When the Kansas sun blazes, nothing beats the best ice cream in Salina, KS. This mid-sized city offers a surprising variety of frozen treats, from artisanal scoops to authentic Mexican paletas. Whether you’re a local or visiting Salina, these top ice cream shops will satisfy your sweet tooth. Grab a spoon and explore the best places for ice cream in Salina, KS! 🍦
1. Dagney’s Ice Cream 🍨
A downtown Salina gem, Dagney’s Ice Cream is known for its cozy vibe and premium hand-dipped ice cream. Their rotating flavors range from classic vanilla bean to adventurous Lemon Poppyseed or Cotton Candy Crunch. Locals love the fresh waffle cones, made daily and filling the shop with a heavenly aroma. Perfect for a sweet escape in downtown Salina.
- Why Visit: Unique flavors, generous portions, and a strong community vibe.
- Location: Downtown Salina, KS.
- Tip: Check their social media for seasonal flavors!
2. Braum’s Ice Cream & Dairy Store 🐄
Braum’s combines an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with a grocery and dairy store. Their ice cream, made with milk from Braum’s Family Dairy Farms in Texas and Oklahoma, delivers rich, creamy flavors. From triple-scoop sundaes to chocolate malts, it’s a nostalgic treat for Salina families.
- Why Visit: Farm-fresh ice cream and affordable prices.
- Locations: 1800 W Crawford Street and 656 S Ohio Street
Tip: Try their seasonal fruit sundaes for a refreshing twist.
3. Bogey’s🥤
Known primarily for their burgers and shakes, Bogey’s also serves up one of the largest selections of shake flavors you’ll find anywhere! While technically shakes, the texture is thick enough to rival soft-serve. Their hand-mixed creations include everything from peanut butter banana to cherry cheesecake. It’s the kind of place where every visit can mean trying something new. A must-stop for adventurous dessert lovers.
- Why Visit: Huge shake flavor selection and bold combinations.
- Location: 1417 S 9th Street, Salina KS
- Tip: Pair your shake with their famous fries for a classic combo.
4. Dairy Queen🍦
Sometimes, you just want the classics. Dairy Queen delivers exactly that with its signature soft-serve, dipped cones, and crowd-pleasing Blizzards. While it’s a national chain, Salina offers two DQ’s that have maintained loyal fan bases for their consistent quality and taste. Whether you’re craving a Reese’s Blizzard or a banana split, you know what you’re getting—and sometimes, that’s the best part.
- Why Visit: Consistent quality and iconic Blizzards.
- Locations: 321 N 9th Street and 1000 Buckeye Avenue, Salina, KS.
- Tip: Check for seasonal Blizzard flavors!
5. Sonic Drive-In 🚗
Sonic may be best known for its drive-in burgers and slushes, but don’t overlook its ice cream menu. Their ice cream-based treats—like the Sonic Blast or the Old School Sundae—are perfect for an on-the-go indulgence. It’s a great choice if you’re craving a mix of textures, like crushed candy bars in your soft-serve. Bonus: late-night hours make Sonic a favorite for spontaneous dessert runs in Salina, KS.
- Why Visit: Convenient drive-in and diverse ice cream menu.
- Locations: 2615 Marketplace and 310 S Santa Fe Avenue, Salina, KS.
- Tip: Try a Sonic Blast with your favorite candy mix-in.
6. Paleteria La Nena 🍓
For something outside the ordinary, Paleteria La Nena offers a taste of authentic Mexican frozen treats. Their handmade paletas (ice pops) come in a variety of flavors, from fruity mango and pineapple to creamy coconut and Oreo. They also offer nieves (sorbets), ice cream, and even spicy-sweet combos like mango with chili. It’s a flavorful, colorful experience that brings a unique cultural twist to Salina’s dessert scene.
- Why Visit: Cultural flavors and handmade quality.
- Location: 1118 W Cloud Street, Salina, KS.
- Tip: Try the mango chili paleta for a sweet-spicy kick!
7. Bonus: Tropical Sno 🍧
While Tropical Sno specializes in snow cones rather than ice cream, we couldn’t leave it off the list. Their fluffy shaved ice topped with vibrant, flavorful syrups is a summertime favorite in Salina. On a hot, sunny day, any frozen treat hits the spot—and Tropical Sno delivers with bold flavors and a fun, casual vibe. Located in the Central Mall parking lot, it’s the perfect place to cool down after shopping or just enjoy a sweet break from the heat.
- Why Visit: Refreshing snow cones and a casual vibe.
- Location: Central Mall parking lot, Salina, KS.
- Tip: Mix flavors for a custom snow cone experience.
The Final Scoop
Whether you’re a traditionalist looking for the perfect vanilla cone or an adventurer eager to explore, Salina has an ice cream spot for you. From Dagney’s artisanal scoops to Paleteria La Nena’s tropical paletas, there’s no shortage of ways to beat the heat. Grab a spoon (or straw) and enjoy the best frozen treats Salina, KS has to offer.
Explore More Salina Fun
Craving more local adventures? Check out our Salina events calendar for festivals, markets, and more. Let us know if we missed any, and share your favorite ice cream spot with us on social media! 🍦
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