4 Tasty Ice Cream Shops in Fort Collins, CO

What Is It?

Glacier Ice Cream in Fort Collins is a lively ice cream and gelato shop known for its delightful handmade treats and a funky vibe. With various options including nut allergen-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free selections, it caters to many dietary needs while serving up some of the most flavorful ice cream in town.

The Experience

Walking into Glacier Ice Cream feels like stepping into a realm of sweet possibilities. The moment you enter, you're greeted by an inviting atmosphere, filled with quirky décor and a friendly team eager to help you discover your next favorite flavor. You can't help but notice the cheerful chatter and laughter among patrons, each consulting with friends and family, eager to make that perfect selection. The smell of freshly made waffle cones mingles with the scents of rich chocolate and tangy fruit, making it nearly impossible to resist grabbing a scoop.

As you browse the extensive menu, you might be tempted to dive right in, but the enthusiastic staff encourages sample tastings. You take a spoonful of the mint chocolate chip, and it’s just as refreshing and creamy as everyone raves. You can’t help but join in on the excitement, sampling indeed the Funky Donkey and the decadent Salted Caramel Oreo. With unique flavors that are as imaginative as they are delicious, each taste confirms you're in for a treat. Patrons share hearty recommendations, and before you know it, your options multiply!

Deciding on a single scoop feels impossible, so you opt for a cup with two generous scoops – lovingly piled and overflowing. This place is known for not skimping on portions, and you definitely feel that warmth of generous hospitality as you choose your flavors. You grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables, soaking in the blissful Colorado sunshine while perfecting that sweet cone for the ultimate photo-op.

The delightful sensation of enjoying your ice cream while watching passersby and reveling in the vibrant energy of the Fort Collins community surrounds you. Other families are sitting around, sharing giggles and indulging in their own sweet concoctions. On your way out, spirits high, you're already thinking about your next visit, eager to taste what new delights Glacier Ice Cream will have in store next time.

When to Go

If you're looking to enjoy a somewhat quieter experience at Glacier Ice Cream, consider visiting during the midday hours or early afternoons on weekdays. This way, you can savor your treat without the bustling crowds that tend to flock in during peak evening hours, especially around 6 PM to 8 PM on weekends.

What Is It?

Josh & John's is a beloved ice cream shop in Fort Collins, Colorado, crafting artisanal ice cream since 1986. Known for their home-made waffle cones and a wide mix of classic and inventive flavors, this charming spot has become a local favorite for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. Whether you're a dairy lover or seeking dairy-free options, there's something delightful for everyone!

The Experience

Walking into Josh & John's is an experience in itself—imagine the delightful scent of freshly made waffle cones filling the air as you approach the counter. As you glance at the colorful array of ice cream flavors, you feel a wave of excitement wash over you, knowing that each scoop represents a blend of quality ingredients and creative concoctions. The friendly staff greets you with smiles, ready to help you navigate the delicious menu. You find yourself sampling a few enticing options, perhaps the decadent Purple Mountain Majesty or the rich Salted Peanut Butter Cup—choices that come highly recommended by other guests.

Once you finalize your selection, watching the staff expertly scoop your ice cream into a freshly made waffle cone is a treat in itself. The generous swirl of ice cream stacked high makes it hard to wait, but the anticipation is worth it when you take that first delicious bite. The creamy texture and bold flavors dance across your palate, making every lick of the cone feel like a small celebration. As you settle into one of the outdoor chairs, the atmosphere buzzes with laughter and the joy of families enjoying their ice cream together, creating a perfect backdrop for your indulgence.

As you savor each bite, you notice other patrons equally enchanted, some creating their own delicious combinations, while kids giggle and share their favorite ice cream moments. You overhear excited recommendations, like trying the Mocha Java Jolt or the oatmeal cookie flavor—seems like a recipe for happiness if you ask anyone here! It’s not just the ice cream that brings a smile; the entire vibe of the place, with its vibrant decor and community feel, adds to the enjoyment.

Before you know it, not only had you savored some incredible ice cream, but you've also created a lovely memory worth cherishing, knowing that this spot will become a regular favorite when seeking a sweet escape in beautiful Fort Collins.

When to Go

For a more relaxed ice cream outing, aim to visit Josh & John's earlier in the day or right when they open. This way, you can skip the evening rush when the lines are longer and the atmosphere is particularly lively. Besides, you’ll have the full attention of the staff and a more leisurely choice of flavors.

What Is It?

