfaces and obstacles that actually work properly.
You can play mini golf without buying anything else, which makes it perfect for budget-conscious families. The location near the main building means you can grab ice cream before or after your round.
Multiple reviewers mentioned the mini golf specifically in their feedback, showing how much this attraction adds to the overall experience. The farm setting creates a more interesting backdrop than your typical concrete mini golf setup.
Meeting the Four-Legged Residents
The animal encounters at Young’s create memories that last long after the ice cream disappears. Goats eagerly approach the fence when they see visitors with feed cups, and their enthusiastic personalities make everyone laugh.
You can purchase animal feed inside, and watching kids discover the joy of feeding farm animals never gets old.
Baby calves rest in the barn where you can pet their soft heads and feel their rough tongues. These gentle creatures seem to enjoy the attention as much as visitors enjoy giving it.
The petting area stays clean and well-managed, which matters when you have little ones getting up close with animals.
One reviewer mentioned seeing a barn cat dart through the enclosure where mature cows gathered, adding to the authentic farm atmosphere. The animals appear healthy and well-cared-for, which speaks volumes about how the farm operates.
Over 550 reviews specifically mentioned the goats, showing these personalities have become stars in their own right.
Food That Goes Beyond Ice Cream
Young’s serves real food that holds its own against the famous ice cream. Their burgers use fresh beef that tastes noticeably better than typical fast food, and multiple reviewers commented on the quality.
I ordered the Grilled Dagwood during my visit, and the generous portion size impressed me for the price.
Cheese curds appear in countless reviews, with most people praising their quality. Some come with gravy, creating a comfort food combination that hits the spot.
The grilled cheese sandwiches are bigger than expected, and tater wedges provide a satisfying alternative to regular fries.
One visitor appreciated the variety on the menu, noting how it opened up to include many different options beyond basic snacks. The breakfast offerings get mentioned positively, giving you reason to arrive early on weekends when they open at 9 AM.
Prices stay reasonable for the quality and portion sizes you receive. While one reviewer felt the food needed more flavor, the overwhelming majority praised both taste and freshness.
Batting Cages for Sports Enthusiasts
The batting cages provide entertainment for sports lovers and competitive families. Different speed settings accommodate everyone from beginners testing their swing to experienced players looking for a challenge.
I watched a grandfather teaching his grandson proper batting stance, creating one of those perfect family moments.
The cages stay well-maintained with functioning pitching machines and sturdy netting. You pay only for the time you use, which keeps costs manageable.
One reviewer mentioned the batting cages specifically as being great, showing they meet expectations for quality.
Located away from the main food areas, the cages give active kids a place to burn energy while others browse the gift shop or eat ice cream. The setup allows multiple people to use different cages simultaneously, reducing wait times during busy periods.
Whether you want to practice your swing or just try something fun and different, the batting cages add another dimension to the Young’s experience. They represent the kind of unexpected extra that transforms a simple ice cream stop into a full afternoon adventure.
Seasonal Adventures and Special Events
Young’s transforms with the seasons, offering different experiences throughout the year. Fall brings the corn maze that challenges your navigation skills and creates fun competition among groups.
One visitor mentioned getting adult wristbands to access the corn maze, wagon ride, carousel, mini golf, and driving range all in one evening.
The pumpkin patch draws families looking for that perfect fall photo opportunity. Kids love searching through the field for just the right pumpkin to take home.
Wagon rides pulled by tractors give everyone a tour of the farm while enjoying the fresh air and scenery.
Christmas tree farming happens on part of the property, though one reviewer noted an unfortunate smell from the water used in that area. The seasonal activities mean you can visit multiple times per year and experience something different each trip.
Special events and themed weekends pop up on their calendar, giving you even more reasons to plan return visits. The variety keeps Young’s feeling fresh rather than repetitive.
The Gift Shop and Dairy Store
The gift shop at this place deserves its own visit, separate from everything else. Shelves overflow with unique items you will not find at typical tourist traps.
One reviewer specifically praised the shop for having something for everyone, and I spent more time browsing than I planned.
Local products fill the space, including their own cheeses, summer sausages, and baked goods. The apple cider bread earned enthusiastic praise from one visitor who taste-tested a sample.
You can grab crackers and cheese for the road, creating a perfect snack combination for your drive home.
Ohio-made crafts and farm-themed items make great gifts for people back home. The shop connects directly to the main building, making it easy to browse while waiting for food or between activities.
Prices stay reasonable, and the quality exceeds what you typically find at attraction gift shops. One visitor accidentally left purchases behind, and staff offered to replace the items when they returned, showing the kind of customer service that builds loyalty.
The No-Admission-Fee Advantage
Young’s charges no admission fee, which changes everything about how you experience the place. You simply pay for the specific activities and food you choose, making it accessible for any budget.
One reviewer specifically appreciated this approach, noting the prices for individual activities stayed very reasonable.
This model means you can stop by just for ice cream without feeling obligated to do everything. Alternatively, you can go all-in with wristbands that cover multiple attractions.
Families with different interests can split up without anyone paying for activities they do not want to do.
The free admission removes pressure and lets you explore at your own pace. You might plan to just grab ice cream, but then decide to play mini golf when you see how nice the courses look.
The flexibility makes Young’s work for quick stops or all-day adventures. This pricing structure shows confidence that once people arrive, the quality of everything offered will encourage them to participate.
Multiple reviewers mentioned the fair pricing and good value, proving this approach works for both the business and customers.
Service That Makes You Feel Welcome
The staff at Young’s consistently earn praise in reviews for being happy, welcoming, and genuinely nice. During my visit, every employee I encountered seemed to actually enjoy their job, which makes a noticeable difference in the atmosphere.
They allowed unlimited ice cream sampling without any attitude or impatience.
When one visitor called about forgotten items, staff offered to replace them even though they could not locate the originals. That kind of customer service creates loyal fans who return repeatedly.
The owner’s responses to reviews show real personality and care rather than generic corporate replies.
Even during busy times, employees maintain their friendliness and efficiency. Lines move quickly despite the crowds, showing good training and organization.
Staff members working the food counter, gift shop, and activity areas all contribute to the welcoming environment. One reviewer noted how easy it was for their large group to find seating, suggesting staff help manage the space well.
The combination of great products and genuine hospitality explains why Young’s has built such a strong reputation across Ohio and beyond.
Planning Your Visit for Maximum Fun
This amazing place opens at 11 AM most days, but on weekends start at 9 AM, when you can catch their breakfast offerings. Closing times vary from 8 PM to 9 PM depending on the day, so check before planning an evening visit.
The place gets busy, especially during peak seasons, but the size of the property handles crowds well.
Arriving earlier in the day means shorter lines and easier parking. However, some visitors love the evening atmosphere when the lights illuminate the carousel and mini golf courses.
Consider what activities matter most to your group and plan accordingly, since some attractions close before the main facility.
Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk more than expected between attractions. Bring cash just in case, though they accept cards for most purchases.
The location near Yellow Springs means you can explore that charming town before or after your Young’s visit. Multiple reviewers mentioned making special trips from significant distances, with one driving 54 minutes specifically for the ice cream.
That dedication speaks volumes about what awaits you at this massive Ohio destination.