There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of a creamy, cold scoop of ice cream on a warm day — it's one of summertime's best indulgences! Here in Lancaster County, we produce more farm-fresh milk than anywhere else in Pennsylvania. So it only makes sense that we also churn out some amazing ice cream. Want to know the best places to grab a scoop or two? Just follow the Lancaster County Ice Cream Trail! It will take you to more than two dozen stops for some of the best ice cream Pennsylvania has to offer.
From small, independent dairy farms that have their own creameries to old-fashioned ice cream parlors that have been around for decades, you'll find something unique about every stop on the Lancaster County Ice Cream Trail. If you're craving a sweet escape, book your getaway to B.F. Hiestand House, and then hit the trail to uncover the perfect blend of locally sourced ingredients and time-tested recipes that ensure each scoop pays homage to Lancaster's agricultural heritage.
Be sure to download the mobile passport with discounts and directions to more than two dozen stops on the Lancaster County Ice Cream Trail. Here are a few notable stops within a short drive of our historic bed-and-breakfast to get you started on your journey.
Little Dippers Ice Cream │ Mount Joy, PA
Little Dippers is celebrating 15 years in business in 2023. This walk-up ice cream shop offers 30 hand-dipped flavors, including 20+ Penn State Berkey Creamery flavors, like Peachy Paterno and Mint Nittany. You can't miss the colorful pink, blue and white facade that beckons you to indulge in a dish or cone of sweet goodness, which you can enjoy on their patio.
Turkey Hill Experience │ Columbia, PA
More than just an ice cream parlor, the Turkey Hill Experience is an interactive attraction that dives into the world of ice cream and the rich history of Turkey Hill, a beloved local dairy brand. See what it's like to be a Turkey Hill Dairy ice cream maker for a day. You can even try your hand at creating your own ice cream flavor in the Taste Lab, with a custom blend of toppings and ingredients.
Scoops Ice Cream and Grille │ Mountville, PA
Scoops has been a beloved local favorite for years, and it's easy to see why. With 24 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, sundaes, milkshakes and homemade waffle cones, there's something to satisfy every taste bud. What sets Scoops apart is its full-service grill, offering house-special cheesesteaks, burgers, wraps and salads. You won't leave hungry!
The Milkhouse at Oregon Dairy │ Lititz, PA
Oregon Dairy started as a small dairy store in 1974 and has grown to include a family restaurant, bake shop, gift shop and, of course, ice cream shop. The Milkhouse serves more than 25 flavors of delicious hand-dipped ice cream, signature sundaes, milkshakes and floats on a beautiful deck overlooking the farm. For a calorie splurge with a Lancaster twist, order the Whoopie Pie Sundae and ask for a sprinkle of mini Wilbur Buds. Delish!
Lapp Valley Farm │ New Holland, PA
This Mennonite-owned dairy farm in New Holland sells quality hormone-free milk, butter and the most amazingly rich ice cream — all thanks to the Jersey cows raised on the farm. While you're there, watch the cows being milked, pet the bottle-fed calves and see the beautiful peacocks that roam the grounds freely. Pro tip: Skip the dish and get your ice cream in a homemade waffle cone.
