Craving something cold and memorable in Lincoln? From classic parlors to small batch makers, you will find generous scoops, seasonal specials, malted shakes, and comfortable stops with easy parking when you want to linger with a friend or bring home a pint.
Let’s get to it.
(402) Creamery at Telegraph
Small-batch ice cream with generous, from-scratch mix-ins is the calling card at (402) Creamery’s Telegraph scoop shop. Bases and add-ins come from their own production kitchen, so every scoop tastes composed rather than crowded.
The board rotates with about fifteen flavors plus monthly specials. Signature crowd-pleasers like Monster Cookie and Tiger Stripes sit beside creative one-offs, often made with local bakeries or breweries. The much-talked-about chili + cinnamon roll collaboration shows their playful Nebraska streak.
Indecisive palates are treated kindly here. A four-scoop flight lets you compare textures and styles without committing, and milkshakes come regular or malted, seasonal flavors included.
Dietary needs aren’t an afterthought either. There are frequent dairy-free and gluten-free options, with staff noting precautions even as cross-contact remains possible.
The Telegraph District setting keeps it easy. Indoor seating, nearby outdoor spots, and free district parking make it comfortable for families and meet-ups. Fresh waffle cones and a complimentary waffle chip feel like a wink, and pints in the case hover around $13 for take-home. For those who appreciate local flavor with a bit of whimsy, this one lands squarely in the treat-yourself category without turning fussy.
(402) Creamery at Village Gardens
Here, ideas get churned into reality. The Village Gardens shop doubles as 402 Creamery’s production home, so the case often features small-batch experiments right alongside their stalwarts.
Start with Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache, then branch out. Seasonal and collaboration flavors roll through regularly, from a playful Runza chili-cinnamon-roll nod to Butterbeer, Monster Cookie, and even brewery or cheesecake tie-ins.
Commitment issues vanish with the flight, a board of several kid-size scoops that lets you explore without overdoing it. Fresh waffle cones perfume the room, and they tuck crisp cone chips into cups for a little crunch.
Dietary needs are respected. Oat-based dairy-free options, clear gluten-free labels, and staff willing to do allergy-safe scoops make it easy to bring everyone along.
Expect a casual, kid-friendly scene with limited indoor seats and some outdoor perches, plus pints to take home. Go for creative, local ice cream that rewards curiosity; skip if you require lingering table service and a whisper-quiet café vibe.
Dairy Joe’s
Just west of Lincoln, Dairy Joe’s delivers value-first scoops with an old-school malt-shop soul. Generous portions and light prices keep locals and lake-goers coming. The lemon soft-serve has a loyal following, and the separate lime is a playful bonus.
Soft-serve, hard-pack scoops, and a rotating case of flavors keep things interesting. Staples like chocolate, cookie dough, and dulce de leche share space with small-batch specials like blueberry cheesecake. Order a Joe’s Blitz to blend in candy, or go all in on ice cream nachos.
Convenience is part of the charm. There is a drive-through and quick takeout, plus indoor seating that is wheelchair friendly. It can be busy on summer weekends, yet parking is easy and the line moves.
Beyond cones, the menu stretches to shakes, malts, sundaes, splits, and espresso drinks. Paninis, wraps, and pizza make it a handy stop near Emerald. The ice cream comes from a regional dairy partner, then gets house twists for a consistent, nostalgic taste. Dairy-free choices are limited, though staff can sometimes mix alternatives. Dogurt pops up for four-legged friends.
Ivanna Cone
The flight is your friend at Ivanna Cone, especially if decision fatigue kicks in at the case. Four anchors keep you grounded: Dutch Chocolate, Sweet Cream Vanilla, Fresh Strawberry, and Cinnamon. Start there, then let curiosity lead.
From week to week, the board tilts playful. Horchata, blueberry honey, or coffee-KitKat appear, alongside fruit-and-herb blends. Community Cone collabs tie flavors to local nonprofits, so your treat does a little good.
Everything is made in small batches with real ingredients. Waffle cones bake in house. Sundaes bring hot fudge, whipped cream, and sprinkles, and mix-ins often get folded into the churn. Vegan and dairy-free choices show up, too.