Old Town Churn Ice Cream is a delightful gem in Fort Collins, CO, known for its creative and nostalgic ice cream offerings. This charming ice cream shop is a proud member of the Little Man Ice Cream Company family, designed to resemble an enormous, vintage wooden ice cream churn. It's the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet cravings while enjoying the classic ambiance of Old Town.

The Experience

When you stroll up to Old Town Churn, you can’t help but smile at the sight of its eye-catching 26-foot-tall ice cream churn. The atmosphere is lively, especially in the vibrant courtyard where families and friends gather to enjoy their treats. As you step in, the friendly staff welcomes you with a warm smile and an array of unique flavors that invite adventurous taste buds. You might be tempted by the salted Oreo, renowned for its rich taste that many have declared as the best ice cream in town.

As you savor the delightful options, it’s hard not to indulge in the creamy milkshakes that have earned their share of praise. Picture this: you take a sip of your freshly blended milkshake, and laughter surrounds you as families gather, sharing stories and enjoying their scoops. If you’re feeling festive, you might even snag a dog-friendly pup cup for your furry friend, making it a true family outing.

You’re struck by how accessible the place is, not just for families but also for those with dietary restrictions. The rotation of vegan and gluten-free options keeps patrons coming back. Maybe you decide to try the vegan salted Oreo flavor, and wow, it surprises you how blissfully creamy it is, rivaling even traditional ice creams. It really seems like there’s something for everyone!

Before wrapping up your visit, you step outside to enjoy your ice cream in the charming courtyard, maybe even challenge a friend to a game of corn-hole under the stars. With generous portions served in quirky cups, every scoop feels like a guilty pleasure you can justify. Making plans to return, you leave with a smile, grateful to have discovered this vibrant ice cream haven in Fort Collins, the perfect sweet stop after an evening out.

When to Go

If you’re looking to enjoy Old Town Churn without the hustle and bustle, consider swinging by earlier in the day or on weekdays. Many patrons experience longer wait times after 6 PM, especially on weekends, so getting there around lunchtime or early afternoon can make for a more relaxed experience.

What Is It?

Walrus Ice Cream is a beloved local ice cream shop in Fort Collins, known for its homemade, high-quality ice cream made from all-natural ingredients. With a diverse selection of unique flavors, including options for those with dietary restrictions, this charming spot is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking to satisfy their sweet tooth.

The Experience

As you stroll through the vibrant Old Town Fort Collins, a sweet craving kicks in, and you find yourself drawn to the colorful facade of Walrus Ice Cream. The atmosphere is buzzing, yet you’re greeted by a friendly smile as you step inside the shop. The delightful scent of fresh waffle cones fills the air, making it hard to resist the temptation. You and your friends stand in line, eagerly scanning the rotating menu filled with enticing flavors like Lavender, Caramel Sea Salt, and even the adventurous Joke Flavor that’s become a talking point for locals. While the line stretches out the door, it moves surprisingly fast, thanks to the efficient staff who juggle orders with a smile.

Once at the counter, you engage with the enthusiastic staff who encourage you to sample as many flavors as you’d like. You tentatively dip your spoon into the tangy Raspberry Orange Pineapple and the rich Swiss Dark Chocolate, each tasting better than the last. Your heart races as you finally settle on a scoop of Orange Sorbet and a cup of Maple Toffee, perfect for the warm Colorado evening. As you pay, you're pleasantly surprised by the reasonable prices for such creamy, decadent ice cream.

Grabbing your cones, you make your way to the outdoor seating area adorned with strung lights. The ambiance is lively; laughter fills the air as families and friends gather, enjoying their treats. Your friends opt for the beloved Jack Chip, while others double down on the unique flavors like the famed Cinnamon or Chocolate Coconut. You snap a few pictures of your colorful cones against the whimsical Walrus murals on the wall, capturing a moment of sweetness amidst the busy world.

As the sun sets over Fort Collins, the experience becomes even more enchanting. You watch as families share stories and laughter while kids sit on the nearby giant Connect-Four, a nod to the casual, fun atmosphere of this local treasure. Every bite of your ice cream brings a smile, reminding you why Walrus Ice Cream is a favorite spot for residents and visitors alike. Leaving, you can't help but plan your next visit, knowing you'll want to try more of the ever-changing flavors this iconic shop has to offer.

When to Go

For those looking to avoid the busiest hours, try visiting Walrus Ice Cream earlier in the afternoon or during the week, as the evenings and weekends tend to see the longest lines. Stopping by just after lunchtime or before the evening rush can help you enjoy your treat with less waiting.