As the sun starts to shine brighter and the days grow longer, it's time to embrace the sweetest treat of all: ice cream! St. Cloud is a haven for ice cream lovers, with a variety of independently owned shops offering unique flavors and experiences. From homemade Mexican ice cream to fruity delights and soft-serve favorites, there's something for every taste. Let's dive into the top six ice cream spots around St. Cloud, each with its own charm and delicious offerings.
Jupiter Moon Ice Cream
This charming shop has two locations, one in St. Joseph and another at Munsinger Clemens Gardens in St. Cloud. Jupiter Moon takes pride in making its own ice cream, ensuring a fresh and delicious experience. The St. Joseph location is open daily from noon to 10 p.m., while the St. Cloud shop offers extended hours on weekends. What sets Jupiter Moon apart is its rotating flavors, which include the indulgent mocha caramel latte and the tropical pina colada. Coffee lovers will also appreciate the addition of coffee to their menu.
Catalinas Michoacana Ice Cream Shop
Located in Waite Park, this shop brings a taste of Mexico to your ice cream. With a focus on fruity flavors, Catalinas offers bubblegum, pecan, and mango, among others. The hard-scoop ice cream is a favorite among locals, and the shop's atmosphere adds to the overall experience. Open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and until 10 p.m. on weekends, it's the perfect spot for a sweet treat after a long day.
Mr. Twisty
With two locations in St. Cloud and Sartell, Mr. Twisty is a soft-serve paradise. The shop offers a range of unique flavors, such as strawberry cheesecake and fluffy unicorn cotton candy. For those seeking a classic, the red, white, and blue stars and stripes flavor is a crowd-pleaser. Open daily from noon to 9 p.m. in St. Cloud and Sartell, Mr. Twisty is a go-to spot for a quick and tasty ice cream fix.
La Botana Michoacana Ice Cream Shop
Another Mexican-inspired ice cream shop, La Botana, offers a variety of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. From pistachio to guava and passion fruit, there's something for every fruit lover. The shop also serves homemade fresh fruit frozen treats and mangaonadas, adding a touch of local flavor. Open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and until 9:30 p.m. on weekends, La Botana is a delightful stop for a sweet escape.
Wandering Cow Ice Cream
St. Joseph's very own Wandering Cow offers a delightful selection of hard-serve ice cream. With flavors like brownie cascade and blueberry cheesecake, it's a treat for any occasion. The shop also serves milkshakes, providing a complete dessert experience. Open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and until 9 p.m. on weekends, Wandering Cow is a must-visit for ice cream enthusiasts.
Fudgin' Delicious Ice Cream
For those seeking a fast-food style ice cream experience, Fudgin' Delicious is the place to be. With a variety of hard-serve flavors, including Door County cherry and coconut almond bliss, it's a sweet indulgence. Located in Sauk Rapids and at the Crossroads Center in St. Cloud, this shop is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and until 6 p.m. on Sundays, making it easily accessible for a quick ice cream fix.
In conclusion, St. Cloud's ice cream scene is a delightful adventure, offering a range of flavors and experiences. From homemade Mexican treats to fruity delights and soft-serve favorites, there's something for every ice cream lover. So, as the summer heat rises, head out and explore these independently owned shops, where every bite is a celebration of taste and creativity.