Old-time soda shop feel in the Haymarket, bright and family friendly without feeling kiddie. Prices reflect the craft, but portions are honest and the flight helps a budget. Expect a line on arena or festival nights; it moves, and there is indoor seating.
Cones and cups lead, with shakes, floats, and pints to go for later. Sundae kits make an easy gift, and summer kid tours underscore the community heartbeat.
UNL Dairy Store
Part ice cream shop, part classroom, UNL Dairy Store turns dessert into a lesson worth savoring. Food-science students develop and churn the recipes in the campus dairy plant, so flavors feel local, thoughtful, and delightfully nerdy.
Campus-themed scoops anchor the Big Ten lineup, from 4H Clover Mint and Butter Brickle to Scarlet & Cream, Husker Ice, and Coffee Crunch. Then the board gets playful with student creations like White Chocolate Lavender, Lemon Custard, or Peach. Limited runs keep choices fresh.
Get hand-dipped in a cone or cup, opt for soft-serve when a shake or malt calls, or grab a root beer float. Sundaes arrive generously topped. Add candy, nuts, or syrups. Prices are friendly: singles about $4, doubles near $5, shakes and malts $5 to $7, pints roughly $7.64. Weekday Happy Hour pops up on rotating items.
On UNL’s East Campus, the counter setup is simple, with indoor seating and easy spill-out to Legacy Plaza’s greenspace. Family friendly and low key also reads date-night casual. Visitor parking rules can apply. Want dessert later? Grab a hand-packed pint or a Husker gift box.
C&L Dairy Sweet
That lemon cone has its own fan club in southwest Lincoln. C&L Dairy Sweet keeps the recipe in the family, and when midweek lemon days roll around, the lot hums. Tart, creamy, not too sweet, it is the kind of signature that tells you this is a local original.
Beyond citrus, the lineup is classic and comforting: soft‑serve vanilla, sundaes, malts and shakes, root‑beer floats, and banana boats. Toppings lean nostalgic too, from sprinkles and hot fudge to the beloved crunch of caramelized peanuts. Rotating flavors pop up through the season, like butter pecan or strawberry. For a little whimsy, there is the chocolate‑dipped Billy Bar.
Prices are kind to families, though cups can run modest in size. Cones and sundaes feel like the better value, especially with add‑ons. Seating is outdoors at Van Dorn and Coddington, and parking is easy most days, yet expect a small rush on lemon days. Bring cash, or check payment options first.
Choose C&L if you crave a simple, throwback scoop done with care and community roots. It is a seasonal stop with to‑go ease, best for a low‑key treat or a quick midweek lemon fix. Traditionalists and kids leave happy.
(402) Creamery at Fallbrook
The four-flavor flight turns decision-making into play. It lands on the table like a mini tasting, perfect for comparing a signature scoop with a monthly wild card or two.
Locally owned and a proper scoop shop, this is small-batch, super-premium ice cream made in-house, with mix-ins and waffle cones crafted daily. Scoops arrive with a complimentary waffle chip, a simple touch that adds crunch without piling on toppings, though sauces and extras are there if you want them.
Flavors rotate through 12 to 16 at a time, anchored by hits like Monster Cookie, Tiger Stripes, and Triple Threat. Plus collaborations and limited releases, from bakery mashups to the Runza chili plus cinnamon roll combo.
Milkshakes come classic or seasonal, with malt as an option. Dairy-free oat-based flavors are clearly marked, and gluten-friendly cones are available. Staff can take extra care with allergies when asked, which lowers the stress for mixed-diet groups.
Fallbrook’s shop is bright and kid-happy, with indoor tables and a patio facing the neighborhood park. Parking is easy, and pints to-go make a quick stop worthwhile. Portions are generous, pricing is friendly, and those split-scoop and flight options help a family sample without overspending.
Colby Ridge Popcorn & Ice Cream
Ice cream and popcorn under one roof is not a gimmick here. It is the whole point, and it works.
