With warmer weather coming our way, it’s time to try all of the different frozen treats Ames has to offer. Whether it’s gelato, frozen yogurt, custard or good old ice cream, there’s definitely something for you.

Check out the different places in Ames that serve up frozen delights and pick your favorite.

Dairy Queen

316 Lincoln Way and 3308 Orion Road 

Not quite sure what you’re in the mood for? Dairy Queen has all kinds of ice cream treats. Varying from ice cream cones, sundaes, Blizzards and Dilly Bars, DQ has it all. Stop on by and you’ll be welcomed in with a smile.

“Dairy Queen has been in Ames since 1952, so it has deep roots here,” explained owner Al Sorenson.

In addition to the two established stores, another recently opened on Feb. 20 off of Highway 30.

Whether you’re on the go or in need of an ice cream date, stop by Dairy Queen for the Blizzard of the month or your favorite shake. 

Orange Leaf

637 Lincoln Way

Sixteen frozen yogurt options plus 40 different toppings equals endless options. Orange Leaf puts customers in control. Size, flavor and number of toppings are completely up to you. The weight-based price allows users to create exact what they want.

“We provide a fun, atmosphere along with a great product,” said store manager Rachel Rademacher.

Not only does Orange Leaf serve delicious frozen yogurt, it also tries to support local organizations.

“We do a lot of fundraising with the community,” Rademacher said.

Grab some frozen yogurt while helping out local groups.

Culver’s

525 Gilchrist Ave.

A trip to Culver’s is incomplete without some custard at the end. Whether it’s just a dish or a Concrete Mixer, dessert is a must.

Each day, Culver’s offers its traditional vanilla and chocolate flavors, in addition to the “Flavor of the Day.”

Heather Bradeen, store manager, explained that double strawberry and Georgia peach are popular “Flavors of the day.”

To snag a deal, stop in from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday for buy one, get one free Concrete Mixers.

Hickory Park

1404 S. Duff Ave.

What do you get when you combine an Ames tradition and delicious ice cream? Hickory Park’s sundaes.

“We base all of our ice cream on old-fashioned sundaes and we have over 100 different choices,” said Katie Esslinger, manager at Hickory Park.

You have the option of choosing a sundae from the menu or creating your own. Some of the most popular sundaes are the Snickers sundae, hot apple crunch and brownie sundae. If you opt to make your own, there are 20 different types of ice cream to choose from.

Capanna Coffee

3329 W. Lincoln Way

Try a taste of Italy with Capanna’s gelato. Owner David Smith explained that all of the gelato is made right in the store.

“If you haven’t tried gelato, it’s one of those things that people think is just ice cream until you try it, [then] realize it’s a different deal,” Smith said.

There are 16 different flavors at a time, with more than 60 different flavors to try year-round. Smith said one of the most popular flavors is peanut butter cookies and cream.

Stop in to try a dish or grab some to go.

Cold Stone Creamery

1310 S. Duff Ave.

Store manager Christie Smith describes Cold Stone as customer-oriented and personable.

“When you walk into our store, you’re greeted with a smile, welcomed up and offered free samples,” Smith said.

There are 16 different flavors of ice cream from which customers can create their own mix of ice cream and toppings, or they can choose one of the menu items.

One of the most popular items is called Birthday Cake Remix. The dish includes Cake Batter Ice Cream, fudge, sprinkles and brownie.

ISU students can present their student ID on Mondays to receive a buy one, get one free deal on ice cream creations.

Aspen Leaf

414 S. Duff Ave.

Create a masterpiece with the different frozen yogurt flavors and more than 70 topping options at Aspen Leaf.

Amanda Fordyce, senior in animal science, enjoys stopping by Aspen Leaf for dessert.

“The Rocky Mountain Chocolate flavor is so good. I also really like the variety of toppings,” she said.

Whether it’s fruity or rich, make a visit to Aspen Leaf for self-serve frozen yogurt your way.