Colby Ridge Popcorn & Ice Cream runs a wide rotating lineup, from soft-serve with novelty flavors like red velvet to scoop-style standards. Seasonal turns show up, pumpkin spice in the fall, lemon custard when it is warm. Nostalgic, kid-friendly picks such as Superman and bubblegum keep it lighthearted without feeling cheap.
Order a cup or go big with a chocolate-coated waffle cone crowned in candy. Sundaes are in play, and there are creative pairings like ice cream on donuts or a salty-sweet mix with popcorn and lemon custard.
Prices are reasonable and portions generous, which makes this a smart family stop or a low-stakes treat between errands. The room feels casual and a bit old-school, with indoor tables, easy parking, and wheelchair access. If you like to leave with a gift, the house popcorn line covers bags, tins, and popcorn balls that travel well. Pick Colby Ridge when you want variety without the splurge, and a little fun along the way.
Scoops
First comes a square scoop, a little visual wink that sets the tone. Scoops leans into a playful, retro identity without tipping into gimmickry, which keeps it charming for adults as much as kids.
You get breadth here. Traditional tubs from premium makers sit alongside house touches like warm waffle cones and fresh fudge. Flavors rotate, with seasonal surprises sprinkled in, so you can go classic or chase something bright and joyful like cotton candy or Superman. Dole Whip is on tap for a lighter, dairy-free feel, and the menu runs long with malts, shakes, banana splits, and sundaes.
Value is part of the appeal. There is a kids scoop at a budget-friendly price, plus pints to go and an extensive topping bar for build-your-own moments. Novelty items like ice cream tacos and “nachos” keep things lively without breaking the bank.
The vibe reads family-friendly and relaxed, sometimes with a small arcade touch. With storefronts on South 70th, North 70th, and in the Haymarket, it is easy to find. Expect a line on warm evenings.
Bottom line: an easy, feel-good stop for variety, nostalgia, and price-conscious treats that do not skimp on fun. They also handle catering and fundraisers.
Freezing Thai Rolled Ice Cream & Bakery (Lincoln, NE)
Fresh, made-to-order rolls spun on a cold plate steal the show. Freezing Thai Rolled Ice Cream & Bakery turns dessert into a small performance, then hands you a generous cup for about six to eight dollars.
Classics sit beside playful combinations. Monkey Business pairs banana with Nutella, Oreo cheesecake leans creamy, cotton candy stays light, and seasonal riffs cycle in, from pumpkin pie to peanut butter cup. Fruit-forward options keep things brighter. Toppings are generous.
Prefer to sip? Bubble tea comes with chewy boba and balanced sweetness, and the to-go cups travel well. Cakes and many pastries are made in-house, often by pre-order, while quick treats like crepes round out the case. Carryout and delivery help.
In downtown Lincoln, the vibe is casual and family friendly. Seating is limited, so it suits a quick treat before a show or after a stroll. The rolled presentation is undeniably photogenic.
Those needing dairy-free options should ask ahead, as availability varies. For value, variety, and a little culinary theater, this spot delivers. They also handle custom cakes and event catering when a celebration calls.
Lincoln Ice Cream Company
Variety wins here, not gimmicks. Lincoln Ice Cream Company takes the classic scoop shop and gives it range, so everyone finds something worth a spoon.
At the east-side Lincoln location, the approach leans small batch, with a lineup that swings from proper Vanilla and Chocolate to playful picks like Michigan Pothole, Strawberry Cheesecake, and the bright, kid-pleasing Superman. Flavors rotate, so there is usually a surprise alongside the standards. Cones, cups, and sundae-style creations keep it simple in the best way.
Dietary needs are handled thoughtfully. Dole Whip gives a dairy-free soft option, vegan choices are clearly called out, and some shops even add shaved ice to the mix. It is an easy win for groups where not everyone wants the same thing.
Beyond the scoops, the homemade popcorn and fudge are the kind of extras that turn a quick stop into a take-home treat situation. T-shirts and other merch add a touch of hometown charm.
Expect a cozy storefront near Meadowlane in east Lincoln, with limited seating and smooth takeout. Delivery is available through third-party apps, and they cater events too. If your crew values variety and a friendly price-to-pleasure ratio, this one rises to the top.
